Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1451559
54 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 A certification program, by contrast, is developed by an external party and is designed to measure a core group of KSAs but is independent of where or when the learning took place. For example, two people could qualify and be awarded the same certification credential, even though their training is acquired from entirely different sources. The certification is designed to measure the acquisition of KSAs, not where, when, or how they are acquired. (Read about these key distinctions in the blog post "Certificate vs. Certification Programs Credentialing Terminology Matters.") 4 Most continuing education courses in our field that offer alternative credentials are certificate programs, even though many are listed as certifications. Our field's one main certification program is the Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (BCTMB) credential offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). The BCTMB program is a likely model to be used for alternative credentialing, so the pro and con discussion of alternative credentialing uses this program as an example. Alternative Credentialing: Pros An independent third-party organization establishes a national standard. With a national standard, the challenges of differing requirements from state to state are eliminated. The one national standard in the massage therapy profession (BCTMB) uses a single exam to evaluate achievement of the credential. Developing one quality exam is much easier and more sensible than developing numerous exams on a state-by- state basis. (1) New content producers and distributors will continue to enter the marketplace, driving up competition and consumer choice while driving down prices. They will emphasize digital technologies, reject time-and-place-based education, create low-cost degrees, offer competency- or outcome-based education, and award nontraditional credentials. (2) The dominance of time-bound degrees and "just-in-case" education will diminish. Meanwhile, non-degree certifications and "just-in-time" education will increase in status and value. We will see a reset between the value placed on degrees, once highly prized for indicating a level of skill and knowledge to be ready for the future, and "just-in-time" education, which is present-oriented and more immediate. There are too many alternative credentialing models to explore in detail in this article. However, some of the most common types include digital badges, verified certificates, and micro-credentials. These all show mastery and proficiency in the particular knowledge or skill taught. These credentials are offered through a private organization, an academic institution, or independent learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. The most common alternative credentialing programs in the massage therapy field are certificates and certification. There is a crucial distinction between certificates and certification programs. A particular provider offers a certificate program, and that provider determines what qualifies for completion and awards the certificate. In some cases, attendance alone is sufficient to achieve the certificate. In other cases, the individual needs to show mastery in some form of learning assessment in addition to completing the program. Until there is a standardization of massage laws in all 50 states, it may be difficult to get degree programs to be transferable between states with widely divergent licensing requirements. It is already very difficult to get schools to recognize the programs from other schools for equivalency. Chiropractic is a field that created its own degree and requirements. However, that model has kept chiropractic training out of most colleges and limited it to specific chiropractic schools. Massage is unlikely to have independent free-standing degree- granting institutions like chiropractic does. The money required to do this doesn't seem to be there. ALTERNATIVE CREDENTIALING Alternative credentialing is the third model, and it is a broad category encompassing a diversity of providers, models, and options for how credentials may be earned and validated. In recent years, private companies, organizations, and other entities have recognized the need for validating specialized training. These educational providers have created specialized training programs that are significantly shorter than complete college degree programs. Some even offer credentials that measure prior learning and experience. Alternative credentialing programs are rapidly expanding for several reasons. Many have developed in response to the changes and pressures facing colleges mentioned above. A recent piece on InsideHigherEd. com mentioned five key indicators of why alternative credentialing programs will continue to gain popularity. 3 Two of these motivating factors are: One of the challenges facing the profession today is how to appropriately credential practitioners for these two categories: personal-care service and health-care service.