Let it be known that Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB) is the highest attainable and voluntary credential that a Massage Therapist and Bodywork Practitioner can obtain within the profession. It represents the uppermost level of professional commitment that is far above and beyond any entry level state licensure. By becoming Board Certified, I have not only expanded my educational and work experience requirements, but also dedicated myself to lifelong continuing education and to protocols and ethics that are in alignment with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) its governing agency.
To achieve Board Certification, I have provided proof of a minimum of 750 hours of education and 250 hours of professional hands-on work experience. Additionally, I've been vetted with a thorough criminal background check and have passed NCBTMB's rigorous testing. To maintain my Board Certification, I must every two years, complete 24 CEs from an Approved Provider, pass another background check and agree to uphold the "Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics" as set forth by NCBTMB.
In keeping with my commitment to all-round excellence, I have also passed the comprehensive National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB).
The NCETMB was an exam created to facilitate a "national" test platform for certification, as opposed to just having each individual state's standardization, for their Massage and Bodywork Practitioners. Used for licensing by the majority of American states, the NCETMB mandated at least 500 hours of didactic massage training, that required 100 hours of classroom training in anatomy and physiology, 200 hours of lab/clinic training in massage theory and application, as well as 2 hours of massage business and ethics. The remainder of my requisite course hours were completed in related fields that included advanced pathology, patient care assessment, Aromatherapy, Complimentary Alternative Medicine and Ayurvedic Remedies.
I am pleased to have fulfilled all of the requirements set forth by The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). Therefore, I'm legally able to conduct my business and professionally perform Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT).
CAMTC is a private nonprofit public benefit corporation, whose mission is to protect the public by certifying massage professionals in California that meet the requirements in the law and approving massage programs that comply with the standards for training and curriculum. Its volunteer Board of Directors is appointed by Californian cities, counties, law enforcement agencies, vocational schools, Department of Consumer Affairs, professional massage associations and other stakeholders as authorized by law in the California Business and Professions Codes.
My Master of Science Degree in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) has afforded me the distinction of being Officially Certified in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture. With it comes a considerable level of competency in both theoretical comprehension and technical dexterity, that includes but is not limited to, Non-Invasive Acupuncture modalities such as Digital Acupressure, Electronic Acupuncture, Cupping, Magnetic Therapy, Gua Sha, Shiatsu, Tui Na and Auricula Therapy.
I received this commendation when the successful completion of all written and practical exit examinations was achieved, and the recognized standards of professional behavior had been well met. This criterion is obligatory to obtaining the MSOM degree from Samra University; the oldest, most distinguished university of Oriental Medicine in North America. Founded in 1969, Samra University became the first school of Oriental Medicine to receive full institutional approval by the California State Department of Education. The MSOM program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Schools of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Samra is known internationally as a premiere teaching institution with a reputation that draws students from around the world.
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) is a national membership association that delivers much more than just great liability insurance and continuing education courses and certificates. It's designed for Massage and Bodywork Practitioners like me, who demand inspiration, exceptional professional benefits, advocacy and multi-faceted support in all aspects of the field. In my opinion, its comprehensive program of liability and business property insurance, sets an example for others to follow. Tailored to truly meet the needs of Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers, the policy included in membership offers "occurrence form" coverage, meaning professional, general and product liability coverage with the highest limits available, plus no additional charge for Additional Insured Endorsements and no "shared member" aggregate, like some other associations.
I particularly appreciate having had my membership since June of 2000, because of the additional advantages of their continuing education (CE) program, that continues to develop annually. It is now home to over 600 pertinent video-based courses, yearly live seminars, monthly award-winning magazines and weekly podcasts that explore the current issues and challenges that are unique to massage therapists and body workers from all types of disciplines.
Further qualifications include my knowledge and experience gained through acquiring the Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bard College, Master of Fine Arts Alumna from Yale University, Advanced Certification in Massage Therapy from California Healing Arts College and Ordination as a Reverend of Body-Mind Spiritual Practices from The Universal Life Church.
I am currently pursuing my PhD Doctorate, specializing in Applied Metaphysics for Hypnotherapy, from The Institute of Metaphysical Humanistic Science.
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