World Massage Festival
Massage Therapy Hall of Fame
Read our Philosophy - The Bridge Builder
Mike's Thoughts
Mike shows off an early 1920's vibrator from the World of Massage Museum,
in Spokane, Washington, that Judi Calvert donated to the World Massage Festival.
Q. Mike, why don't you set any minimum educational hours or eligibility requirements to take World Massage Festival Continuing Education Credits?
A. One reason is that I will not pick an arbitrary number of hours of education as a minimum eligibility requirement - it would be arbitrary because there is no data upon which to make a sound decision about appropriate educational hours. Until the powers that be are able to ascertain what an appropriate educational standard might be so that recommendations to the States can take place, it should remain the prerogative of each State Legislature to determine what is right for their State.
Q. What about licensure portability?
A. This was a key topic at the 2008 Festival Symposium. My feelings are: we need to start somewhere and the best way I see to do that is to find common ground first.
Here are two ways it could be initiated swiftly.
1. 10 States have two basic criteria needed to start states accepting other state therapists: They require 500 hours of school and They do testing through FSMTB (MBLEx)
Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Maine, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington State. Highlighted states are not yet member board states of FSMTB. This group could start a new historical path for the profession within a year.
2. At a minimum, Florida, Texas and Washington (the three with the most therapists in licensed states) could start the process within six months. It would be a great test.
Q. Why did you choose New Braunfels, Texas?
A. Obviously, you have never been here. This is every bit as good as Disneyworld. The entire town is a water park with Canyon Lake at the top of the Hill Country furnishing the power of water. The surrounding hills and valleys draw sharp contrast to the White sands of Panama City Beach, Florida (2008) and the foggy Smokey Mountains of Kentucky (2010). We even have indoor water skiing classes. Each festival is, and will always be, unique. That's why you don't want to miss one. So throw on yer hat and mosey on over!
Q. What made you think of the World Massage Plan?
A. 68% of the questions and answers posed at the 2008 Symposium concerned insurance and education. People were asking for somebody to do something to lower the cost without creating another association. I feel this is the best plan in the Country.
A. One reason is that I will not pick an arbitrary number of hours of education as a minimum eligibility requirement - it would be arbitrary because there is no data upon which to make a sound decision about appropriate educational hours. Until the powers that be are able to ascertain what an appropriate educational standard might be so that recommendations to the States can take place, it should remain the prerogative of each State Legislature to determine what is right for their State.
Q. What about licensure portability?
A. This was a key topic at the 2008 Festival Symposium. My feelings are: we need to start somewhere and the best way I see to do that is to find common ground first.
Here are two ways it could be initiated swiftly.
1. 10 States have two basic criteria needed to start states accepting other state therapists: They require 500 hours of school and They do testing through FSMTB (MBLEx)
Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Maine, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington State. Highlighted states are not yet member board states of FSMTB. This group could start a new historical path for the profession within a year.
2. At a minimum, Florida, Texas and Washington (the three with the most therapists in licensed states) could start the process within six months. It would be a great test.
Q. Why did you choose New Braunfels, Texas?
A. Obviously, you have never been here. This is every bit as good as Disneyworld. The entire town is a water park with Canyon Lake at the top of the Hill Country furnishing the power of water. The surrounding hills and valleys draw sharp contrast to the White sands of Panama City Beach, Florida (2008) and the foggy Smokey Mountains of Kentucky (2010). We even have indoor water skiing classes. Each festival is, and will always be, unique. That's why you don't want to miss one. So throw on yer hat and mosey on over!
Q. What made you think of the World Massage Plan?
A. 68% of the questions and answers posed at the 2008 Symposium concerned insurance and education. People were asking for somebody to do something to lower the cost without creating another association. I feel this is the best plan in the Country.
World Massage Festival * festival@worldmassagefestival.com * 830-214-0827