Changes, Challenges and Accomplishments
Greetings! In last year’s message I observed that change was all around us; in world finance, geo-politics, technology and community, each of these affecting us on personal and professional levels. Change brings challenge, but also opportunity for growth and development. Over the past year, the volunteers and staff at the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) have fully embraced the challenges of change and I am proud to share some of our many achievements with you.
Last year brought a dramatic increase in the number of practitioners who chose to recertify and maintain their National Certification. The value in identifying oneself as a professional committed to safe, ethical practice and invested in development through continuing education is becoming ever more evident in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
2009 also marked our cyclical renewal of accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) for our NCETMB program and for the first time, our NCETM program. Both exam programs are now fully accredited and staff is to be congratulated for their hard work in making this a reality. As promised, we were able to deliver a Spanish-language translation for both exams this year and they are currently in use in states where permitted. To assist both schools and students, we developed and launched an Online Practice Exam and a thoroughly updated and newly edited Study Guide. All of these initiatives were rolled out on-time and under-budget.
On the subject of finances, we have cut expenses and yet dramatically improved customer service metrics while maintaining our historic philanthropy though support of the Massage Therapy Foundation and the World Massage Conference, among others. Our Board of Directors and senior staff have deepened our commitment to our shared fiduciary responsibilities and have “gone green” wherever possible.
Our most exciting initiative is now well underway. After much research and opinion mining, we are fully engaged in the development and delivery of an Advanced Certification credential. Our overarching desire is to provide the profession with a career path from massage school to licensure through certification to advanced credentialing by demonstrating mastery of the knowledge, skills and abilities specific to both entry-level and advanced practice.
NCBTMB continues in its mission to define and advance the highest standards in the profession, which is why we welcome your comments and the chance to exchange ideas with all our stakeholders.
In closing, it is my honor to serve you in this, the final year of my term. I am grateful for the countless opportunities for growth and bid you Peace.
Neal Delaporta
Chair, NCBTMB |
