Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1451559
This model avoids the legislative costs carried by the states for multiple levels of licensure. Certification programs are training agnostic. That means it doesn't matter where or when you got your training (or how many hours you sat in a class— described as "seat time"). What is essential is that the student demonstrates adequate mastery of core knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform in that particular certification's work environments. The decreased emphasis on seat time for the training program and increased emphasis on outcomes is consistent with emerging best practices in learning science. Even if massage eventually goes to a degree-granting profession, starting with a national certification program is a vital first step in that direction. This model has often been used in other fields. The costs of acquiring an alternative credential are likely to be much less than those of degree programs or the tiered licensure structure. A national alternative credentialing program that is not dependent on a particular school's training or degree removes geographic restraints that may limit who can achieve the credential. The system for a national credential with one exam evaluating advanced practice is already in place with the NCBTMB. Improvements in the system would be necessary, but the basic structure already exists. Alternative Credentialing: Cons Getting subject matter experts (SMEs) to agree on content for a single certification program is a significant challenge. However, this is still far easier than getting SMEs to agree on content for multiple licensing exams or degree programs for each of the 50 states. If some credential is established other than the BCTMB, finding SMEs, administrators, and funding to create a new certification credential would be daunting. It has been challenging to define the specific types of work or clientele that require advanced certification. It is generally agreed upon that those treating complex health conditions could benefit from credentialing. The existing national certification organization (NCBTMB) faced many of these challenges as it developed the BCTMB and improved it over the decades. They have faced personnel challenges, financial difficulties, and a lack of focus by getting involved with entry-level licensing for several years. The good news is that the organization seems to be moving in the right direction, returning to its original mission as a voluntary certification organization. This move can strengthen their program as a valid alternative credential. A national certification program like the BCTMB still requires a large-scale public relations campaign to help clients, health- care providers, and other stakeholders understand the distinctions and purpose of the credentialing program. Creating an advanced credential has the potential to further a division in our profession and make some people feel they are "less than others" because they have not acquired the voluntary certification credential. THE CASE FOR VOLUNTARY NATIONAL CERTIFICATION Many believe the massage profession sorely needs some type of national advanced credentialing. The options mentioned above are not the only paths to credentialing, but they are the ones that seem to get the most traction. I have spent a great deal of time analyzing these different options. They all have strengths and weaknesses. After weighing all the pros and cons, I will admit a bias in thinking the strongest option for us at this stage of our profession's development is with the third model— voluntary national certification. This option seems to have the fewest logistical hurdles, and there is already a program in place to meet the credentialing requirement. For that reason, I, along with a number of other highly talented experts in the profession, have been volunteering for the NCBTMB to further this goal. The massage field is certainly experiencing growing pains as it continues to grow as a health-care profession. Many advances have been made in improving the training and education of those working with clients with complex health conditions. A national credential would offer the public and stakeholders a way to identify those clinicians who have chosen the health-care path. Massage therapists would greatly benefit from a credential that evidences all the work, training, and skill-building they have dedicated themselves to in order to help clients who need advanced therapeutic applications. Notes 1. Abigail Johnson Hess, CNBC.com, "The Cost of College Increased by More Than 25% in the Last 10 Years—Here's Why," updated December 13, 2019, www.cnbc.com/2019/12/13/ cost-of-college-increased-by-more-than- 25percent-in-the-last-10-years.html. 2. Michael B. Horn, Forbes.com, "Will Half of All Colleges Really Close in the Next Decade?," December 13, 2018, www. forbes.com/sites/michaelhorn/2018/12/13/ will-half-of-all-colleges-really-close-in- the-next-decade/?sh=68df7da852e5. 3. Arthur Levine and Scott Van Pelt, InsideHigherEd.com, "The Future of Higher Ed is Occurring at the Margins," October 4, 2021, www.insidehighered.com/ views/2021/10/04/higher-education-should- prepare-five-new-realities-opinion. 4. Whitney Lowe, AcademyOfClinicalMassage. com, "Certificate vs. Certification: Credentialing Terminology Matters," January 9, 2018, www. academyofclinicalmassage.com/certificate-vs- certification-credentialing-terminology-matters. Whitney Lowe is the developer and instructor of one of the profession's most popular orthopedic massage training programs. His text and programs have been used by professionals and schools for almost 30 years. Learn more at academyofclinicalmassage.com. L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 55