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MASSAGE FAQ

Because NCBTMB serves so many different people – from consumers to certificants ... Approved Providers to applicants ... and reporters to regulators – there are too many frequently asked questions to answer in one place (click on the links above for the FAQ that best describes you). However, here are some of the most common ones:

What is NCBTMB?
What does it take to become nationally certified?
Why is national certification important?
What are the benefits of massage?
What types of massage and bodywork techniques are part of the national certification program?
How can I locate a nationally certified massage therapist or bodyworker in my area?
Who governs NCBTMB?
What are NCBTMB’s mission and goals?
Who accredits the NCBTMB program?

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.

More than 50 certificants volunteer time for the administration of NCBTMB, which is operated by a staff of full-time employees. NCBTMB’s certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certified Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting branch of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). NOCA is a national, non-governmental, public protection and standards-setting organization.

Currently, there are more than 90,000 nationally certified practitioners – and NCBTMB examinations are used/recognized in statute or rule by 32 states, plus the District of Columbia. (back)

What does it take to become nationally certified?
To become 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

The 500 hours of in-class, supervised 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 (back)

Why is national certification 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:

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 employers (back)

What are the benefits of massage?
The field of therapeutic massage and bodywork draws from touch therapies of both Western and non-Western traditions. Practitioners incorporate knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to address soft tissue dysfunctions, stress-related conditions and energy imbalances.

Massage therapy has been proven effective in:

Relieving back pain
Boosting immune system
Reducing anxiety
Lowering blood pressure
Treating migraines
Decreasing carpal tunnel symptoms
Easing post-operative pain
Alleviating side effects of cancer

Source: American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Fact Sheets (back)

What types of massage and bodywork techniques are part of the national certification program?
NCBTMB’s program includes practitioners from all modalities and disciplines, including Swedish massage, shiatsu, polarity therapy, Rolfing®, Trager® techniques, reflexology, neuromuscular therapy and more. (back)

How can I locate a nationally certified massage therapist or bodyworker in my area?
Click here to access NCBTMB’s registry of nationally certified practitioners. When you arrive for your massage, look for the NCBTMB certification credential. Or ask to see it. If you have any questions, please call 800-296-0664. (back)

Who governs NCBTMB?
NCBTMB is governed by a Board of Directors made up of nine voting members who are elected by nationally certified practitioners via secret ballot. Each serves a four-year term. Seven of the Board members may include any of the following:

Practitioners of therapeutic massage and/or bodywork
Researchers, educators or others who contribute professionally to the field of therapeutic massage and/or bodywork
Owners or administrators of therapeutic massage and/or bodywork schools
Employees or members of government agencies or boards that regulate therapeutic massage and/or bodywork

At least one Board member, but no more than two, is a “public member” and represents the interests of the general public. The CEO serves on the Board of Directors ex-officio, and without vote. (back)

What are NCBTMB’s mission and goals?
To define and advance the highest standards in the massage therapy and bodywork profession.

NCBTMB has identified five goals in its Strategic Plan, which include:

Scope of certification: NCBTMB’s certification program is in sync with the practice of massage therapy and bodywork and reflective of the profession’s evolution
Knowledge of the environment: NCBTMB understands the issues affecting the practice of massage therapy and bodywork and uses this information to make knowledge-based decisions
Value of the credential: Massage therapy and bodywork professionals and those who use and/or regulate their services will recognize and value the credential
NCBTMB positioning: The NCBTMB program is respected as a model of excellence within the certification community
Organizational effectiveness: NCBTMB is a well-managed, effectively governed, fiscally sound organization responsive to stakeholders’ needs (back)

Who accredits the NCBTMB program?
The NCBTMB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certified Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting branch of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). NCCA is the only national accreditation body for private certification organizations, in all disciplines, to demonstrate adherence to established standards. (back)

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Inquiries or general information, call customer care at 1-800-296-0664 (M-F, 8am-5pm CT).