Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB) is the highest attainable and voluntary credential that can be obtained within the profession. As a Complementary & Alternative Medicine Practitioner, it represents an exceptional level of academic accreditation, as well as the recognized professional commitment that is far above and beyond any entry level, state or municipal licensure in any medical field. By becoming Board Certified, I have not only expanded my education and work ethic requirements but also dedicated myself to mandatory, lifelong vocational instruction, and to business protocols that are in alignment with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), its governing agency.
To achieve the distinction of Board Certification one must provide proof of 750 hours of required curriculum with 250 hours of professional hands-on work experience, then be vetted by a thorough background check and pass NCBTMB's rigorous testing. Furthermore, every two years I must complete an additional 24 CEs, exclusively from Approved Providers and pass another background investigation, as well as formally agree to uphold the "Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics" set forth by NCBTMB.
Since qualifying I've been driven by my own initiative to diligently uphold NCBTMB's exemplary criteria, by accumulating more than their requisite hours of tutorials and accredited coursework, as well as attaining over a decade of direct practical experience in some of the most respected and professional therapeutic environments.
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree; PhD for Applied Metaphysics, specializing in Holistic Healing from IMHS Metaphysics Institute, has permitted me to further my client care capabilities tremendously. By integrating Reiki, Aromatherapy, Sound Therapy and other forms of Body, Mind, Spirit infused services, I have without a doubt enhanced my effectivity to secure highly customized sources of physical, mental and emotional prosperity. With this degree I was truly transported to a renewed perspective for achieving the uppermost in wellness. Even as a Yale educated individual who also has an academic medical degree and has been a board-certified practitioner of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for more than two decades, it was a life changing learning experience.
To ponder the sciences of Metaphysics such as theoretical mathematics, quantum physics, cosmology, psychic phenomena, electromagnetic potentiality and then study at great length, existential human consciousness (the mind), existence within physicality (the body), as well as grasp the reality of unlimited health that we can manifest when we empower the essence of being (the spirit), while learning how to simultaneously unite these aspects within ourselves and others... was incredibly enriching. Additionally, my success rates in aftercare for maintaining the holistic paragon of Body, Mind and Spirit have continued to expand, by facilitating the school's outstanding proprietary protocols and diverse empowerment techniques which are not available elsewhere.
This bounty of knowledge and expertise in Holistic Healing, also required that I become qualified to legitimately practice as a Certified Holistic Life Coach (CHLC), the professional certification for therapists trained in assimilating holistic wellness by means of lifestyle coaching and as a Certified Hypnotist (CH), for therapists who have been trained in assimilating holistic wellness through the medium of motivational subconscious suggestion.
The IMHS Metaphysics Institute is also known as the Institute of Metaphysical Humanistic Science and has provided the advanced degree community of meticulous scholars with excellence since 2010. It is committed to quality as the predominant, global online University that is dedicated to the profound comprehension of Metaphysical Humanistic Science and accredited by the International Metaphysical Practitioners Association.
The Master of Science Degree; MSOM for Oriental Medicine, specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Samra University, has afforded me the distinction of being officially certified in Acupuncture, Acupressure, Yin-Yang Theory, The Five Elements and Herbology. With this degree, comes a considerable level of competency in both theoretical comprehension and technical dexterity that includes, but is not limited to the Complementary & Alternative Medicine Practices of: Acupuncture treatment and its protocols, as well as the non-invasive modalities of Digital Acupressure, Energetical Acupressure, Cupping, Magnetic Therapy, Gua Sha, Shiatsu, Tui Na Therapy and Herbal Medicaments such as Moxibustion.
After completing the required four years of full-time class work as mandated in the curriculum to be obtained exclusively at Samra University's campus, I furthered my interdisciplinary and comprehensive skills by choosing to also achieve an advanced clinical internship at its clinic; the oldest Traditional Chinese Medicine, public health care clinic in America. It was there that I cultivated my proficiency in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, focusing my attention on those associated with ailments most common to men and women of all ages, as well as physiotherapies designed for the mesomorphic body type... otherwise known as an athlete. These are the strong, robust, muscular body type of individuals, who typically possess meticulousness and extreme attention to performance detail and dedicate themselves to an exceedingly active and competitive career or a tremendous, physically demanding lifestyle.
