GREETINGSFROMTHECHAIR
September 11th changed everything. Business as usual? Impossible. What is important about a certification program in the wake of national terrorist attack and disaster? How can we feel adamant about our objectives as we face war? How can we casually hop on a plane for a meeting when our loved ones perished for the same innocent action?
    The only way to justify resuming our daily activities is to do something to help individuals and our nation to heal and then respond to this crisis. Be assured that as Nationally Certified Practitioners, you are. I was struck with this realization when I opened the New York Times to see a half-page picture of rescue workers receiving massage therapy at one of the Red Cross relief shelters in Manhattan. Maybe you were there. Iím sure others of you were at the Pentagon relief efforts too. Iím so proud of who we are. Massage Therapists responded by giving knowledge-based healing touch and care through their expertise to thousands of rescue workers, fire fighters and police officers, as well as the Red Cross volunteers. Even to the exhausted rescue dogs. I must add, as my title here precedes me, that holding the appropriate credentials was required. No exceptions.
    So, though everyoneís daily activities were suspended in due response, the National Certification Board found a meaningful connection to the importance of our workóunifying the credentials of therapists on a national level. We are one nation, and as diverse as we are, we are one profession. The Board works to administrate that unity by remaining committed to the work of the strategic plan, our committee structure, our financial budget, our policy and procedure manuals and our code of conduct for volunteers. On our homefront, the Executive Committee has been working hard to bring forth a budget for 2002 that includes resources for all of the activities we deem are important to the growth of your organization for the next year. The Board, along with the Taskforce on Committees, is streamlining the entire voluntary workforce structure. The Board has also been participating in educational sessions to help us become stronger leaders and a more cohesive team, in the microcosm of the NCB and the macrocosm of the American people.
    This is a poignant time to focus on the word ìNationalî in your Certification. As millions of flags have flown above the nation, Iím sure youíve felt your own patriotism rise, and I trust you can find a renewed respect for how the National Certification program brings massage therapists in our nation together with a common bond. We are all part of a very special community that really cares about helping individuals deal with their lives during a time of tremendous crisis. Remember that the National Certification program that you stand for exists to secure the publicís trust, and there has never been a more appropriate time to provide that service. Thank you for doing your part, as Nationally Certified Practitioners, to contribute to the freedom and the rights of the American public to choose competent and qualified practitioners.
    I appreciate you all as one of the brave. Be safe and well, and bring the peace of your loving hands to others,

Sue

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Virginia Sets a Precedent in Massage and Bodywork Certification
Virginia to Reimburse Veterans for Attaining NCBTMB Certification Under GI Bill
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), is proud to announce that the Commonwealth of Virginia has approved the National Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) and any veteran qualifying under the GI Bill is now eligible for reimbursement for the cost of taking the NCETMB.
    The NCETMB, the examination component of a nationally accredited program in the field of massage and bodywork, continues to be recognized as a valid and reliable measurement tool for entry-level competency. Currently, twenty-three states and the District of Columbia recognize or utilize the NCETMB, either in statute or in rule, with over 50,000 candidates having taken the exam across the country. As more states recognize the need for regulating massage and bodywork practice, holding the NCTMB credential will be essential.
    Virginiaís approval is a model for other states to follow in the pursuit of credentialing therapeutic massage and bodywork professionals. ìThis is a great achievement for NCBTMB,î said Christine D. Niero, Ph.D., Executive Director, NCBTMB. ìWe are pleased that the Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to furthering the education of members of the Armed Services, and in the process is taking steps to enhance the industry by recognizing the value of NCBTMB. The national certification program will now be accessible to more individuals wishing to pursue careers as massage therapists and bodyworkers. The ever-increasing number of nationally certified massage therapists and bodyworkers assures the publicís safety and further makes safe, competent massages and bodywork more available.î
    The Coalition for Professional Certification (CPC), a professional certification advocacy group, was responsible for initiating and expanding legislation regarding veteransí benefits. This legislation, which was passed in November of 2000, includes reimbursement for professional certification fees up to $2,000 if the certification program meets those standards drafted by the CPC, adopted by the Congress and the Department of Veteransí Affairs. ìThis has been a lengthy battle with a great outcome,î stated Steven Halsey, Founder of the Coalition for Professional Certification. ìWe are gratified to see a quality program such as NCBTMB join us. This approval will help our Nationís Armed Service heroes transition into civilian life and also into one of Americaís fastest growing fields.î

