NCBTMB is proud to partner with The Heart Touch Project to empower new and veteran massage therapists with the opportunity to achieve a Specialty Certificate in Pain and Palliative Care.

Under this new partnership, therapists become eligible for the Specialty Certificate upon completion of the Heart Touch Pain and Palliative Care Massage Therapy Training Program or upon completion of the NCBTMB Portfolio Review process, both of which culminate with the NCBTMB Specialty Exam. With national backing from NCBTMB, therapists can provide these critical services to individuals in hospital and hospice settings.

You can become eligible to obtain a Specialty Certificate in Pain and Palliative Care by completing the Heart Touch Pain and Palliative Care Massage Training Program and passing the NCBTMB Specialty Exam.

This includes the full Heart Touch Training Program, consisting of the following courses/internship:

  • Heart Touch Method Training (20 hours)
  • Massage for Pediatric Patients (20 hours)
  • Pain and Palliative Massage (16 hours)
  • Oncology Massage 1: Outpatient (24 hours; meets S4OM criteria)
  • Oncology Massage 2: Inpatient (24 hours; meets S4OM criteria)
  • Essential Oils in the Health Care Setting (16 hours)
  • Mind-Body Integration for Palliative Care (8 hours)
  • Hospital Internship (60 hours)
  • Pain and Palliative Meetings & Grand Rounds (12 hours)

All massage therapists must complete the Heart Touch Method Training, Massage for Pediatric Patients, Mind-Body Integration for Palliative Care, and Pain and Palliative Massage courses before starting an internship. Therapists may complete up to 30 hours of internship without taking Oncology Massage 1 & 2, and the Essential Oils in the Health Care Setting trainings. In addition, therapists must have completed the entire didactic portion of the training before completing the last 30 hours of interning.

Candidates who successfully complete the above training through The Heart Touch Project will be awarded an official NCBTMB Specialty Certificate in Pain and Palliative Care. In addition, THTP graduates will receive a letter of verification outlining the education and training they have received, which may be provided to stakeholders, such as employers.

Candidates may apply for the THTP Pain and Palliative Care Massage Training Program immediately, as spots are limited. To apply, visit http://www.hearttouch.org/pain-and-palliative-curriculum.