Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if animal massage or animal acupressure is a recognized profession in my state?
A. We recommend that you check with any possible governing boards in your state to get the actual legal interpretation for practice in your state. This usually involves either your State Board of Veterinary Governors/Medicine or your State Board of Massage, but could also fall under other professional boards (such as the Chiropractic and Massage Board in Maryland or the Department of Health in Washington for example). Because each state has its own position on the practice of non-veterinary animal therapies, and because these positions are often changing, it is not possible for us to advise you on your own state's current position. We also advise you to check with an animal massage or animal acupressure program in your state, which may have the most recent information for your area. Be aware that most states are still non-regulated in regards to animal therapies. For your own protection, if you practice you should include some statement on your documentation (brochures, websites, session charts) indicating that you do not practice veterinary medicine and that you cannot diagnose, prescribe treatment or provide prognosis as part of your scope of practice.
Here are links from the American Veterinary Medical Association website showing veterinary laws and regulations by state: http://www.avma.org/advocacy/state/issues/sr_cavm_exemptions.asp http://www.avma.org/advocacy/state/resources/default.asp http://www.avma.org/advocacy/state/vmas.asp
Q. What is the actual accrediting body behind the NBCAAM test and what is the benefit of taking the examination?
A. Hocking College has partnered with NBCAAM. Hocking College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and as such, will administer the examination for NBCAAM. Several members of its faculty are founding members of NBCAAM. As the examinations evolve, NBCAAM will work to provide additional benefits to the membership. A successful record of examination administration and the building of resources over the next year or two will allow NBCAAM to pursue other accreditations. Initially, the examination is a voluntary effort to raise awareness among animal health care professionals and to recognize those practitioners who have demonstrated a high standard of practice in our profession. Until now, there has not been a precedent for any national accreditation for animal massage or acupressure. It is up to us, as professionals in these disciplines, to develop and maintain nationally recognized standards so that we attain legitimacy within the public and veterinary communities. This is the mission of NBCAAM. By participating in NBCAAM, we are all taking an important stand for our professions.
Q. Is hands-on testing a component of the test?
A. NBCAAM cannot realistically administer a hands-on examination and was designed to primarily recognize the academic standard appropriate for practice. However, we do recognize and appreciate the concern that academic knowledge does not by itself guarantee good practice. Initially, the board had decided to follow the precedent established by human massage, acupressure, and other bodywork modalities allowing the training programs to be responsible for ensuring the adequate demonstration of hands-on technique. To ensure that hands-on practice is being adequately covered, the Board will consider updating the 200 hour requirement to include specific guidelines for hands-on demonstration that will need to be observed and documented as part of the application for testing process. Because NBCAAM has chosen not to approve or select specific programs of study at this time, it also cannot approve or select specific hands-on testing administrators. Instead, we are developing a form that lists those things that need to be demonstrated and will need to be completed by an instructor or mentor who can be contacted regarding the quality of the work and submitted with the application. Eventually, NBCAAM may decide to develop an approval process for programs and individuals for both the academic and hands-on testing requirements, but at this time it would hinder the advancement of our mission.
Q. Can I become a member without taking the exam and what the benefits would be available as an individual, school or business?
A. There are opportunities for membership without sitting for the examinations. Individuals can participate on committees, attend open meetings and utilize the online member resources as they are developed. Those applying for the examination will receive membership as part of their application and will be recognized as certified members when they successfully complete the examination. They will have all the benefits of individual members and may have access to special opportunities for certified members. Business and academic programs may apply for associate membership. They will have the same benefits of individual members and may have the opportunity to advertise or promote their products and services for reduced fees. There will also be opportunities for advertisers or sponsors to be involved. If you have a product or service that you would like to promote through the NBCAAM, you may purchase advertising on the website or if you would like to offer discounted services or products to our membership, we will be implementing a process for that as well.
Thank you for your interest and for your questions. We hope that these answers help you to better understand how NBCAAM can help you promote your practice and improve your opportunities. If you have additional questions, please contact us.