If you know "what you are getting yourself into" when approaching this exam, you are likely to have a more successful outcome. To be licensed to practice massage therapy in Ohio, a person must pass the State of Ohio Medical Board Exam for Massage Therapy. What's this exam like? What should you expect?
#1 Expectation: Currently you can only take the State of Ohio Medical Board Exam for Massage Therapy twice per year.
This paper-and-pencil exam is given in June and December of every calendar year. It is held at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. There are usually about 700-1000 other people "sitting" for the exam with you.
#2 Expectation: The exam will be divided into two parts: basic sciences and limited branch content.
The first part of the exam is 110 multiple choice questions on the basic sciences, in other words, anatomy and physiology. The majority of the questions will be about the musculoskeletal system with a fair percentage on the nervous and cardiovascular systems and the skin. The limited branch part of the exam, the second part, is also 110 multiple choice questions. The emphasis is on massage techniques, therapeutic applications and effects of massage.
A person taking this exam is given two hours and twenty minutes to complete each part.
#3 Expectation: Your score on the exam will be posted approximately six weeks after you have taken it.
There is a meeting on the second Tuesday of the month of the committee which reviews the results of this exam. Once this meeting occurs and the list of persons passing and not passing this exam is accepted, you will receive your results. Your score on each part of the exam will usually be received by postal mail on the Friday or Saturday after this Tuesday meeting. You can actually learn earlier about whether or not you passed this exam by calling the State Medical Board Office (on Thursday) and inquiring or going to their web site at http://med.ohio.gov/mt_about_massage_therapy.htm
#4 Expectation: You must pass both parts of the State Medical Board Exam for Massage Therapy to be licensed to practice in Ohio.
The passing score is 75%. You must have this score on both parts of this exam in order to receive your license. If you don't pass one part, you must re-apply to take the part you did not pass. The next opportunity to take the exam is either the next June or December date.
A person who doesn't pass a part of the exam after three attempts must take additional coursework in the basic sciences (35 hours) or limited branch content (40 hours) at a school that provides the Certificate of Competency (see the State Board web site). After completing the Certificate of Competency for each part of the exam previously failed, a person is eligible to re-take it.
Being successful in any endeavor requires knowing what you are getting yourself "in to"! The Ohio Massage Therapy Exam is unique. Other states often require the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork to practice massage. The Ohio massage therapist can only be licensed through the State of Ohio Medical Board and only through passing this exam.
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