National Standards For Massage Therapy Certification
So far, there is only one standard that is nationally recognized for massage therapy certificate, which is controlled by the NCBTMB, the abbreviation of National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Any massage therapy services who apply for the national certificates will be evaluated and if their service reflects a good standard, NCBTMB will give them a certificate that is recognized nationally.
The Identity of The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage And Bodywork
The NCBTMB is founded by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). AMTA itself founded NCBTMB in 1992 because of the need to set standards for massage therapy services that could be found easily at that time everywhere. Furthermore, at that time, massage therapy was gaining its popularity and many people were attracted by the service. A certificate was therefore very important to determine which services were recommended and which services had to improve on their quality. Today, the NCBTMB certification is still held high, and its role is not just to declare the quality of massage therapy services. It now acts also as a license in most states for massage therapy services before they can start operating, so it has become a must for massage therapy services to own their own national certificates.
Requirements For The Massage Therapy Certification
Of course the application for this national massage therapy service certification is not as easy as it seems. Applicants must meet certain requirements in order to get the NCBTMB massage therapy service certification. These requirements are stated by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork itself.
The certificant must :
1. Finish stipulated levels of massage therapy education
2. Submit evidence of training
3. Get and submit evidence of one’s experience
4. Demonstrate excellent core massage therapy abilities
5. Demonstrate understanding of the field, comprising of practical comprehension and knowledge of fair commerce practice
7. Pass a tough written examination
These are requirements only for initial certification. In addition to them, the status of the certificants must be renewed every four years. Applicants must also show evidence of work experience in massage therapy and proof of finishing the massage therapy education upon renewal.
The True Meaning of NCBTMB Certification
There are actually numerous functions of NCBTMB massage therapy certification, such as acting as license in some states. However, its most crucial function is to protect the employers, therapists, and the public.
NCBTMB massage therapy service certification also ensures the consistency of high quality provided by massage therapy services. All massage therapists who bear the status of "Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork" must promise that they will continue their professionalism. Hence, NCBTMB massage therapy certification identifies massage therapists that the clients can count on.