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NCBTMB and FSMTB Release Joint Statement Regarding CE Collaboration

March 25, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2016

(Overland Park, Kan. / Burr Ridge, Ill. – March 20) – The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) issue the following joint statement.

NCBTMB and FSMTB Release Joint Statement Regarding CE Collaboration

Burr Ridge, Ill./Overland Park, Kan. (March 25, 2016) – The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) announced today the following joint statement: “NCBTMB and FSMTB are working toward a partnership regarding Continuing Education. We look forward to open dialog and collaboration between the two organizations.” The following representatives from NCBTMB and FSMTB added the following statements: “It has been a pleasure to dialogue with the leadership of FSMTB over the last couple of months, and we are thrilled to announce the unification of both the NCBTMB and FSMTB Board of Directors on this collaborative partnership regarding Continuing Education,” explained Dr. Leena S. Guptha, board chair, NCBTMB. “It takes the recognition and acceptance of all industry stakeholders within and around the profession to collaborate and create an envisioned future that serves the collective advancement of massage therapy. This landmark collaboration with FSMTB further aligns with our mission to continue defining and advancing standards, and, most importantly, to do the right thing for the profession.” Karen Armstrong, FSMTB president, joins Guptha in celebrating the collaborative efforts, stating, “This represents a shift for the profession and it is our hope that this improvement will equally benefit our members, therapists and education providers. The FSMTB has thoroughly examined the status of continuing education for over five years and the FSMTB board of directors exercised diligence in ultimately deciding to support and collaborate with NCBTMB on this continuing education initiative.” About NCBTMB The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) is an independent, private, nonprofit organization founded in 1992. The mission of NCBTMB is to define and advance the highest standards in the massage therapy and bodywork. In support of this mission, NCBTMB serves the profession through Board Certification, Approved Providers, and Assigned Schools. For more information, please visit www.ncbtmb.org. About FSMTB The Federation’s mission is to support its member boards in their work to ensure that the practice of massage therapy is provided to the public in a safe and effective manner. For more information, please visit www.fsmtb.org.