How to Become a Massage Therapist in Ohio

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have finished high school or its equivalent.
• You must complete a massage therapy course of at least 600 clock hours at a school in good standing with the board (or an out-of-state program that meets Ohio's standards), or hold a massage license in good standing in another state for the five years before you apply.
• You must pass the MBLEx.
• You must complete fingerprint-based criminal records checks by both the Ohio BCI and the FBI.

Step by step

1. Complete a massage therapy program of at least 600 clock hours at a school on the board's approved list.
2. Apply to FSMTB and pass the MBLEx.
3. Start your Ohio BCI and FBI fingerprint background checks early. Results must be sent by the vendor directly to the board, which keeps them for up to one year.
4. Ask your school to complete the Certificate of Education form and send it directly to the board.
5. Apply on the eLicense Ohio portal, upload your MBLEx results and transcript, and pay $153.50 ($150 fee plus $3.50 transaction fee).
6. Allow 10 business days for the initial review, then check your status in eLicense.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Ohio requires a diploma or certificate from a massage therapy course of at least 600 clock hours (a clock hour is 60 minutes with at least 50 minutes of instruction). The requirement was set at 600 hours by House Bill 442, effective April 12, 2021. The school must hold a board certificate of good standing, or for out-of-state schools, meet Ohio's standards. No more than half of the course may be distance education, and each student must give at least one evaluated therapeutic massage on a licensed massage therapist before finishing.

Exam: Ohio requires the MBLEx from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards; you apply directly to FSMTB, and FSMTB's passing result counts. The MBLEx is a computer-based test of 100 multiple-choice questions in 110 minutes. The FSMTB application fee is $265, and FSMTB does not limit retakes, but you must reapply and pay again each time.

What it costs in Ohio

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

The board asks you to allow 10 business days for its initial review after you submit.

Keeping your license

Renewal: A massage therapy license is valid for two years from the date it is issued. Renew online at eLicense Ohio up to 180 days before expiration for $100 plus a $3.50 transaction fee. As of October 6, 2026, Ohio requires continuing education before a massage therapy license is renewed (Ohio Revised Code 4731.191); the State Medical Board sets the number of hours and approves the courses, and a license that is not renewed with the required hours is forfeited, so check the board's massage rules before your first renewal. If your license lapses for two years or less, reinstatement costs $125; after two years or more, restoration costs $150 and requires new background checks.

Good to know in Ohio

Disclose your record: You must disclose every arrest, charge or conviction for a misdemeanor or felony, even if it was sealed or expunged, including serious traffic offenses and matters that were diverted or deferred. Untruthful answers can lead to permanent denial.

Licensed in another state: If you have held a massage license in good standing in another state for the five years before you apply, that can stand in for the education requirement. Ohio also issues licenses under its universal licensing law (Revised Code Chapter 4796) to people licensed in another state or with qualifying work experience. You still need the MBLEx and background checks.

Relaxation massage: Non-therapeutic "relaxation" massage is not licensed by the State Medical Board; some cities and townships regulate it locally. Any massage to treat a health condition, such as a headache or muscle ache, is massage therapy and needs a state license. Reflexology, reiki and similar names still count if they manipulate soft tissue for a therapeutic purpose.

No other exams accepted: Ohio's rule names only the MBLEx as the licensing exam.

Out of practice more than two years: If your license has been suspended or inactive for more than two years, or you have not practiced or been a massage student for more than two years before applying, the board may require an exam, additional training, or other conditions before it licenses you or restores your license (Ohio Revised Code 4731.222).

Sources

• State Medical Board of Ohio - Massage Therapist (MT)
• State Medical Board of Ohio - Massage FAQs
• Ohio Revised Code 4731.19 - License to practice a limited branch of medicine
• Ohio Revised Code 4731.15 - Limited branch license term and renewal
• Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4731-1 (Rules 4731-1-12 and 4731-1-15)
• FSMTB - MBLEx Candidate Handbook 2026
• Ohio Revised Code 4731.222 - Determining applicant's fitness to resume practice