Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. SOMM is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), approved by the State Medical Board of Ohio, and licensed by the State Board of Career Colleges & Schools. SOMM is also affiliated with the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).

SOMM has been providing massage therapy training throughout Ohio since 1996, graduating thousands of skilled professionals across its campuses.

Yes. All five Ohio campuses — Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Lima — follow the same accredited curriculum and educational standards. Students choose a campus based on schedule and commute, not program quality.

Yes. Ohio was the first state in the nation to license massage therapy, issuing its first license in 1916. Ohio law defines massage therapy as a limited branch of the practice of medicine, and licensure is overseen by the State Medical Board of Ohio.

Licensed massage therapists evaluate clients, apply manual therapy techniques to address soft-tissue concerns, and support clients’ physical and mental well-being. LMTs cannot diagnose medical conditions, but they can educate clients and refer them to other licensed healthcare professionals when appropriate.

Massage therapists work in a range of settings, including private practices, chiropractic and medical offices, spas and wellness centers, massage therapy chains, health clubs, hospitals and nursing homes, and sports medicine facilities. Many also work as independent contractors or self-employed practitioners.

No. Ohio does not require an associate degree or any college degree to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. You need a high school diploma or recognized equivalent (such as a GED) and completion of an approved massage therapy program.

Massage therapy is a popular path for career changers because programs are shorter than a traditional degree, classes are often available in day or evening formats, and the training leads directly to a licensing exam rather than years of additional schooling. If you’re weighing a career change, our Admissions team can walk you through what to expect.

Demand for massage therapy has grown significantly over the past two decades as more people view it as part of routine health and wellness care rather than an occasional luxury. Settings that employ massage therapists, from spas to medical offices to sports medicine facilities, continue to expand across Ohio and nationally.

To become licensed in Ohio, you must complete an approved massage therapy program of at least 600 clock hours, complete coursework in medical massage ethics and basic business practices, hold current CPR certification, pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and apply to the State Medical Board of Ohio for licensure.

The MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) is the standardized exam used by Ohio and most other states to license massage therapists. It tests knowledge of anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, massage techniques, ethics, and business practices.

Licensing requirements vary by state, so a license earned in Ohio doesn’t automatically transfer everywhere. Many states use the same MBLEx exam, which can simplify the process, but you should check the specific requirements of any state you’re considering practicing in.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent and be in good health, with the ability to meet the physical demands of massage therapy training. Full admissions steps are outlined on our Admissions page.

Yes. SOMM participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, including the Pell Grant and Stafford Loan programs, for students who qualify. Visit our Financial Aid page for details.

Tuition is the same at all SOMM campuses. Contact us or request more information to receive up-to-date tuition and fee details for your campus of interest.

Yes. Day classes typically meet two days per week, and evening classes meet three nights per week, so students can choose a schedule that fits around work or family commitments.

SOMM has five Ohio campuses: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Lima. Visit any campus page for address, contact details, and enrollment status.