Role of National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Implications for Public Health and the General Public

Massage and Bodywork Therapies are increasingly gaining greater acceptance in the health care industry and the complementary and alternative health care market. As more people participate in receiving these services, there is an increased need for public health professionals to become more aware of the value and role of national certification and the legislative requirements of their states. This presentation will provide an overview of the national certification program and its importance and relevance to the public health community. It will also address the need for greater recognition and awareness of the credential across the health care market, especially within the complementary, alternative and integrative health care arena. Educational requirements, standards and scope of practice of therapeutic massage and bodywork will be addressed as well as the status of certification and licensure in the United States. Presenters will identify trends in the complementary and alternative health care practice arena that may affect the future roles of national certification and its implications for the public health community.