For those who have an interest in the wellness industry and want to help future clients in relieving pain and reducing stress, a massage therapist is a great career path to consider. Massage therapy is a growing profession that comes with many benefits. At Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture, our Massage Therapy program provides hands-on training, practical skills, and professional support that can assist you in feeling more confident about your skills. 

Students have the opportunity to work with real clients at our on-site student clinic. All services performed by students are under the supervision of a licensed professional. Whether you want to work in a salon or spa setting or work for yourself, we can get you there. Read our guide on how to get started on pursuing your passion for the industry and what to do to become a licensed massage therapist. 

Day in the Life of a Massage Therapist

Before getting started on your journey, you may want to know what a massage therapist does and what you can expect from a typical day as a licensed professional. Massage therapists provide practices that improve the overall wellness of their clients. Here are some of the duties that a massage therapist may practice each day:

• Treat pain
• Reduce stress
• Rehabilitate injuries
• Fulfilling individual client needs
• Develop treatment plans
• Guide clients on improving posture and stretching techniques 
• Create a calm environment for relaxation
• Recommend holistic products
• Using massage techniques to heal or relieve specific symptoms

If this sounds like something you would enjoy learning or doing each day, then read more to discover how to become a massage therapist in Ohio! Unlock your potential with a future in massage therapy!

How to Become a Massage Therapist

The first step to becoming a massage therapist in Ohio is to enroll into a school that is located in that state. You must be at least 18 years old and have at least a high school diploma or GED before you can apply to a school. Every state has different requirements for becoming licensed. Here are the steps you need to take to become a massage therapist in Ohio:

Enroll in a Massage Therapy Program

It is important that you enroll in an accredited massage program that provides the proper curriculum and training. Raphael’s School of Massage Therapy is a 900 hour program that you can complete in as little as 12.5 months! The State Medical Board of Ohio requires students to complete at least 750 hours over at least 9 months. 

When you have a better idea of what you want to do as a licensed massage therapist, you can determine what classes to take. For example, if you are wanting to start your own business, then you are definitely going to want to take marketing and business classes. These are some of the things that you can expect to learn as a massage therapy student: 

• Basic Massage
• Facials
• Essential Oils
• Cupping
• And More!

There are so many different types of massage that you can pursue and specialize in. Here are a few to choose from:

• Swedish Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Acupressure
• Reflexology
• Hot Stone Therapy
• Pregnancy Massage
• Sports Massage
• Shiatsu Massage
• And More!

Not only does a school give you the experience and teach skills that you need to become more confident in your future, but Massage therapy programs strive to prepare students to sit for their licensure and board certification exams. 

Pass the State Exam

Licensure requirements depend on each state. Most states require you to pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). It is a 100-question, multiple-choice test that asks you questions regarding the following topics:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pathology
• Kinesiology
• Psychological and Physical Benefits
• Sanitation Guidelines
• Ethics and Laws
• Client Assessment

When you receive your license, you can consider possible certifications to expand your knowledge and experience. Be sure to renew your license every two years. It costs $30 and you must renew it by January 31. Don’t procrastinate on renewing your license as it can become more expensive the longer you wait. 

Why Choose Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture

Raphael’s School of Massage Therapy brings over 50 years of beauty experience to the classroom. At the end of our program, you can expect to have a solid foundation in the technical skills of massage. We are all about providing our students with the knowledge and experience to provide high-quality massage services to their future clients. 

Are you ready to become a part of the wellness industry? We are here to help! Call us today to schedule a tour of our Youngstown/Boardman campus. A tour is a great way to determine if our school is right for you and your needs. Our admissions team can answer any questions you may have and guide you through the application process. Get the personalized assistance you need to get started!