The Massage Therapy Exam and Licensure
Many aspiring massage therapists ask what training is needed before you are eligible to take your exams. Every state is different but typically you would need to complete a certain set of recommended courses (typically 9 months worth) plus 500-750 hours of training. You will be trained on several different techniques such as Swedish massage, sports massage, and deep tissue massage. Some courses you can expect to take are anatomy, clinical studies, physiology, aromatherapy, and pathology. Once you have received your license it is typically valid for two years before it needs to be renewed.
Each state is different when it comes to the details of the exam. Here is an example of the process in the state of Ohio. Most states would be comparable, however you would have to check with your state to make sure you are prepared properly.
In the state of Ohio it is required to get a criminal background check in order to be considered for your license. This is needed as some brothels use massage parlors as a front for their illegal activities, therefore all massage therapists have to pass a criminal background check to try and dissuade these types of businesses. You will need both a BCII (Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation) and FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) checks to be done. You will not be able to complete the licensure process without these checks.
You can do this by finding a vendor that does National WebCheck. Your school should be able to help you find these vendors and tell what fees will be assessed. When you sign up for your criminal checks, Ohio residents would send the results directly to the State Medical Board of Ohio. Again if you are from a different state your school will be able to help you with where to send this information. You will also have to submit to a set of fingerprints to be kept on file.
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Examination Fees and Licensing
Then you will have to apply to take the exam for massage therapy. You will receive your applications from your school. The application process is simple. Just fill out the information and send it to the appropriate establishments. In Ohio you would send it to the State of Ohio Medical Board.
The next step is to prepare for your exam. You must purchase study materials or most schools will offer an exam prep class which is highly recommended. The exam will be in two parts. The first part is a multiple choice exam with a 110 questions based on science. The second part is also 110 questions and is based on the limited branch portion of the exam.
In Ohio, the fee for the exam is $250 and is only administered twice per year, in June and December. Many people feel pressured because if they don't pass it will be six months before they can retake the exam. While this is true, if you prepare yourself properly you will pass the test. Make sure that you use every resource that is available to you. Keeping yourself informed of the fees, deadlines, and different forms that need to be completed is essential to your success. Also, although it is often optional, the exam prep course offered at your school is an invaluable tool that you should take advantage of.
Remember that once you receive your license it will only be valid in the state of issuance. Therefore, make sure the state that you take your exam through is where you plan to practice long term. If you decide you want to move your practice out of state, make sure to plan properly. Research that states requirements and exam dates before you make the move and give yourself enough time to study and be able to take the test so that you are not out of work for too long.
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