02/10/2022
Here are some 2021 stats for the state of Colorado that may interest you:
- Population: 5.81 million
- Massage therapists: 12,418
- Nationally Board Certified therapists: 426
I AM ONE OF THE 426.
After months of being lost in transit, I received my official National Board Certification this Tuesday. In truth, I was beginning to feel a sense of impatience and frustration from not having something tangible to represent the achievement. I studied at great length to commit the principles, information, and critical reasoning skills to memory - and, boy howdy, I wanted my gold star! Some of you are likely familiar with the NCBTMB - and some of you may not be. Seems like a perfect opportunity to share some insight into the world of bodywork for those who are curious and unfamiliar! Read on to see what took me from my first educational steps to becoming a nationally board certified MT.
First, it's important to note that not every state (sadly) in the United States requires formal education or passing a competency examination to become a licensed massage therapist. These states are Wyoming, Vermont, Minnesota, and Kansas. That said, therapists are still required to meet any requirements established by local municipalities, and these requirements do vary greatly. The MBLEx is the entry-level exam required by most states to determine competency as a safe & informed bodyworker. The NCBTMB is the advanced-level exam - covering much more involved information, concepts, critical thinking, and aptitude for clinical reasoning.
In the state of Colorado, there is currently a 500 hour minimum educational requirement at an approved school. All things considered, this is *NOT* much time at all. In my opinion, this is the most minimal amount any student - even the most dedicated and committed student - would need to spend to possess a baseline level of understanding to be a functional (or unharmful) therapist. This is, in my eyes, the same as someone passing their MCAT and then being given the green light to be a practicing doctor.
In my road to becoming a massage therapist from 2011-2013, I completed a 1024 hour AOS program at Colorado School of Healing Arts. The 3 modalities I specialized in are advanced neuromuscular therapy, craniosacral therapy, and manual lymphatic facilitation. Looking back at my time at CSHA, the Universe favored me with fantastic instructors and colleagues. Bodywork became my entire world for 2 years during the program, and I like to think of myself as a model and highly committed student to the art and the science of massage therapy (particularly the science aspect). After completing my massage program in the state of Colorado, I must then pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) - and then pass a thorough background check with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Since bodywork was my everything for 2 years, I studied like crazy, and because I possess a natural ability to store & recall information - I blasted through the MBLEx with flying colors (score: 876/900). As an aside - I'm sending out a thank you to everyone who contributed to this success and for supporting me!
But I kept learning - massage and bodywork are infinitely fascinating to me. I felt like a sponge that had no limit of absorption. Just when you think you've learned as much as you can with massage & bodywork...there is another entire world to explore in the realm of healing. After my program ended, I made it a point to schedule in 15 minutes of learning every day - every single day. While I wasn't perfect, I'd say my average was above 99% - only missing that time of learning on days I was physically ill, out of town, or had another extenuating circumstance preventing me from self-guided learning. Sadly, many therapists don't continue with self-guided education after completing their program. It's human nature and there's no judgement - I feel it speaks to the importance of having clear goals and wanting to achieve them. After achieving them...what comes next?
For 9 years, I kept learning and learning. I even earned the nickname "Brittanica" with my coworkers and clients at Symmetry 360 Massage. Eventually, I decided - I think I might be able to pass the NCBTMB examination..."but it's been almost 10 years since I passed my MBLEx....how much do I really remember?" Lucky for me - I had my regular self-study habit as my wingman for the task at hand.
I researched what to expect for the exam - 2 hour exam time, 140 questions, topics (modalities/techniques/manual forces, applied sciences - A&P, kinematics, pathophysiology, injury, pharmacology, professional communication, ethics, laws & business practices, critical assessment). If I recall correctly, there was a pool of 20,000+ questions of which were to be randomly selected for my exam...so the pressure was on to really know my s**t and be prepared.
After some months of intensive studying, mock-testing, re-educating, and cramming information - I set up my exam in the Denver Tech Center in late September 2021. The grand total for the chance to take the test was just under $500 & was non-refundable. After some focusing meditation, I entered the facility to begin my exam (after a lengthy, and arguably Draconian, pat-down by testing center security). As ordained by a random deity, I passed the NCBTMB exam on my first attempt. I did quite well, too - which I say proudly - and I again send a thank you out to all of my mentors and teachers along the way that made it all possible.
Thank you for taking that ride down Memory Lane with me. But what does all of this mean for YOU? Massage is an investment - in time, in money, in health. Why settle for the rest...when you can call on the best? I stand by my business name and mantra - you can ALWAYS expect a DAMN GOOD Massage from me.
