Welcome
Donna Feeley
MPH, BSN, RN, NCTMB
Chair, NCBTMB |
I'm excited to introduce NCBTMB’s first ever e-dition newsletter. It’s part of our promise to communicate with you more frequently, more openly and more effectively. It also gives you the opportunity to interact with NCBTMB – whether it’s responding to online surveys, clicking and reading the stories that interest you, or sharing your insights and suggestions. Personally, I want you to know that each one of us at NCBTMB looks forward to learning more about you and how we can better meet your certification needs.
As you read this newsletter, please remember that – when it comes to therapeutic massage and bodywork – NCBTMB is committed to making sure you know what’s in the news, on the horizon and in the works. |
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Proud of Our Progress, Excited About Our Future
NCBTMB’s Board and executive management tackled an ambitious agenda last week at AMTA’s Annual Convention in Cincinnati.
Before the convention began, NCBTMB’s leadership met to discuss recent progress and long-term objectives during two days of strategic planning. Later, the team participated in skills development and training sessions, staffed the organization’s new trade show booth, sponsored an educator’s networking luncheon and hosted an evening reception for attendees from states recently passing certification requirements.
Highlights of NCBTMB’s accomplishments and plans for enhanced relationships and service offerings were shared with convention attendees during a two-hour presentation, “Proud of Our Progress, Excited About Our Future.” The program included an overview of the new brand image and improved communications vehicles, the piloting of a national disciplinary database and the expansion of partnerships within the CAM community.
NCBTMB also unveiled its new user-friendly website – www.ncbtmb.com – with expanded content, additional resources, easier navigation and greater interactivity. |
NCBTMB Gets – and Hosts – a Great Reception
Guests enjoying refreshments and conversation.
NCBTMB Chair-Elect Neal Delaporta speaking with guest. |
The NCBTMB Board convened for its second quarterly meeting June 22 through 24 in Washington, D.C. As part of an overarching strategy of connecting with stakeholders at every level, the Board also hosted a gathering of area practitioners, massage school administrators, state board representatives and other leaders in the healthcare field.
The event was a huge success, with a number of participants out of the nearly 100 in attendance sharing their thoughts with TouchPoints:
“The Board members were very candid and clear in speaking one on one – and in small groups – about what’s going on, what the vision is, their own passion and why they are Board members. It was a wonderful opportunity.”
Demara Stamler, NCTMB Executive Director, Potomac Massage Training Institute
“I was very impressed with meeting the Board members and getting the chance to put friendly faces to names. I was impressed with the professionalism and diversity of the backgrounds of the Board members.”
Vivian Takafuji, NCTMB
Massage therapist, private practice
For more on the D.C. meeting, check out page 5 of the Fall 2007 edition of In Touch, our newly redesigned print newsletter. |
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Job Task Analysis: What You Need to Know
How does NCBTMB ensure that the knowledge assessed during credentialing is relevant to job competency and performance? Job analyses. In fact, NCBTMB has completed three such analyses over the years and is currently conducting another.
 “A job analysis,” explained Paul Parker, NCBTMB’s Director of Certification, “is a set of procedures used to obtain descriptive information about tasks performed on a job and the knowledge areas needed to perform those tasks competently.”
NCBTMB’s Job Analysis Task Force – led by Carole Ostendorf, PhD – developed an inventory of job-related tasks and knowledge areas, which was used to create a questionnaire. This questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of national certificants. After the data is studied, NCBTMB will update, if necessary, the content of exams and notify schools and prospective students of any changes.
Results of the job analysis will be posted on www.ncbtmb.com. |
Retreat Focuses on Teamwork and Leadership
NCBTMB Board, staff, volunteers, certificants
and invited guests during rooftop reception
in San Diego |
San Diego, California was the host city for NCBTMB’s recent two-day strategic governance retreat held on August 24 and 25. Volunteers, Board members and staff came together to take part in the event. As part of the Board’s focus on broad-based learning in leadership and governance best practices, all participants played a part in reviewing governance and strategy, leadership partnerships between Board, volunteers and staff, and increasing volunteer participation.
A Saturday reception and recognition dinner provided an opportunity for NCBTMB’s Board to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of time and energy by volunteers. The two-day event came on the heels of a similar affair held in Washington D.C. Both have proven to be very popular with certificants who have been invited to come learn about NCBTMB activities and share their ideas. Chair Donna Feeley plans on repeating the reception when the Board meets in early December in New Orleans. |
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In Your Own Words
Student Speaks Out on Value of National Certification
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“It's been impressed upon us that taking the national exam is a ‘no-brainer,’” said third semester massage student Liz Bartucci. “Taking and passing the national exam gives you the freedom to take your hands and skills further into the world – where you are needed or where you want to go. It also increases credibility with employers and the community showing how serious you are about massage therapy.”
“It’s another way to prepare for sitting for boards. It works different muscles, helping you problem solve in a different way. In other words, why wouldn’t you take the national exam?”
Liz Bartucci is a third semester student at the Swedish Institute in New York City. She is also a freelance writer whose screenplay, “Everything Is Going To Be Alright,” is in development with Roadside Pictures. |
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Surveying the Future
As NCBTMB continues to grow, we need your input in helping us shape our future. Each TouchPoints will feature a short survey – and your answers will be used to forecast continuing education needs and foster increased collaboration with health professionals and partners.
 TAKE OUR SURVEY:
For those who have practiced massage therapy for at least 5 years, how has your practice changed in the last 2 1/2 years?
Click here to take this 5-minute online survey.
Results will be posted in the Survey Says section of www.ncbtmb.com. |
Ad-vancing Excellence
NCBTMB is getting the word out about national certification! Look for the latest ad in Massage Therapy Journal, Massage Magazine, Massage & Bodywork and Massage Today. Or click here and see it now! |
Look for Us!
If you’re in the area, please stop by NCBTMB’s booth and introduce yourself. We’ll be an exhibitor at the following meetings, conferences and events:
NOVEMBER
November 3-7
American Public Health Association (APHA)
Washington, DC
November 12-15
International Spa Association (ISPA)
Kissimmee, FL
November 13-17
National League of Cities (NLC)
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, LA
November 14-17
National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA)
Hyatt Regency
San Antonio, TX |
Linking You to Information
National Association of Nurse Massage Therapists
American Holistic Nurses Association
American Public Health Association
American Organization for
Bodywork Therapies of Asia
Massage Therapy Foundation
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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What's Your Story?
We’d love to include your story in one of NCBTMB’s newsletters. Tips for running a successful massage or bodywork practice ... what you feel are the advantages of national certification ... or any other information you think might benefit other certificants.
Please send info to ncbwebmaster@ponweb.com. Include your name, phone number and e-mail address so we can contact you.
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