Change Is Happening NOW!!

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Grounds on November 2, 2009 at 5:32pm

I am confused about the changes happening. I am due to renew my national certfication membership in a few months. I took the test because the state I lived in required it. I moved to a state that does not require the national exam, only a state exam. Now I hear all states will recognize the MBLex over the NCBMTE. So my question is, why should I renew this piece of paper, other than pride of knowledge? I feel like every time I turn around I'm being asked to pay another fee to practice what I do. The argument is "Doctors also pay these fees" but LMTs do not make nearly what MDs do. Now there is this Advance Certification Exam? I am not sure how I feel about that. Before becoming an LMT, I was a university professor, where letters after you name meant everything but true progress tended to get stuck in committee meetings. I feel like perhaps the massage industry is following the windy road of standard academia. I left teaching at a university for a reason. I loved teaching but hated the red tape that grew miles each year. There were days I spent only in committee meetings. I understand the need to improve teaching standards and to recognize those who make great strides for the industry. But I feel like an advance degree will start a class division within the massage field. Those who can afford the advance classes and can afford to take the exam versus a good massage therapist who may be struggling to stay open. Maybe I'm just being too cynical.

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on November 2, 2009 at 6:08pm

Hi Kelly,

I get lots of people asking these same questions. Not all states have gone to MBLEx, yet. Some are not even being allowed to, due to litigation. Some states use these tests in leiu of creating one themselves. And in some states it is mandatory to be NCBTMB certified to even, renew your license. I think that is wrong. I like high standards as much as anyone. But they should look at their own first. Suing someone for wanting to give therapists a better test is not a very good standard.

You'd have to ask NCBTMB what they offer for their membership. I renewed because Laura Allen said she thought they were trying. I am a member and was told six years ago, portability was on the horizon and this would guarantee my ability to have it. It hasn't and I haven't seen the effort on their part to even address it. Other plans for other things have clouded, their mission. I do not think at this time it is a priority, either.

Advanced certification has now taken the forefront. And, I fear waiting on them will result in just more wasted time. Unless I see marked improvement in the next four years, I will drop my membership.

The advanced certification is drawing more attention as everyone is wondering about it. Not a lot of information out yet. I agree with you about "status" in the profession. This is why I had such a hard time understanding the tier system that California uses. But their's is a necessary system, to be able to practice. It is not by choice. This may be different. We will see. You aren't cynical. You just want it explained, as do we all.

Kelly Grounds said:

I am confused about the changes happening. I am due to renew my national certfication membership in a few months. I took the test because the state I lived in required it. I moved to a state that does not require the national exam, only a state exam. Now I hear all states will recognize the MBLex over the NCBMTE. So my question is, why should I renew this piece of paper, other than pride of knowledge? I feel like every time I turn around I'm being asked to pay another fee to practice what I do. The argument is "Doctors also pay these fees" but LMTs do not make nearly what MDs do. Now there is this Advance Certification Exam? I am not sure how I feel about that. Before becoming an LMT, I was a university professor, where letters after you name meant everything but true progress tended to get stuck in committee meetings. I feel like perhaps the massage industry is following the windy road of standard academia. I left teaching at a university for a reason. I loved teaching but hated the red tape that grew miles each year. There were days I spent only in committee meetings. I understand the need to improve teaching standards and to recognize those who make great strides for the industry. But I feel like an advance degree will start a class division within the massage field. Those who can afford the advance classes and can afford to take the exam versus a good massage therapist who may be struggling to stay open. Maybe I'm just being too cynical.