Ohio escorts must obtain their licenses in order to practice massage therapy in Ohio. The first state to issue licenses for massage therapy practice, Ohio's first licensed massage therapist became "legal" in 1916. Regulated by the State Medical Board of Ohio, massage therapy is considered a "limited branch of the practice of medicine." To become a licensed massage therapist in Ohio, one must meet the following guidelines:
Applicants must acquire a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Candidates must apply to obtain a Certificate of Preliminary Education before enrolling at a board-approved massage therapy program.
Applicants must complete a board-approved massage therapy program that consists of at least 750 hours and takes at least 9 months to complete.
Candidates must pass the school's curriculum contents which include practical and theoretical instruction in anatomy, pathology, physiology, ethics, hygiene and clinical practice.
Applicants must prove their high moral standing and character. Criminal background checks based on one's fingerprints are required for all applicants.
Candidates must apply for and take an examination administered by the state of Ohio. The examination includes Basic Science and Limited Branch portions and must be passed with at least a score of 75. The test is administered in June and December each year and requires payment of a non-transferrable and non-refundable fee.
Applicants who fail the examination twice will be required to provide proof of additional training or schooling in order to take the examination, again.
Candidates who have taken the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks (NCETMB) will be required to take the examination administered by the state of Ohio. The NCETMB is not recognized by Ohio.
Applicants wishing to transfer licensure status from another state are required to pass the Ohio-administered examination.