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Getting Recognized
PR Firm helps NCB Reach Audiences
Two years ago, members of the NCBMTB Board of Directors began an extensive search for a public relations firm that would aid in the purpose of educating and building support among its target audiences, as well as to raise the profile of Nationally Certified Practitioners and the National Certification Program. After extensive research and several interviews, the board members selected Environics Communications.
The plan was to communicate a consistent set of messages aimed at general consumers, new practitioners, Nationally Certified Practitioners (and those up for recertification), employers and the media.     Since then, the public relations professionals at Environics Communications have used many different tactics to meet the communications objectives of the NCBTMB. First, they developed a media kit that outlines who the NCBTMB is, why it was started, and who benefits from such an organization. Second, board members underwent an extensive media training process to prepare them for media interviews.
    From there, Nationally Certified Practitioners began to build relationships with the media. Members of the trade press were offered an opportunity to interview and speak with an expert in the field a Nationally Certified Practitioner. In these situations, the Nationally Certified Practitioners have been instrumental in communicating the NCBTMBís key messages to the media. These practitioners have also reaped the benefits of participating in these interviews as they, too, have been named in articlesógenerating public awareness for their own practices.
    To date, the public relations effort has:
ï Received over 50 hits (articles) in target publications (magazines, newspapers, journals, etcÖ) with total impressions of over 450 million;
ï Provided information for various organizations including regulatory bodies - The National Certification Examination is being accepted as a means for licensure more and more everyday;
ï Conducted surveys to keep the media and the public aware of massage therapy; and
ï Promoted the NCBTMB to local media outlets to raise the awareness level about the certification program and its certificants.

    The NCBTMB Board of Directors plans to continue this public relations effort by enhancing the comprehensive media relations program already in place about the continued work of the NCBTMB and Nationally Certified Practitioners.

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Call for Candidates
Do you have the skill set needed to help the Board of Directors optimize its Strategic Plan? Are you interested in serving the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork? Do you have the time and energy it takes to be a member of the Board of Directors? If the answer to these questions is yes, then read on.
Members of the NCBTMB Board of Directors are seeking Nationally Certified Practitioners who are dedicated to fostering high standards through a credible certification program and committed to moving forward with the goals and objectives set forth in NCBTMBís Strategic Plan. Two director positions are open for three-year terms commencing May 1, 2002. Each board member is elected by Nationally Certified Practitioners who are in good standing with the NCBTMB at the time of the election.
    To be considered for a board position, an applicant must: be a certificant in good standing; hold all applicable licensing in their jurisdiction; declare all possible conflicts of interest; and have the ability to commit to the time and travel necessary to be a fully participating member of the Board. In addition, each candidate must have experience with teamwork and organizational structure, and must be able to support collective decisions. The candidates must support the positions of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, have a broad view of the profession and an understanding of, or a desire to learn about, not-for-profit organizations and the political and ethical dimensions of National Certification Program.
    Individuals who wish to be considered for the board of directors must submit a letter of intent in writing by December 7, 2001 to NCBTMB, 8201 Greensboro Dr., Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102. If you should have any questions concerning the nominating process, or to nominate an individual for service on the NCBTMB Board of Directors, contact Dr. Christine Niero, NCBTMBís Executive Director, at 703/610-9000.

