How to Become a Certified Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is a booming industry, and not just in the realm of pampering but the healthcare field, too. 

The US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the profession will grow faster than average between now and 2012. Americans are spending in the neighborhood of $4-6 billion each year on massages. Massage can relieve pain, improve circulation, provide better lymph movement and just promote a better sense of well-being (and that's just a few of its benefits).

However, despite all the health benefits and growth in the field, there is still sometimes that connotation of "adult massage parlors." While professional facilities should never be lumped into the same category as these "back door" places, the association still exists. "Massage parlor" and "masseuse" are words taboo at professional schools and healthcare facilities and if someone uses them, it's either because they do not know any better or they are in fact, one of "those places." Because of this, it is crucial to the success and reputation of a massage therapist to become nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 

Certification from the NCBTMB promotes credibility, upholds professional ethics and standard practices, promotes continued professional development and more. Furthermore, while not required to practice in some states, 36 others and Washington D.C. do require national certification. And, even in states where this is not required, schools, clinic owners and other employers of therapists can’t stress enough that becoming nationally certified is the way to go.