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NCBTMB Advanced Certification Process is a Bumpy Road

The National Certification Board hit a bump in the road this weekend when Whitney Lowe resigned from the Advanced Certification Task Force, citing differences of opinion over how the project should proceed.

In a letter to NCB staff and fellow Task Force members, Lowe acknowledged the effort that has been put forth during the process, and expressed his concern about the timeline of the process, which he feels is being rushed to the detriment of the project.

His resignation stated in part, "I have long felt our profession is in need of an advanced credential. I recognize it is not an easy task and there are a number of people who have put forth significant efforts on behalf of this process. It is a complex issue and requires a great deal of thought, input, and insight into what is best for the profession. I have been greatly dismayed by the process that has been used so far to create this credential. Crucial discussions have been brushed aside in a rush to meet an unrealistic timeline for deployment of this exam. Yesterday we were informed that the eligibility criteria had been established and a job task analysis would be begun in approximately two weeks."

Lowe went on to say that he felt many concerns that he had brought up about possible flaws in the exam construction had been ignored or glossed over, and that he could no longer support the process being used to create the exam. Read More....

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Comment by Julie Onofrio on October 28, 2009 at 7:50pm: WoW! that is big news for Whitney to leave!!! If that isn't enough for them to wake up I don't know what will. Julie

Comment by Gloria Coppola on October 26, 2009 at 6:53pm: Go Whitney! I agree with him. (Although I could not get to the link to read the rest of your comments Laura)
I'm with Marissa too - this is getting way too political, although I do see the need for some organization .
As for NCB, in all the years I've been a member and paid my dues, they never have politely answered a phone, Never sent a referral, never got back to me when I left messages...so Marissa I agree the money is better spent on our own advertising and needs. They don't even send a notice to you when you don't pay your dues and have given up on them.

Laura, I do read your blogs and don't always have time to respond to all the discussions out there. I support you and honor your commitment to doing what you do! Thank you for keeping us educated and informed.

Comment by Marissa on October 26, 2009 at 12:45pm: There is one major flaw here. All of these organizations are trying to "guide/govern" us as a profession. However, when was the last time you saw the massage police show up in your town? As a profession, it is and has been (I can only speak for the last 7 years) our duty to govern ourselves. We report any wrong doing to these "authorities" and hope for the best. I am not against a "uniform model" or a "standard", in fact I applaud it! Mike, I responded this way to one of your blogs as well. I think there are so many of us out there that are just plain tired of the hoopla. Get it together. It seems we are always on the verge of hoping for the best.

Laura- Even if I don't always respond, I read every blog of yours and you inspire me.

Mike- I agree. Not taking the "NCTMB Part 2" as Les called it, would speak volumes. This year I did something similar w/ ABMPs certification/professional insurance. Same coverage. We are licensed here and are required to complete the same CEU hours as National Certification. So, why would I spend $30 more for the same insurance to state that I am committed to continuing education? Yes, with the "Certified" insurance, you get 1st pick for referrals. However, in 7 years, I have never received a referral from them. Interesting. My $30 bucks was more useful with business cards.

Comment by Mike Hinkle on October 26, 2009 at 12:09pm: I'm with you about the politics Marissa. Contrary to belief, I hate the entire process. But the profession is just now really organizing and organization is political, whether I like it or not. And as Laura says, if it our profession and our income accordingly, we have to get involved or just sit back, as too many do, and let those who will speak up, decide.

But Laura, since this is voluntary, doesn't just avoiding the test, speak volumes?

Comment by Laura Allen on October 26, 2009 at 9:44am: Thanks for your comments, Marissa. It is true that a lot of people are drawn to massage therapy from other professions that are perceived as more "political." However, we now have the AMTA, ABMP, the NCBTMB, the AFMTE, the FSMTB, COMTA, and a few other entities like state massage therapy boards, the COE (Council on Occupational Education) and modality-specific associations trying to guide us and/or govern us, so the fact is, there are a lot of politics at play here.

I know a lot of therapists who couldn't care less about the political scene. I'm sometimes discouraged, in fact, when I put out a blog about something I personally think is very important to not only me as a massage therapist, but the profession as a whole, and it doesn't get a single comment. I start to wonder if anyone else cares. If it affects my status as a professional massage therapist and a small business owner, I'm going to sit up and take notice, and voice my opinions to the powers that be.

I do encourage people to let the NCBTMB, and any other organization that they have a beef with to get in touch with them and let them know how you feel!

Comment by Marissa on October 26, 2009 at 8:52am: Am I completely wrong in the assumption that most of us got out of business that was full of "politics"?!?! I am seeing time and time again therapists on here stating that they were "tired" of business politics and wanted something pure and good in their lives. A way to help people and not nit-pick about the inconsequential. I love being updated and informed about all of this, but it's getting ridiculous! It seems that these members need to remove their heads from a dark place and reach out beyond the end of their noses to see what the people of the profession want to happen. Like you said recently, are they turning over a new leaf? I think they might just be raking them in and getting ready to light that match.