The following summarizes some of the designations and acronyms used on this website:
CMP
A CMP is an acronym for Certified Massage Practitioner and is often used interchangeably with CMT (certified massage therapist). A CMP designation is granted by a school or institution and denotes a certain level of competency for your massage therapist. Various regions (states, provinces, countries) have different expectations for what certification entails, but it typically involves your massage therapist having completed formal training in massage of anywhere from 150 to 2,000+ hours of massage education and training.
CMT
A CMT is an acronym for Certified Massage Therapists and denotes a certain level of competency for your massage therapist. Various regions (states, provinces, countries) have different expectations for what certification entails, but it typically involves your massage therapist having completed formal training in massage of anywhere from 150 to 2,000+ hours of massage education and training. A CMT designation is granted by a school or collegiate body as opposed to an LMT (licensed massage therapist) and RMT (registered massage therapist) which is granted by a governing body, normally at a state or provincial level.
LMT
An LMT, or Licensed Massage Therapist, is a designation provided by a state or provincial governing body showing compliance and licensing of the therapist and practice. Many LMTs are granted a licensing number indicating that the therapist is a licensee in good standing. Note: not all states or provinces require licensing by the massage therapist.
RMT
An RMT, or Registered Massage Therapist, is a designation attributed to massage therapists whom have graduated from a recognized school of massage therapy, having completed a 2-year program and extensive training in massage therapy. The term RMT, or Registered Massage Therapist, is normally used in Canada, and in particular in the legislated provinces of Ontario, BC, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Out of the 18,000 practicing massage therapists in Canada, an estimated 11,000 operate under the RMT designation.
NCMTB
The NCMTB or NCMT is a designation indicating certification by the NCBMTB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork). As an NCMT, you are in the hands of a nationally certified massage therapist. The NCTM designation ensures that your massage therapist has completed a minimum of 500 hours of instruction, has passed a standardized exam demonstration proficiency and mastery over core skills, abilities, and knowledge, and pledges to uphold a certain level of standards of practice and code of ethics.
DC
The DC designation refers to chiropractors and that the practitioner is a Doctor of Chiropractic. In order to get the D.C designation, chiropractors must complete a minimum of three years of undergraduate education at the university level. Most Chiropractors have received their Bachelors Degree. In addition, chiropractors are required to intern for a 4th year at a chiropractic college whereby they must receive 1000 hours clinic training, performing a minimum of 350 individual treatments on real patients, under the supervision of highly experienced doctors. A DC designation ensures that the chiropractic care is performed by a skilled, qualified, and trained professional chiropractor.
CCSP
A CCSP, or Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, is a designation and registered mark of the American Chiropractic Association indicating that the chiropractic practitioner has 1-year of post-doctoral training in chiropractic sports therapy.
ND
A designation of ND stands for Doctor of Naturopathy and indicates that the practitioner has realized a standard of care as demonstrated through training and examinations. The ND designation (or NMD as it is sometimes referenced) is a protected designation by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) training includes, but is not limited to, basic medical diagnostic tests & procedures. This includes medical imaging and blood tests, as well as vitalism and other modalities such as homeopathy.
PT
A PT designation indicates that the practitioner is a licensed Physical Therapist who has passed a nationally-sanctioned licensing exam, demonstrating sufficient understanding and knowledge of Physical Therapy. A therapist may also use an MPT designation (Masters of Physical Therapy) or the designations LPT (Licensed Physical Therapist) or RPT (Registered Physical Therapist).
RAc/CA
RAc is a designation that implies that the acupuncturist is a Registered Acupuncturist and licensed by a governing body. RAc is a sub-designation, often under the parent category of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). In some instances, the categorization is also known simply as CA (Certified Acupuncturist). The licensing required to receive either the CA or RAc designation differs by state or province, but each ensures that a minimum understanding and adherence to the scope of practice of acupuncture.
CAT
A CAT designation, or Certified Acupressure Therapist, indicates that the therapist has completion of 1,000 hours of training in acupressure. Certification requires an additional 150 hours of training.
CAR, ACR, and ACRH
The CAR and ACR designations imply that the therapists is a Certified Advanced Rolfer/Advanced Certified Rolfer. Certified Rolfers must have at least three years of study, plus continuing education credits.The ACRH designation implies that the practitioner is an Advanced Certified Rolfer. To obtain the ACRH designation, the therapist must undergo training consisting of 21 weeks, 731 hours, massage study and some prerequisites.
CBPM
CBPM certification implies that the therapist has undertaken a nine-month (1,300-hour program), plus board exams and continuing education credits as regulated. Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy is form of trigger point therapy.
CFP (Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner)
A CFP designation implies that the therapist is a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and has undergone a training program accredited by the Feldenkrais Guild and has a thorough understanding of the active practice of the Feldenkrais Method. The Feldenkrais Method is a somatic educational system designed by Moshé Feldenkrais.
ARCB, CR
ARCB stands for the American Reflexology Certification Board and implies that the therapist has been certified by the board and demonstrates competency as stipulated by the board. A CR, or Certified Reflexologist indicates that the practitioner has passed an exam given by the International Institute of Reflexology.
CAMT
A CAMT designation refers to the therapist being a Certified Acupressure Massage Therapist. This form of massage therapy and acupressure requires 1,000 hours of training, plus 150 hours at approved school for certification.
RM
A designation of RM implies the practitioner is a Reiki Master. To obtain this designation, a therapist has traditionally committed to at least three years as a Reiki practitioner, and one year as an apprentice to a reiki master. There is no certification required to obtain an RM designation.
