Jim Smith
Board Certified Massage Therapist

My Credentials

Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is the highest voluntary credential a massage therapist can obtain within the profession—it is above and beyond entry level state licensure. By becoming Board Certified, I represent a community of therapists who have gone above standard educational and work experience requirements with a dedicated and lifelong commit to continuing education. Furthermore, I live up to higher standards and ethics in alignment with The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

To achieve my Board Certification, I provided proof of a minimum of 750 hours of education, 250 hours of professional, hands-on work experience, passed a criminal background check, agreed to uphold NCBTMB's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and passed the Board Certification Exam. By passing the BCETMB and meeting all requirements, I demonstrate advanced assessment and critical thinking skills, as well as a commitment to excellence. I wear the credentials BCTMB with pride for myself, my profession, and, most importantly, my clients.

Specialty Certificate in Military Veteran Massage (NCBTMB)

Through Crouse Hospital and The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), I have earned a Specialty Certificate in Military Veteran Massage. This specialty designation serves as proof of my advanced knowledge and experience to offer safe, effective, and nurturing massage for those that experienced physical and/or psychological trauma while serving in the United States military during conflict and war. It is recognized by the massage therapy profession's only certification board (NCBTMB) and is embraced nationwide by fellow key stakeholders, including employers.

To earn this specialty designation, I completed an 80-hour Massage for Veterans program through Crouse Hospital, and in partnership with the Syracuse VA Hospital and Clear Path for Veterans, a non-profit organization. The program culminated with a final exam administered by the NCBTMB that tested the six separate training modules focused on throughout my specialty program: Communication & Respect, Consent & Psychological Pressure, Competency & Scope of Practice, Boundaries & Power Differential, Discrimination, and Therapist Self Care.

Specialty Certificate in Sports Massage (NCBTMB)

Through the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), I have earned a Specialty Certificate in Sports Massage. This specialty designation serves as proof of my advanced knowledge and experience in the science of sports massage and settings for sports massage. My training was further enhanced by a workshop featuring techniques and applications.

To earn this specialty certificate, I completed a 30-credit hour program and passed a final exam administered by the NCBTMB that consisted of the following topics:

  • Factors in treatment decisions,
  • The benefits of sports massage therapy,
  • Ethical considerations in sports massage,
  • An understanding of sports science,
  • An in-depth look at where injuries occur,
  • How athlete tissues are affected and how they heal,
  • An examination of the healing stages, as well as what massage techniques are appropriate for athletes' schedules,
  • How to conduct athletes' clinical assessments to develop a massage therapy plan, and
  • Examine treatments and prevention strategies to ensure athletes can perform at the highest level, as well as preventive measures for many injuries.

During my hands-on training, I perfected advanced techniques and learned how to further customize approaches tailored the athlete's needs.

My Specialty Certificate in Sports Massage is recognized by the massage therapy profession's only certification board (NCBTMB) and is embraced nationwide by fellow key stakeholders, including employers.