Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1451559
50 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k m a rc h /a p r i l 2 0 2 2 TIERED LICENSURE VS. COLLEGE DEGREES VS. ALTERNATIVE CREDENTIALING By Whitney Lowe The Future of Advanced Credentialing in Massage The massage therapy profession is leaps and bounds ahead of where it was in its infancy in the 1960s. The field continues to develop and still has some growing pains as it faces contemporary challenges. The profession has diversified as it has matured and realized its true potential. Today, there are a host of specialty applications in massage. These applications range from spa- focused relaxation forms to specialized health-care and medically oriented treatments. There is now, literally, something for everybody in massage care. These specialties have been a real boon to the practicing therapist, helping them expand their careers and increase their treatment success for a wide range of clients. This article explores the state of massage credentialing today, presents some of the big questions around credentialing that face the profession, and then examines three options for addressing these credential challenges.