FREQUENTLY ASKED CONTINUING EDUCATION QUESTIONS
Q. Does the Board keep a list of approved continuing education courses/programs? How will I know if the course/program will be accepted by the Board?
A. No. The Board does not maintain a list of approved continuing education courses/programs. The Board shall approve for credit courses approved by NCBTMB and Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and courses determined by the Board to meet professional standards. Contact professional massage organizations, massage schools and colleges offering the massage curriculum to get a list of massage related courses. Also, keep in mind because a course offers CEUs does not mean that the subject or modality being taught is within the scope of practice for CMTs and RMPs.
Q Is the CPR certificate in addition to the 24 hours of CEUs? What level of CPR must I complete?
A. Yes. At the time of renewal a CMT/RMP must have a current CPR certificate from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association to meet this requirement.
Q. Continuing Education Requirements require 3 hours in professional ethics or jurisprudence. Does that mean I can complete ethics or jurisprudence or both?
A. Yes. You may complete a minimum of 3 hours of ethics or jurisprudence OR a combination of ethics and jurisprudence totaling at least 3 hours.
Q. I have a current valid NCBTMB certificate. If audited must I also submit verification of the 24 hours of CEUs?
A. Yes. The courses must meet the specified curriculum in .01 A (1) (2) (3). However, you are exempt from completing the courses between November 1, 2002 and October 31, 2004.
Q. If I complete more than 24 hours of continuing education courses in the 2002-2004 renewal cycle, may I carryover the additional hours to the 2004-2006 cycle?
A. No. To receive credit for continuing education course/program, it must be completed within the time frame of the renewal cycle. In 2004 you will receive credit for a course completed between November 1, 2002 and October 31, 2004. The only exception to this guideline is a CMT or RMP with a current valid NCBTMB certificate.
Q. If audited and I have not completed all the continuing education requirements, may I practice pending completion of the courses?
A. No. Your renewed certificate/registration will not be issued and you may not practice until you come into compliance.
Q. Can an instructor of a professional massage therapy course receive continuing education credit for teaching the massage course?
A. Yes. The Board determined that up to 25% of the required 24 hours of continuing education may be credited. This means a maximum of 6 hours. The course must meet Board approval guidelines and the instructor may not receive credit for teaching the same course more than once.
Q. I received my certificate/registration in 2003. Must I still complete the 24 hours of continuing education?
A. Only individuals issued initial certificates or registrations in October 2003 thru October 31, 2004 are exempt for the continuing education requirement in October 2004.
Q. I am currently inactive and I have decided to remain inactive. Must I complete the continuing education courses to maintain my inactive status?
A. No. You are not required to complete the continuing education courses, unless you want to reactivate your certificate or registration. You can reactivate a certificate or registration at anytime, after all the applicable fees are paid and documents that verify completion of the continuing education courses are approved by the Board.