The Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge (MTBOK) Project Stewards recently met in San Antonio, Texas, to establish next steps in the MTBOK development process. The Stewards are pleased to announce the establishment of a structure to articulate the foundational elements common to a MTBOK shared by all stakeholders in the profession. The foundational elements of the MTBOK consist of:

• Definition of massage therapy (scope of practice, terminology, describing the field);
• Definition of the competencies of an entry-level massage therapist, in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs).

This profession-wide initiative will be managed and supported by a project manager. The position will serve a twelve-month contract and will report directly to the MTBOK Stewards. A job description for the Project Manager position and application procedure has been posted on www.mtbok.org.

A task force, made up of subject matter experts in the field—practitioners, educators, and researchers—will be established to define, develop, and articulate the MTBOK. The task force will be seated in July, 2009, and will be managed and supported by the Project Manager.

Individuals interested in serving on the task force are encouraged to visit www.mtbok.org in March to review the task force criteria as well as steps required for submission of interest.

The MTBOK Stewards consist of representatives from the American Massage Therapy Association, AMTA Council of Schools, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, Massage Therapy Foundation, and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.