I received my official medical degree certification in March of 2005, when the successful completion of all written and practical exit examinations was achieved and the highest standards of professional behavior had been well met. This criterion is tantamount to obtaining the MSOM degree, from the oldest and most distinguished University of Oriental Medicine in North America. Founded in 1969, Samra University became the first school of Oriental Medicine to receive full institutional approval by the California State Department of Education and be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Schools of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Samra University is known internationally as the preeminent teaching institution with a reputation that has drawn students from around the world.
As a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), I have fulfilled all requirements set forth by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), for state certification and authorization to perform in the capacity of a health care provider specializing in Complementary & Alternative Medicine Practices, as it applies to "the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues". This distinction is applied in accordance with achieving the qualifications for such modalities and in keeping with the professional regulations of CAMTC.
The CAMTC is a private nonprofit, public benefit corporation that was created by the California Legislature through the enactment of Senate Bill 731, then re-authorized by Assembly Bill 1147 and again by assembly bill 2194. The State Assembly Members and Senators cast a total bi-partisan vote of 232-0 in favor of CAMTC's authority to implement state law through January 1, 2030, thus making California the only state in the nation where therapeutic massage and bodywork are legally protected from being regulated as adult entertainment. Its volunteer Board of Directors is appointed by California cities, counties, massage schools, the Department of Consumer Affairs, professional massage associations and other stakeholders, as authorized by law in the California Business and Professions Code.
And on August 7, 2026, CAMTC applied its continuous passion to protect the right of the practice of a California healthcare licensed profession and massage service authorized by California law by raising an alarm. This commitment led them to officially seek the revision of language proposed in the legislative bill AB 1703, that is now law with the clarification it sought, to re-confirm “that both state and local regulation of massage therapy reflect the recognized status of certified massage professionals as health care providers.”
In keeping with my commitment to all-round excellence, I also opted to take and significantly pass the comprehensive National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). As California does not require any written, oral or practical examination to attain state certification, it was both personally and professionally very important for me to secure this honored benchmark of legitimacy in my chosen field of expertise.
The NCETMB is the exam created to facilitate a "national" test platform for certification, as opposed to just having each individual state's standardization, for their Massage Therapy and Bodywork Practitioners. Used for licensing by the majority of American states, the NCETMB mandates at least 500 hours of didactic Massage training, that required 100 hours of classroom training in Anatomy and Physiology, 200 hours of lab/clinic training in Massage Theory and application, as well as 2 hours of Massage Business and Ethics. The remainder of my requisite course hours were completed in related fields that included Pathology, Patient Care Assessment, Aromatherapy, Complementary & Alternative Medicine Practices and Ayurvedic Remedies.
As a staunch supporter of empowering education, I am proud to have been Certified to serve as a Massage & Bodywork Instructor in California, by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE), approved under California Education Code (CEC) Section 94915.
In this capacity, I was an Academic Program Director and a Departmental Advisor for two significant Massage and Bodywork institutions in Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the United States. I supported and created curriculums, syllabuses, lecture materials, tests, massage sequences for classrooms and work sites, as well as protocols and treatments for community massage clinics. l also contributed to the success of various other vocational institutions and their students, as I taught from an introductory to graduate school level; the applicable comprehension of Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Asian Bodywork, Sports Massage, Geriatric and Pre-Natal Massage, Luxury and Medi Spa Services, Chiropractic Applications, Anatomy and Physiology, Business and Ethics, Pathology Considerations and Career Management.
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) is a national membership association that delivers more than just comprehensive liability, property, general and product insurance coverage. It's tailored to meet the needs of Complementary & Alternative Medical Providers, Massage Therapists and Bodywork Practitioners like me, who also demand exceptional professional benefits, advocacy, inspiration and multi-faceted support in all aspects of the field.
I particularly appreciate having had a membership for over two decades, because of the advantages of their continuing education (CE) program, that continues to develop annually. It is now home to over 725 relevant video-based courses, yearly live seminars, monthly award-winning magazines and podcasts that explore important issues and challenges that are unique to therapists from so many types of disciplines.
Further qualifications include my knowledge and experience that has been gained through attaining the Master of Fine Arts Alumna from Yale University, Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bard College, Certification in Clinical Massage and Reflexology from California Healing Arts College, Certification in Emotional Release for French Release Methodology from The Unicorn Foundation, Certification in The Original Hot Stone Methodology from LaStone Therapy, and all the rights and privileges to perform Healing Services as an Ordained Minister from Universal Life Church.
Visit Dr. Richardson's Official Website at: DoctorReginaRichardson.com
And her Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals site at: ReginaRichardson.Massagetherapy.com
Copyright © 2026 Regina Richardson, PhD, MSOM, BCTMB, CHLC All rights reserved.