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I am getting ready to take my mblex very soon, I was wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions on any type of study guides or books to help me prepare.

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This is my favorite topic! I used a ton of different study methods and passed on the first try. Here's a list of ways I studied:

I used the quizzes on massagenerd.com.

I paid a little money to take 3 practice tests online (I think it was the practice test for the national certification test, even though I took the MBLEX)

I used an anatomy coloring book (the one nursing students use)

really detailed muscular system flashcards.

I also used flashcardexchange.com to memorize medical terms and prefixes and suffixes (like -itis means inflammation)

I used power point to make my own flash cards with acronyms I made up and various pneumonic devices I used

I drew a picture of a joint ( like the elbow or the knee) on paper and used playdough to shape the muscles and lay them on the paper where they would attach

Our teacher showed us these cheesy videos where students taught us ways to remember facts like the number of vertebrae in each spinal section (cervical, thoracic, lumbar). You eat breakfast at 7, lunch at 12, and dinner at 5. Get it?

If you want any more suggestions, just PM me.

And good luck to you!

When I took the MBLEx many years ago.  Rather than psyche myself out studying, I just took the test without studying up beforehand.  I was fairly confident that I would pass and in the event that I didn't, I figured I would use the experience of taking the test to help determine where I needed to brush up.  FWIW, I didn't think the test was very difficult and ended up passing with a pretty high score the first (and only) time I took it.  

The test is much harder than it was "many years ago."    Having taken (and passed) both the national and MBLEX, imo MBLEX is actually a bit more difficult.  But it isn't killer hard.  That you asked this question demonstrates that you are studious; I think you will do fine.  A large percentage of its questions are in the category "assessments."  Few Eastern modality questions, but there will be a smattering.  None of the test questions could even remotely be considered "trick questions."  total possible points 900, passing is 630, a 70 is passing.  You will pass.  Keep this in mind:

What do they call someone who scored 98 on the exam? LMT.  What do they call someone who scored 71 on the test: yep, you got it-- LMT. 

Do study for it, however.  But don't develop ulcers worrying.   

My qustion is... what does that test have to do with someone that cant lift their arm over their head without pain? Answer, nothing. We need a new system of education... That test does not teach you anything except the tests ,just know that.
Good luck wirh your test. !!!!

Agree with you, amigo.  A practical test of hands on skills would be preferable-- a full hour, testing therapeutic skills.  But with the numbers of people graduating, even a 5 minute practical exam is impractical.  Leaving written exam the only viable test.

Well yea you're right.  It just bothers me that they make such challenging tests , and then you might end up working for minimum wage.  Actually, when I got licensed way back when in Hawaii.  We had to take a practical exam.  I dont know if it really proved anything.. I remember being a nervous reck over it though.  You had to dip your hand into a fish bowel and you would pull out a small paper that might say ARM.. or BACK or Foot  lol... They had a whole bunch of tables with licensed massage therapists on them. You had to go to one and massage the body part that you drew from the bowel.  The therapist you worked on graded you.  It was a five or ten minute massage  Had to do that three times. My hands must have been shaking, but I passed..I had trained as a shiatsu therapist.  Did the massage work on a mat on the floor. A traditional Japanese style. .  The clients were fully clothed and we only used pressure techniques and stetching   But the practical exam was done on tables with oil.. lol Anyway I remember it being stressful.  OH, and I remember they even examined your hands.  Clean trimed fingernails and so on.. 

Hi Melanie-

I was recently talking with a therapist who used the book "Review for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Exams, 3rd Edition" by Ashton & Cassel to study for the MBLEx. She reviewed all of the content and took the practice exams in the book and online. She passed!

Good luck!

I took and Intro to Anatomy and Physiology class right before I took my MBLEx. I found it very helpful.


where did you purchase the flash cards?


Pam Cameron said:

This is my favorite topic! I used a ton of different study methods and passed on the first try. Here's a list of ways I studied:

I used the quizzes on massagenerd.com.

I paid a little money to take 3 practice tests online (I think it was the practice test for the national certification test, even though I took the MBLEX)

I used an anatomy coloring book (the one nursing students use)

really detailed muscular system flashcards.

I also used flashcardexchange.com to memorize medical terms and prefixes and suffixes (like -itis means inflammation)

I used power point to make my own flash cards with acronyms I made up and various pneumonic devices I used

I drew a picture of a joint ( like the elbow or the knee) on paper and used playdough to shape the muscles and lay them on the paper where they would attach

Our teacher showed us these cheesy videos where students taught us ways to remember facts like the number of vertebrae in each spinal section (cervical, thoracic, lumbar). You eat breakfast at 7, lunch at 12, and dinner at 5. Get it?

If you want any more suggestions, just PM me.

And good luck to you!

If I remember correctly, I bought them at Barnes and Noble.

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