NCBTMB
NCBTMB is short for National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
What is NCBTMB?
It is an independent, private, nonprofit organization established to set high standards of ethical and professional practice through a recognized credible credentialing program. NCBTMB certifies massage therapists and bodyworkers on behalf of the profession, and for the benefit of consumers, employers and practitioners.
NCBTMB’s exam program is accredited by the National Commission for Certified Agencies (NCCA), and is the only national accreditation body for private certification organizations, in all disciplines, to demonstrate adherence to established standards. The accrediting branch of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), is a national, non-governmental, public protection and standards-setting organization.
Currently, there are more than 90,000 nationally certified practitioners throughout the country – and you can find them in physician offices, private practices, spas, rehab facilities, health clubs and hospitals.
What does it means to be nationally certified and why is it so important?
National certification sets high standards for massage and bodywork practitioners. It protects consumers and employers by ensuring that certified practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job – and that they are committed to upholding NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
National certification means:
- Represents the highest professional credential in the field
- Denotes the mark of a true professional committed to safe and ethical practice
- Gains practitioners recognition, visibility and credibility
- Increases practitioners’ employment opportunities and mobility between states
- Allows reimbursement by various insurance companies
- Connects consumers and employers to NCBTMB practitioners via the online locator service
- Provides reassurance to consumers and=2 0employers
- NCBTMB program is respected as a model of excellence within the certification community
- NCBTMB’s registry of nationally certified practitioners
- Demonstrated mastery of core skills, abilities and knowledge
More importantly, it means that massage therapists and bodyworkers have the experience and expertise to positively affect the health and well-being of others. And that’s what NCBTMB and its certification program are all about.
What does it take to become nationally certified?
To become nationally certified, a massage therapist or bodyworker must:
- Complete a minimum of 500 hours of instruction
- Demonstrate mastery of core skills, abilities and knowledge
- Pass a standardized NCBTMB exam
- Uphold NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
At least a minimum of 500 hours of instruction must include:
- 125 hours of body systems, anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
- 200 hours of massage and bodywork assessment, theory and application
- 40 hours of pathology
- 10 hours of business and ethics (minimum of 6 hours in ethics)
- 125 hours of additional instruction in an area or related field that theoretically completes the massage program of study
Why choose to have a certified practitioner?
Because YOU are the most important reason! Whether you’re visiting a massage therapist or bodyworker for relaxation, rehabilitation or rejuvenation, you deserve to be treated by a practitioner who is both skilled and knowledgeable. And that’s what the NCBTMB credential stands for – a commitment to excellence.
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Touch of Elegance Salon & Spa
