_____

November 2009 …….The National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage (NBCAAM) is pleased to announce that the Canine Massage Examination is now “live” and available.

All 4 examinations are now available for applicants to take, Canine and Equine massage and Canine and Equine acupressure. This is a very important step toward supporting and promoting individuals within the profession and standardizing the profession itself through voluntary meeting of standards. Applicants are encouraged to review the Study Guides for the examinations posted on the NBCAAM website. Also, for further information about NBCAAM and FAQs please visit the website. http://www.SwiftPage3.com/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2V0JVSE5HR2C287K00Y3WV www.NBCAAM.org.

Equine Massage Test

The Equine Massage Test is up and running. We have had 2 applicants take and pass the test. Marianne McClain, a Northwest School of Animal Massage graduate, was the first to take the test and become certified. Jennifer Wheeler, a Hocking College graduate, was the second.

The Equine Massage study guide is on the website. Keep checkng the site for updates on this exciting venture in validating our chosen career path.

Mission Statement:

National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM) endeavors to provide examinations that reflect and uphold the highest professional standards of practice for animal acupressure and massage. To that end, the examinations are available to people who have completed specialized animal training programs in either or both disciplines. Upon successful completion of the examination in their chosen discipline, the practitioner will be deemed a knowledgeable and professional animal acupressure or massage practitioner and will be recognized as such by noted professionals practicing in that particular field.

Member Benefits:

As NBCAAM continues to develop member benefits will include: a directory of Nationally Certified Animal Acupressure and Massage Practitioners, listings of advanced training opportunities for the practitioner, narrative examination study guides, sample questions, listing of NBCAAM approved schools, and learning materials for continued study.

Intention:

NBCAAM provides the general pubic, the veterinary community, and other animal healthcare professionals assurance that NBCAAM Certified Practitioners meet the highest professional standards of practice. Biannual Continuing Education is required of all NBCAAM Certified Practitioners. We are taking important strides toward monitoring and increasing the level of professionalism within the animal massage and acupressure disciplines. Taking the examination is entirely voluntary and we are excited to be able to offer this option to people who are serious about enhancing the professional standing of animal massage and acupressure in the United States.

NOTE: NBCAAM, a not-for-profit organization, was created for the purpose of establishing and upholding professional standards for animal acupressure and massage practitioners. The method by which NBCAAM certifies that a practitioner has met these standards is by developing standardized national certification examinations. Taking the examination is entirely voluntary. Information and the requirements for taking the examinations are available on the website: http://www.SwiftPage3.com/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2V0JVSE5HR2C287K01Y3WV www.nbcaam.org

Contact: Amy Snow, 888.841.7211, [email protected]