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The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) joins The Coalition for Professional Certification (CPC)
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) is proud to announce that it has joined the Coalition for Professional Certification (CPC), a professional certification advocacy group. The CPC, which was formed in 1997, is a group of private sector certifying bodies who have come together to present one unified voice in Washington, D.C.
    The Coalition for Professional Certification educates the United States Congress and Federal Agencies about private sector certification and promotes the concerns of its participants. The CPC was successful in lobbying the Congress to create the Professional Certification Advisory Board to assist a variety of Federal agencies in addressing certification issues, notably as they pertain to the military training and veteran transition into the private sector work force. Additionally, US Congress passed legislation, initiated by the CPC that expands veterans' benefits to include reimbursement of professional certification fees up to $2,000 if the certification program meets those standards drafted by the CPC, the Congress and the Department of Veterans' Affairs. The adopted CPC initiative succeeded in both expanding federal recognition of the importance of private sector certification and implementing the first federal standard by which federal agencies may evaluate certifying bodies.
    Christine Niero, Ph.D., Executive Director, NCBTMB, said," NCB is very excited about joining an preeminent organization such as CPC. In just a short amount of time CPC has made many inroads for the certification industry and the public it serves. NCBTMB is honored to be one of the organizations included in CPC's unified voice in Washington, D.C."
    Steven Halsey, CPC Founder and Washington advocate, said "The CPC is pleased to welcome the NCBTMB as they join us in promoting the development of sound certification policy. It is through the active participation of exceptional programs, such as the NCBTMB, that the CPC is able to lead the way in the promotion of professional certification as it relates to public policy. The NCBTMB's reputation for effective, progressive program management makes them an ideal partner in our quest to improve federal certification policies and recognition."

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NCB Mail Handling
All of us are still dealing with the effects of the events of September 11, 2001. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, fear of travel, the slow economy, or some other effect - all Americans have been impacted profoundly. NCBTMB is not exempt from the aftermath of this fall's tragedy. With the recent Anthrax scare and the subsequent closing of some area post offices, NCBTMB has taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of its staff members who process mail. Please understand that candidates and recertificants may experience slight delays. The best way to contact NCB staff is via e-mail. In this issue of Connection, you will find a staff contact list, which includes phone numbers and e-mail addresses to assist you. Please note that all NCBTMB forms and handbooks are located on the NCBTMB web site (www.ncbtmb.com).
    NCB hopes that all of you are well, and that you have remained strong during these trying times. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

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Staff Contacts  
Below you will find a list of NCBTMB staff members, their extensions, and their e-mail addresses. NCBTMB staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday, between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM E.S.T. You may also leave voice mail messages after hours. Please use this list as a reference guide when placing calls to NCBTMB. As always, you may visit our web site at www.ncbtmb.com.
    For inquiries regarding candidate handbooks the status of your application, or general information, contact:
Suzie McMahon 703-610-0281
smcmahon@ncbtmb.com

For inquiries regarding mailing labels, contact:
Lucy Warner 703-610-0238
lwarner@ncbtmb.com

For inquiries regarding Continuing Education, or Becoming a Category A Provider, contact:
Ed Woods 703-610-0215
ewoods@ncbtmb.com

For inquiries regarding recertification, contact:
Ericka Artis 703-610-0235
eartis@ncbtmb.com

For inquiries regarding special accomodations, extensions, cancellations, or ethics and standards, contact:
Ashleigh Millner 703-610-0234
amillner@ncbtmb.com

For inquiries regarding portfolio review, duplicate certificates, or Washington state testing candidates, contact:
Berlos Davis 703-610-0245
davis@ncbtmb.com

For inquiries regarding the examination's development, administration or government relations, contact:
Paul Parker 703-610-0226
pparker@ncbtmb.com

For inquiries regarding the Practitioner Locator Program, contact:
Lucinda de Castro 703-610-0239
ldecastro@ncbtmb.com

For inquiries regarding communications or public relations, contact:
Jason Thies 703-610-0236
jthies@ncbtmb.com

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NCBNEWS
NCB Publications
NCBTMB produces two newsletters, Connection and Infoline, on a quarterly basis. Connection is written for the benefit of the NCBís certificants, while Infoline is written for the prospective certificants and massage therapy and bodywork schools. Other publications which may be perceived to be associated with NCBTMB are not. As I mentioned earlier, the only official NCB publications are Connection and Infoline.

