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Massage Therapy Schools in Ohio

What to Consider Before Beginning a Career in Massage Therapy in Ohio

Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing and most rewarding career fields in the United States. As more Americans take their mental and physical health seriously, the benefits of therapeutic massage cannot be overstated.

In order to legally practice massage therapy in Ohio, however, you need to meet certain criteria. One of those involves completion of a recognized program in massage therapy through an accredited school.

While your massage therapy school does not need to be in Ohio to practice in the state, many residents choose to stay in-state for a variety of reasons. These may be related to family, finances, or simply comfort. If they plan to practice massage therapy in Ohio, then the decision makes even more sense.

You will also be required to pass a certification examination. The State Medical Board of Ohio has specific requires success completion of the MBlex (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam) as of June 2021 to practice within the state.

Choosing the right massage therapy school in Ohio

In choosing a massage therapy school, you will want to make sure you have opted for an accredited program that offers the following:

  • Physical Science: Programs should offer comprehensive coursework in kinesiology, physiology, and human anatomy. Some programs may also offer coursework on human biology.
  • Pathology: Programs should offer training in physical and psychological pathologies, contraindications (of massage and various medications), and precautions that can be taken by practitioners before starting treatment with a client
  • Working with a Diverse Clientele: Coursework should cover general training, as well as working with special populations, older and younger clients, and diverse populations
  • Treatment Planning: While many clients simply opt for the occasional massage, treatment planning is a good idea in any medical or healthcare field. You should learn how to assist your clients in planning for long-term treatment
  • Bodywork Techniques: The core of any program should include comprehensive training on how to properly administer a variety of massage and bodywork techniques
  • Professional Ethics: While often overlooked by individuals planning to enter the field, professional ethics are absolutely vital to ensure the safety of you (and the massage therapist) and your clients. Coursework should include content on both state and federal laws and establishing personal and professional boundaries with clients

While many programs may offer some degree of the above (and more), it is important to contact your state board before spending any money on a massage therapy program.

For the state of Ohio, you can visit the State Medical Board website for more specific information on accredited programs.

List of accredited Ohio Massage Therapy Schools

As in most states, Ohio has several schools that offer massage therapy programs without being accredited or approved by the state.

For students who study at these schools, they typically have a difficult time obtaining a license to practice. While additional study may qualify them to eventually take (and pass) the MBLEx, they can save considerable time and money by choosing a school that meets the requirements ahead of time.

The following schools are accredited and approved by the Ohio State Medical Board for 2021:

Athens, Marietta, and Nelsonville, Ohio Area

  • Washington State Community College: 710 Colegate Drive, Marietta, OH
  • Hocking College: 3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville, OH

Cincinnati, Dayton, and Yellow Springs Ohio Area

  • Cincinnati School of Medical Massage: 11250 Cornell Park Drive #203, Cincinnati, OH
  • Dayton School of Medical Massage: 4457 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, OH

Columbus, Ohio Area

  • American Institute of Alternative Medicine: 6685 Doubletree Ave, Columbus, OH
  • Columbus State Community College: 550 East Spring Street, Columbus, OH
  • Daymar College – Lancaster Campus: 2745 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH
  • Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology, Arts and Sciences: 5405 Roberts Rd, Columbus, OH
  • Columbus School of Medical Massage (Columbus): 4936 Blazer Pkwy, Dublin, OH
  • C-TEC Adult Education Center: 150 Price Road, Newark, OH
  • Knox Technical Center: 308 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH

Cleveland, Ohio Area

  • Cuyahoga Comm College – Eastern Campus: 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills, OH
  • The Gibbons School of Massage Therapy: 25901 Emery Rd, #103, Warrensville Heights, OH
  • Cleveland Institute of Medical Massage: 18834-D East Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, OH

Findlay, Lima, and Toledo Ohio Area

  • Blanchard Valley Academy of Massage Therapy: 1710 Crystal Avenue, Findlay, OH
  • Dayton School of Medical Massage – Lima: 3325 Shawnee Road, Lima, OH 4
  • Orion Institute: 340 Three Meadows Drive, Perrysburg, OH
  • EHOVE Career Center: 316 West Mason Road, Milan, OH

Kent, Canton, and Akron, Ohio Area

  • Northcoast Medical Training Academy: 1832 State Route 59, Kent, OH
  • Stark State College: 6200 Frank Avenue NW, Canton, OH

Youngstown, Ohio Area

  • Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture, Inc.: 615 Boardman Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH
  • Mahoning Valley School of Massotherapy, LLC.: 3736 Boardman Canfield Rd, Canfield, OH