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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a school code?
A school code is an eight digit reference number assigned to a school by NCBTMB.

A student or school’s use of this code enables efficient processing of student applications by NCBTMB. A code that has been assigned to a school indicates that the school’s program meets NCBTMB’s requirements, and consequently, that its graduates meet NCBTMB’s eligibility requirements relating to educational background.

Am I “approved” or “accredited” by NCBTMB?
No, NCBTMB does not approve or accredit schools.

What requirements do I need to meet to receive a school code?

a. A program must consist of a minimum of 500 hours of instruction:

300 hours (60%) delivered: In-class (face-to-face) OR in a distance education format (CD, DVD, online, videotape, telecourse, hybrid course, etc.) or in some combination of both
AND
200 hours (40%) of hands-on instruction delivered in-class (face-to-face) only

Program of instruction breakouts must include:

200 hours of massage and bodywork assessment, theory and application instruction
A minimum of: 125 hours of instruction on the body system’s (anatomy, physiology and kinesiology)
40 hours of pathology
10 hours of business and ethics instruction (a minimum of 6 hours in ethics)
125 hours of instruction in an area or related field that theoretically completes your massage program of study

b. A school catalog of classes offered with descriptions of course content for each class/course,

c. A curriculum outline documenting hours,

d. A sample diploma and transcript (refer to the school code request form for specific information regarding transcript guidelines),

e. A copy of the faculty/instructor qualification, including a resume for each instructor,

f. Proof that the school is licensed to teach massage therapy and/or bodywork through the state’s Department of Education or other state-licensing agency, and

g. A copy of the school’s accreditation certificate, if applicable.

What updates is the school required to provide to NCBTMB?
A school is required to provide, if applicable, a current license if the license on file with NCBTMB has expired. It is also required to provide documentation directly to NCBTMB if the contact information has changed or any curriculum changes have taken place. Other changes to notify NCBTMB of include changes in school ownership or significant changes to a school’s faculty.

What should I do if I sell my school?
The new owners of the school are required to fill out a new school status code request form. Staff will make an evaluation of the submitted material to determine if the school code can remain active, if it should be withdrawn, or if a new school code should be assigned.

What should I do if the name of the school contact changes?
If the school contact name changes, please notify the school outreach department by submitting the change of information in writing and on the school’s letterhead. Please include in the correspondence the current school code, the name of the new contact, his/her title, the address, the phone number with extension and his/her email address. A school can mail or fax the information to NCBTMB. The mailing address is: NCBTMB c/o School Outreach Department, 1901 S. Meyers Road, Ste. 240 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. The fax number is 630-627-1122.

Why is there an expiration date on the certificate I received from NCBTMB?
The expiration date on a school’s certificate is based on the school’s current authority to legally operate. It is the school’s responsibility to update licensure, approvals or accreditation renewals with NCBTMB. Non-licensed, non-approved and non-accredited schools are given a default expiration date of one (1) year.

Who do I contact with questions about my school code?
Please contact the school outreach department at schooloutreach@ncbtmb.org or 630-627-8000 department 6.

Where can my students easily reference my school code?
By first providing the requested basic information, students can easily access your school code at: http://www.ncbtmb.org/cgi-bin/SchoolSearch.cgi

My school’s state license is being renewed and I am also in the process of renewing my school code with NCBTMB, what information should I provide?
If a school is in the process of renewal, it must provide evidence of its status, such as a renewal letter issued by the state regulatory body. Proof of payment for a license renewal is not an acceptable substitution.

Not all teachers on the school’s staff have resumes, what should I do?
NCBTMB recently updated the process for requesting a school code. One of the new requirements is submission of faculty qualifications. As a result, a resume for each teacher directly involved in teaching the massage program is now required by NCBTMB. If a teacher does not have a resume, he or she should create one that, at a minimum, provides information about his or her educational background and teaching experience.

I have received notification that my school code was suspended, what happens next?
NCBTMB, in its notification of suspension letter to the school, will indicate the reason for the suspension. NCBTMB reserves the right to request information from the school and to conduct an investigation, if needed. Once the school has responded to NCBTMB’s satisfaction, it may lift the suspension of the school code. If NCBTMB’s findings show that a school has engaged in fraudulent behavior or that its program no longer meets NCBTMB’s requirements, the school code may be permanently withdrawn. There may be other reasons for suspension or withdrawal of a school code. NCBTMB will make case-by-case determinations depending on the factors involved.

What are the benefits to having an assigned school code?
There are several benefits including:

A quicker and easier application process for students. Students are able to apply for national certification through a process that allows quick and efficient verification of their education, as opposed to the more time-intensive portfolio review process.
Free advertising. All schools that have been assigned school codes are posted on the NCBTMB website under “Find NCBTMB Assigned Schools”, which is another way for prospective students to locate a program.
Free pass rate reports. Pearson VUE issues a pass rate report free of charge and on a biannual basis to each school that has a school code. This report outlines how students are performing on the exam. The pass rate provides information such as how students scored in the different content areas, how a school’s pass rates relate to the state and national averages, as well as other important data.

Will my past students be allowed to test with the assigned school code if my school closes?
After a school closes, the school code becomes inactive. If there are students in the future who submit applications for national certification, NCBTMB will issue a substitute number on the school’s behalf, to show that such graduates have met NCBTMB’s eligibility requirements.

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