    If you have any questions concerning NCB publications or if you would like to request copies of Infoline for a school, please contact NCB at 1-800-296-0664.

NCB Conducts Survey on
Massage Therapy and Bodywork
NCBTMB recently conducted an online survey with the assistance of Harris Interactive to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes, and opinions of a sampling of the 20 million Americans receiving massage therapy and bodywork annually. In this survey, NCB asked a variety of questions on the topic of massage therapy and bodywork, such as why consumers received massage, if the public inquires about the practitionerís training, what aspects were most important when considering massage therapy and Americansí thoughts on ethics.

    When asked the question, ìWhy do you receive massage therapy or bodywork,î the majority of individuals answered to relieve stress, while 36% said they received massage therapy or bodwork for rehabilitation for an injury. Fifty percent of consumers said they always/usually inquire about the practitionerís training, which stresses the importance of training and national certification. When they are visiting a massage therapist or bodyworker for the first time, 71 % responded that the ethics of the practitioner is extremely/very important when choosing a massage therapist or bodyworker, which again emphasizes the importance of national certification and specifically the NCBTMB Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Finally, most respondents, 37%, responded that the most important thing to know before receiving a massage is if the practitioner has a credential.
    ìBased on the results of the survey, the need for a high standard of practice in ethics for massage therapy and bodywork is paramount,î said Christine Niero, Ph.D., Executive Director. ìNCBTMBís mission is to foster high standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of services through a recognized credible credentialing program that assures the competency of practitioners of therapeutic massage and bodywork. Today, there are more than 45,000 Nationally Certified practitioners who work every day to uphold this standard.î
    To view the survey along with the results, please go to www.ncbtmb.com.

On the Road with NCB
   NCB representatives have continued to travel to various exhibits, meetings, and conferences since our last issue. NCB participates in these events to educate attendees about the benefits and importance of National Certification. The various venues also serve as an opportunity to interact with Nationally Certified practitioners, prospective certificants, community leaders, and other professionals.    NCB representatives have recently attended conventions for the following organizations: American Polarity Therapy Association, National Conference for Nurse Practitioners, American Legislative Exchange Council, and the Council on Licensure, Enforcement, Accreditation, and Regulation. Additionally, NCB exhibited at the conventions held by the following organizations: American Academy of Physician Assistants, International Esthetics, Cosmetics, and Spa Conference, Florida State Massage Therapy Association, National Conference of State Legislators. NCB representatives will continue to promote the credential and the certificant population at various venues over the coming months.

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CERTIFICANTSCORNER
Does this License mean that I can work anywhere in the U.S?
The NCBTMB provides the NCTMB credential. This national credential may be used in any state, however it is not a license and you still must contact your state to obtain its licensing requirements. In many instances, the NCTMB credential is a means for licensure.

How do I know if the NCBTMB credential is accepted as a means for licensure at a specific state?
You can visit the NCBTMB web site at www.ncbtmb.com to see if a particular state accepts the NCTMB credential as a means for licensure. You may also call NCB to find out if a particular state accepts the NCTMB credential.

How do I have my scores transferred to my state board?
To transfer your National Certification Exam score to a particular state, you must fill out a Score Report Request. To obtain a copy of a Score Report Request form, visit NCBís website (www.ncbtmb.com). NCBTMB will forward your score within three weeks of your request. If the exam was taken in the past two years there will be a $15 fee, and a $25 fee will be charged if the exam was taken more than two years ago.

