Frequently Asked Questions
& Answers (Part 1)
What are your credentials
as a massage therapist?
Gina Carrigan-Piper has been a nationally
certified massage therapist & bodyworker in private practice
since 1995. To learn more about why you should choose a Nationally
Certified massage therapist continue reading the questions &
answers on this page. Please be aware that national certification
is NOT a license. It is however, the accepted portable nationwide
system for credentialing massage therapists. Gina earned her
Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP) status through the Washington
State Dept. of Health (MA#8444) in 1995. She continues to maintain
that license. Indiana currently has NO statewide massage licensing
law in place to protect consumers. To learn more about Indiana’s
massage licensing issue visit www.amtaindiana.org
& click on the Govt. Relations page http://www.amtaindiana.org.
Answers to the following
Questions are quoted from http://www.ncbtmb.com/consumers_guide.htm.
What is National
Certification?
National Certification is a credential therapeutic
massage and bodywork practitioners may hold by meeting certain
eligibility criteria, taking and passing an examination, upholding
a national Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and demonstrating
continued education in the field.
Why Do I Want A
Nationally Certified Practitioner?
Nationally Certified practitioners have subscribed to the following
statement of practice:
"Massage therapists and
bodyworkers shall act in a manner that justifies public trust
and competence, enhances the reputation of the profession and
safeguards the interests of individual clients."
Smart consumers look for
the NCTMB certification credential. Whatever their need - pain
relief, rehabilitation, relaxation, or physical or mental rejuvenation
- consumers know that Nationally Certified practitioners will
provide quality, professional service. National Certification
assures consumers that their interests are being protected.
It provides much the same security as other medical and health-related
certification practices.
NCBTMB recognizes the importance
of maintaining the public trust. Each candidate for National
Certification must read and agree to uphold NCBTMB's Standards
of Practice and Code of Ethics.
What is the National
Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork?
NCBTMB is an independent, private, nonprofit organization
formed to set high standards of ethical and professional practice
through a recognized, credible credentialing program. NCBTMB
also promotes the worth of National Certification to the public
and the profession, maintains the quality of the National Certification
Program, and requires continuing education to keep practitioners
current with advances in the field. NCBTMB certifies massage
therapists and bodyworkers on behalf of the profession for the
benefit of consumers, employers and practitioners.
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. (Note:
These two sentences are quoted from a different page on the
ncbtmb.com site. This information can be found on the FAQ page
within the Media Kit page.)
What does it mean
to be Nationally Certified?
National Certification sets standards for massage and bodywork
practitioners. National Certification protects the consumer,
the profession and employers by ensuring that individuals who
obtain this credential have skills consistent with specific
national standards and criteria. To become eligible for certification,
practitioners must possess certain levels of education, experience
and training, demonstrate mastery of core skills, abilities
and knowledge, and pass a certification exam.
What types of massage
and bodywork techniques are part of the national certification
program?
The NCBTMB Certification Program is designed to include practitioners
from all modalities and disciplines. These include Swedish massage,
shiatsu, polarity therapy, Rolfing®, Trager® techniques, reflexology,
neuromuscular therapy and more.
Today, more than 60,000
Nationally Certified Practitioners serve millions of consumers.
Nationally Certified practitioners are at work in a number of
capacities - in physicians' offices, private practices, health
clubs, fitness centers, spas and hospitals. Consumers who travel
can feel confident using the services of a nationally certified
practitioner whose practices are aligned with a national standard.
To learn more about why
you should choose a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist or
the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
visit http://www.ncbtmb.com.
You can also visit the NCBTMB site for referrals to other nationally
certified massage therapists.
Continue
to Part 2
