Key to the success of the profession
Assigned Schools
At NCBTMB, we believe schools are crucial to the future of the profession.
Prospective students can be assured that NCBTMB Assigned Schools provide the education they need to succeed.
Why Become an Assigned School?
Assigned Schools reflect a national standard of excellence with graduates who demonstrate a mastery of core knowledge and skills. Assigned Schools serve a diverse community dedicated to the highest standards of the profession. Every time one of your students passes the NCBTMB Board Certification exam, they stand as a testament to the merit of your institution.
Assigned School Requirements
- Minimum 500-hour program
- 125-hours of instruction in the body’s systems, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
- 200-hours of in-class, on-campus, supervised hands-on instruction in assessment, theory, and application instruction
- 40-hours of pathology
- 10-hours of business and ethics instruction (min. 6-hours in ethics)
- 125-hours of instruction in an area or related that theoretically completes your massage program of study
Assigned School Costs
Your school will be required to maintain and renew your Assigned School Code every two years or five years, depending on if you are a Non-Accredited or Accredited School. There are no renewal fees.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- ALL Schools: The minimum 500-hour core curriculum must be in Western-based massage therapy education.
- All education submitted on the Assigned School application must meet NCBTMB’s acceptable course content guidelines.
- Schools are required to adhere to all requirements in the state(s) in which they operate.
- Non-Accredited Schools: All 500 hours of core curriculum must be live, in class with an instructor present. NCBTMB no longer accepts online learning in core curriculum for Non-Accredited programs.
- Accredited Schools: NCBTMB will accept a portion of classes via Learning Management System (LMS).
- NCBTMB can only accepts applications from schools within the United States or its territories for the Assigned School program. The only exception is for schools outside of the United States or its territories that hold accreditation from a third-party agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Please note that even if a school is located outside of the United States and is accredited, education provided there may not qualify for state licensure. It is the responsibility of the individual prospective student to verify acceptance of education with state massage licensing boards.
Important Links & Resources
Assigned School Discounts & Seals
If you are currently in good standing with NCBTMB, you have access to exclusive discounts.
Get answers to the most commonly asked questions about becoming an Assigned Schools with NCBTMB.
Information on the requirements and steps to complete your Assigned School Renewal.
Along with meeting our minimum 500-hour curriculum requirements, Non-Accredited schools must also submit the following materials:
- Completed contact information and the 20 questions requested in the application
- Proof of required business license
- Proof of business ownership
- Proof of approval to operate an educational institution
- List of instructors and their resumes and qualifications
- Licenses and credentials of massage therapists (within states that require licensure)
- Your school’s attendance policy
- Your school’s program descriptions with course catalog
- Syllabi outlines for each course
- Copy of a signed, sample transcript for all massage therapy programs your school offers
- Breakdown of curriculum hours.*
*Note: All 500 hours of core curriculum must be live, in class with an instructor present. NCBTMB no longer accepts online learning in core curriculum for Non-Accredited programs.
Once the above materials are received, your Assigned School application will be complete. NCBTMB will notify you with your Assigned School Code upon review.
Please update information with NCBTMB at all times. This is not only to protect students who attend your school, but also to protect the school from people who may try to falsify your documents.
NCBTMB reserves the right to deny or revoke a school from a voluntary Assigned School Code if the school misrepresents its students, education, or any documentation submitted to NCBTMB.
Along with meeting our minimum 500-hour curriculum requirements, Accredited schools must also submit the following materials:
- Completed contact information,
- Copy of your accreditation approval with expiration date,
- Copy of a signed, sample transcript for all massage therapy programs your school offers, and
- A breakdown of the curriculum hours.*
*Note: NCBTMB will accept online curriculum for Accredited schools. Click here for more information.
Once the above materials are received, your Assigned School application will be complete. NCBTMB will notify you with your Assigned School Code upon review.
It is extremely important to update information with NCBTMB at all times. This is not only to protect students who attend your school, but also to protect the school from people who may try to falsify your documents.
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Become an Assigned School
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