How do I change the name that appears on my National Certification certificate if it is spelled incorrectly or if I have recently married?
If your name is spelled incorrectly on your certificate, return the incorrect certificate to our office with the correct spelling of your name printed on an attached note. A new certificate will be issued and mailed to you.
    If you were recently married, you must fill out a Duplicate Certificate Request form. There is a $15 fee for duplicate certificates. To obtain a copy of the Duplicate Certificate Request form, go to www.ncbtmb.com and click on Shortcut to Important Forms, or call NCBTMB at 1-800-296-0664. Return a completed form, along with payment and a copy of legal documentation to NCBTMB. A certificate will be issued and mailed to you.

How do I get my name listed on the Practitioner Locator on the NCBTMB web site?
If you would like to be listed online on NCBTMB's Practitioner Locator Program, you must submit a Practitioner Locator Program form. The form is located on the NCBTMB web site (www.ncbtmb.com) in the Shortcut to Important Forms section. You may also call NCBTMB at 1-800-296-0664 to request a copy of the form.

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Newly Approved Category A Providers
New Since August 9

American Reiki Institute
PO Box 99901
Tacoma, WA 98499-0901
253-460-1379
Reiki Courses

Springboard Books
3170 Monarch Drive
Orillia, Ontario
Canada
L3V 7W9
(as of 09/17/01)

Xiao Chun Cai
7728 E. Garvey Ave #6
Rosemead, CA 91770
626-288-6797

Sonia Alexander
2851 South Ocean Blvd #7V
Boca Raton, FL 33432
561-361-3966

Health Enrichment Center
204 E. Nepessing Road
Lapeer, MI 48446
810-667-9453
hec@tir.com
www.healthenrichment.com

Niara Healing Arts
222 W 14th Street
New York NY 10011
917-253-5001
oiseau@juno.com

Njideka N. Olatunde
PO Box 26132
Washington DC 20001
301-779-8005
fohnno@cs.com

CEU ONLINE
3101 Laurel Ridge Ct.
Bonita Springs FL 34134
941-495-8282
www.ceuonline.org

Patricia Thatcher
50 Dudley Street
Cambridge, MA 02140
617-661-1277
patthatch@earthlink.net

Susan Pomfret
745 North Dobson #144
Mesa, AZ 85201
480-890-8098
spomfret@msn.com

Lakewood School of Therapeutic Massage
1102 6th Street
Port Huron, MI 48060
810-987-3959
www.lakewoodschool.com

Hired Hands-On Site Massage Specialists
1044 S. Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60605
312-431-1858
HiredHnds@aol.com

The Heart Touch Project
1025 Indiana Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
310-452-6112
mailhearttouch@aol.com
www.hearttouch.org

Shari Sunshine
PO Box 1062
Makawao HI 96788
808-876-0264
sharisun@aol.com

Don Cornwell
202 Morningside SE
Albuquerque NM 87108
505-268-6870 x3

Jeanne Gaudette
PO Box 111
Brooksville, ME 04617
207-326-4735
rj@hypernet.com

Myotherapy Institute
1174 East 2700 South #14/15
Salt Lake City UT 84106
800-432-5968
www.citysearch.com/slc/myotherapy

Ernesto Ortiz
9199 SW 97 Avenue
Miami FL 33176
305-595-6800
kiva101@aol.com

Kate Leigh
45 Woodman Road
Durham NC 03824
603-868-6846
midhvn@nh.ultranet.com

Jean Middleswarth, MSW, LMBT
940 Hutton St
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-777-8735
Ethics Courses

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STRATEGICPLANUPDATE
Goal 4
The NCBTMB program is respected as a model of excellence within the certification community.

Objective 4.3
Identify a framework of best practices against which we can measure our progress as a leading certification body.

