National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and

1. 🎯 History and Mission
2. 📚 Certification Process
3. 🌎 Industry Impact
4. 🔮 Future Directions
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Related Topics

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) was established in 1992, with the goal of promoting the advancement of massage therapy as a healthcare profession. Since its inception, NCBTMB has been supported by organizations like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF), which have helped to establish standards for massage therapy education and practice. Notable figures like Ida P. Rolf, the founder of Rolfing, and Milton Trager, the developer of Trager Approach, have also influenced the development of NCBTMB. Today, NCBTMB is recognized by the US Department of Education and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), and has certified over 90,000 massage therapists, including those who have graduated from programs accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

The certification process for massage therapists involves a series of steps, including completing an approved massage therapy program, passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and maintaining continuing education requirements. NCBTMB has partnered with organizations like the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) to develop the MBLEx, which is used by many states as a licensing exam. Additionally, NCBTMB offers specialty certifications in areas like sports massage and prenatal massage, which are recognized by organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork has had a significant impact on the massage therapy industry, helping to establish standards for education and practice. NCBTMB has worked with organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to promote the use of massage therapy as a complementary healthcare modality. As a result, massage therapy is now recognized as a valuable tool for managing pain, reducing stress, and improving overall health, with many healthcare providers, including those at the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic, recommending massage therapy to their patients. Furthermore, NCBTMB has influenced the development of massage therapy programs at colleges and universities, such as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Washington, which offer courses and degrees in massage therapy.

As the massage therapy industry continues to evolve, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is poised to play a key role in shaping its future. With the growing recognition of massage therapy as a healthcare profession, NCBTMB is working to develop new certifications and specialty programs, such as those in myofascial release and lymphatic drainage, which are recognized by organizations like the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA) and the National Certification Board for Lymphatic Therapy (NCBLT). Additionally, NCBTMB is partnering with organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) to promote the use of massage therapy in sports and fitness, and to develop new standards for massage therapy education and practice.

Year

1992

Origin

United States

Category

science

Type

organization