Massage Therapy

• Apply to Stark State College.
• Meet with an admissions counselor.
• Print the surgical technology application and look at the requirements checklist.
• After the first semester, contact your program advisor for assistance with scheduling.
• Complete required background checks.
• When you have completed all application requirements, contact the massage therapy program coordinator at 330-966-5458 ext. 4545 for an appointment to review your application. You must meet all pre-application requirements before scheduling the application appointment and final acceptance into the program.

• Send in your practice information as a Stark State massage therapy graduate.
• Or search our growing list of licensed massage therapy alumni to connect with a practitioner near you.

Massage therapists in Ohio are required to be licensed. The State Medical Board of Ohio approves the curriculum at Stark State and is the licensing agent for the massage therapy program. At Stark State, you will earn an associate degree in massage therapy. After successfully completing the program, you’re eligible to take the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) Exam, Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). Then, with your passing score, you can apply for licensure as a licensed massage therapist (LMT) from the State Medical Board of Ohio.

According to various sections of the Ohio Law and Regulations for Certification and Licensure Boards, persons convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor may not be accepted into a health program, including the massage therapy program at Stark State College; may not be able to take the licensure or certification examinations; may be refused acceptance of placement by the clinical/practicum sites; or may have restrictions placed on their ability to practice. For more information, contact the dean of student services and the applicable licensure/certification board.

• Sports massage specialist
• Massage therapy one-year certificate

Massage therapy (MAS) cohorts begin every fall and spring semester and alternate between Friday or Saturday offerings. Contact the program coordinator as which class day will be offered when you start your program. The main co-hort courses (F or S) are MAS121, MAS122, MAS224, MAS225, MAS226, and MAS223. Recent course times are 8:30am-4:15pm.

MAS123 and MAS124 are offered as Web 3 (online) courses only. MAS228 is a one-time encounter with a massage instructor. MAS227 has recently been offered Monday evenings 5:00pm-7:50pm and MAS229 has recently been offered Wednesday evenings 5:00pm-7:50pm and are not part of the F/S co-hort. Days and times for all courses are subject to change. Check with the Program Coordinator for current listings.

Massage therapy is recognized in Ohio law as the treatment of disorders of the human body by the manipulation of soft tissues through the systematic application of massage techniques. Massage techniques include touch, stroking, friction, vibration, percussion, kneading, stretching, compression and joint movements with the normal physiologic range of motion – and the supplemental use of the external application of water, cold, topical preparations and mechanical devices.

Modalities that involve the manipulation of soft tissue for a therapeutic purpose constitute massage therapy even if commonly known by another name such as reflexology, reiki, polarity, etc.

To be eligible for a license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old and of good moral character.
• Submit an FBI and Ohio BCI criminal record check.
• Attain high school graduation or its equivalent.
• Hold a diploma or certificate from a college that has a certificate of good standing issued by the State Medical Board of Ohio.
• Pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).

Expenses include, but may not be limited to, textbooks and supplies, lab attire, business casual attire for clinical experiences, name badge(s), liability insurance, health insurance, physical examination and immunization costs, parking pass, transportation to and from off-campus clinical experiences, massage table, massage lotions and oils.

Take a look at our estimated program expenses.

Our cohorts run all day on Fridays or Saturdays depending on the schedule. There also are courses offered during the day and evening. You may need to modify your schedule accordingly to accommodate classes. Most non-technical classes can be offered online or in the evening.

Massage therapy core courses are primarily face to face since we have hands-on labs. All core MAS classes meet at the main campus. Most of the non-technical courses are offered both in person and online and can be taken at either campus.

Yes, both BCI and FBI background checks are required to get into any health science program at Stark State College. You will also need to submit a background check when applying for licensure with the State Medical Board of Ohio.