Government Relations
Sally Hacking, Legislative Consultant
NCBTMB has recently finalized the Government Relations Informational Packet, which is a booklet that was created to meet the specific needs of legislators and regulators. The handbook answers pertinent questions most often asked by this audience and will provide the needed materials to educate the regulatory groups as to the benefits of including the National Certification Process when considering legislative language for massage and bodywork laws. The handbook will be available to those who attend legislative venues where the volunteers are present, working toward educating and informing the general population about the National Certification Process.
    Most recently, NCBís legislative consultant and volunteers attended a state legislative venue in New York and the National State Legislative Conference (NCSL) in San Antonio, Texas. The ongoing educational outreach opportunities at such venues educate, expose, and begin important networking opportunities with key legislators and their staff, who influence decisions affecting the regulation of the massage therapy and bodywork profession. The NCBTMB is becoming a recognized entity at such venues.

Examination Committee
Bob Lehnberg NCTMB, Chair
Members of the NCBTMB Exam Committee work to maintain the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCE) as a standard for the industry in certifying massage therapists and bodyworkers. The Exam Committee met with experts who will review and update sections of the NCBTMB Strategic Plan for 2002 and beyond. Drawing from feedback on texts used in massage and bodywork education, the committee members updated the reference list printed in the National Certification Examination Candidate Handbook. The Examination Committee will also begin selecting item writers for an upcoming workshop that is designed to construct test questions for the NCE. This is a vital part of maintaining the exam as a valid and reliable measure for the industry. The NCBTMB may contact certificants to volunteer and help keep the bank of test items current and growing.
    The committee members will also discuss the NCBTMBís Job Task Analysis Survey, which should be finished next year. This important research study provides a detailed description of job-related tasks, the extent to which they are performed, their importance for entry-level practice in therapeutic massage and bodywork, as well as the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform these job-related tasks competently. The Job Task Analysis is the main instrument used by the NCBTMB to monitor current trends in the practice of therapeutic massage and bodywork. This guides the composition and provides evidence of validity for all future forms of the NCE. The committee members will also review new items, which may or may not be used on future forms of the NCE. Doing so helps to ensure a healthy, vital pool of items from which to construct future exam forms.

Ethics and Standards Committee
Marion B. Visel NCTMB, Chair
The committee members have continued to process complaints and review the details of the NCBTMBís complaint procedures. In addition, they have conducted a survey on invasive techniques and voluntary consent in an effort to gain knowledge from stakeholders about the impact of the Standards of Practice on certificants and educators. The results of the survey will be available in the next issue of Connection.    The committee members are planning a series of focus groups in a variety of industry venues and a survey to be published in a later edition of the NCB Connection to monitor the relevance of the Standards of Practice to the stakeholders it is designed to serve.
    Committee members have been charged to draft a Code of Conduct for all NCB volunteers including the Board and committee members. Committee members are gathering information internally and from other organizations. The Code of Conduct will be voted on by the Board at an upcoming Board of Directors meeting.

Continuing Education Provider Panel
Jean Loving NCTMB, Chair
At a recent meeting, committee members reconstructed the application for continuing education providers to make it easier to use. Roy Swift, Ph. D., a consultant to the board, updated the committee members on the recertification/continuing education task force actions, and instructed the committee members on the expansive opportunities of continuing education offerings. The committee members continue to review applications for continuing education providers, and report a recent increase in the number of applications submitted. There are currently over 700 approved Category A Providers.

Other NCB Committees:

Bylaws Committee
Ray Moriyasu, NCTMB, Chair

Continuing Education/Recertification Task Force
John Kelley, NCTMB, Chair

Eligibility Committee
Elliot Greene, NCTMB, Chair

Nominating Committee
Marlene Cohen, NCTMB, Chair

Recertification Committee
John Kelley, NCTMB, Chair

Strategic Planning Task Force
Marlene Cohen, NCTMB, Chair

CALENDAROFEVENTS    

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NCBTMB
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102
703-610-9015 … 703-610-9005
1-800-296-0664 (totally automated line)
e-mail: mswiscoski@ncbtmb.com