that visit consider asking the following
Choosing a
questions:
How long has the school been in
business? The longer a school has
Massage
been in business, the greater their
stability, and likely, their reputation.
School
It is also recommended that you
contact the Better Business Bureau
to see whether any complaints have
been made against the school during
the time they’ve been in business.
Can I see documentation of your
examination pass rates? In Ohio
the licensure examination for mas-
sage therapists is administered by
the State Medical Board and each
school is provided documenta-
tion of their pass rates. Don’t just
accept verbal information; if the
school is not willing to let you see
the documentation and you are
seriously considering this school,
contact the State Medical Board of
Ohio directly. Also, make sure the
school is providing you with gradu-
ation and placement rates, as this is
required of all schools accredited by

the State Board of Career Colleges
By shannon mcKnight
and Schools.
To what professional organizations
W
hether you’re eighteen or eighty, making the decision to become a mas-
sage therapist can be a life changing and rewarding decision. In some
and accrediting bodies do you
cases you’re not just increasing your knowledge, but getting an oppor-
hold membership? Membership
tunity to transform yourself in the process, so picking a massage school that’s right
in professional organizations adds
for you shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are many criteria to consider, and here are
to the credibility of the school and
a few of the more important when researching the schools in your area. There are
can be an indication that the school
several massage schools located in the Greater Cincinnati/Dayton Area, so don’t
adheres to strict guidelines of profes-
feel you have to make a decision that is based purely on location.
sional conduct. This factor, in turn,
may also lend to the credibility of
Getting to Know the State’s Licensure Requirements
the graduates of that school.
Organizations such as the Ameri-
At a minimum, you should check to make sure the schools you’re considering are
can Massage Therapy Association
approved and in good standing with their respective state regulatory agency.
(AMTA) and Associated Bodywork
In order for a graduate to be granted access to take the licensure exam in
and Massage Professionals (ABMP)
Ohio, a school must be considered approved and in good standing with the State
require their members to adhere to
Medical Board, which includes having accreditation by either the Ohio Depart-
Codes of Ethics that maintain high
ment of Education, the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, or the Ohio
standards of quality for both indi-
Board of Regents. Any prospective massage school applicant can visit the Board’s
vidual practitioners and educational
website at www.med.ohio.gov for helpful information, including a list of approved
institutions. Holding membership in
schools.
either of these organizations shows
In Kentucky applicants must also attend a school approved by the Kentucky
that the school adheres to high pro-
Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy. Prospective students of Kentucky schools
fessional, not just legal, standards.
can visit http://finance.ky.gov for more information.
Additionally, both of these organiza-
tions are run by elected Boards of
Visiting the Schools (and Not Just One!)
Directors and advocate with legisla-
It’s a good idea to visit several schools to be able to compare what’s available; you tion around the country to ensure
may find that one school feels like a better fit for you than another. Most schools continued excellence in the field of
offer an open house where you can ask questions and tour their facilities. During massage therapy. They’re also highly
14 Greater Cincinnati Edition
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