Myths of becoming Nationally
Certified in Massage and Bodywork

There is much controversy in the licensing of massage therapists in the US. Currently each state has their own requirements as far as the number of hours of training and the testing process.

The National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) was set up in the early 90's to create a test that was supposed to offer reciprocity between states but because each state has different number of hours of education required and education is overseen by each state reciprocity is really never going to be possible in the massage profession.
Because of the problems that have arisen with the NCBTMB a new group the Federation of Massage School Boards has been created to help ensure the massage professions future.
The NCBTMB will tell you things like this:

Why Become Certified

National Certification:

* Represents the highest professional credential in the field
* Denotes the mark of a true professional committed to safe and ethical practice
* Gains you recognition, visibility, and credibility
* Increases your employment opportunities and mobility between states
* Allows reimbursement by various insurance companies
* Connects you to NCBTMB's locator service for employers and consumers
* Provides reassurance to the consumer, the profession and the employer

This is what the National Certification Board in Massage claims they do, but in reality you will most likely find that no one will ever ask you if you are nationally certified or if you are even licensed.
The recognition you get in the profession will come as a result of your own hard work, experience, professionalism, ability to interact with clients and your beliefs about yourself and what you do.
The NCB is trying to make others think that is protecting the consumer but there is great controversy over what. There has been no evidence to date that shows that massage causes any harm. Keith Grant has been researching it and reports on it in his paper on "Issues in massage governance."(pdf)
To find out more about massage licensing and massage careers you can purchase my Ebook -The Massage Therapy Career Guide - The truth about becoming a massage therapist.
To find out more about massage therapy careers you can purchase my Ebook -The Massage Therapy Career Guide - The truth about becoming a massage therapist.

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Myths of becoming Nationally Certified in Massage and Bodywork

Myths of becoming Nationally
Certified in Massage and Bodywork