IMPORTANT!
Policy Update Effective May 1, 2026
Eligibility to Use NTMNC/NTMTC Credentials and Provide or Teach the Listening Touch Massage™
Effective May 1, 2026, it is the policy of Creative Therapy Consultants that only individuals who hold a current, active professional license and an active NTMNC (nurse) or NTMTC (therapist) credential may provide, teach, or mentor parents in the Listening Touch Massage™.
Active certification confirms that a practitioner has completed the required education, demonstrated clinical competency, and remains current with continuing education standards — including the latest research in Neuroprotective, Developmental, and Family-Integrated Care. This requirement exists to protect patient safety, preserve program integrity, and uphold the professional and ethical standards the NTMC® program was built on.
NTMC® Recertification keeps you at the forefront of the field — updated research, deeper integration of touch and massage for critically ill neonates, expanded discussion of contraindications, and clinical application across the full spectrum of NICU diagnoses and acuity levels.
If you have questions about your certification status, recertification requirements, or how to reinstate a lapsed credential, contact us at NTMC@neonatalcertification.com.
NOTICE of CTC/NTMC Policy Change for 2025
In the past, Kara Ann and the NTMC Team have been excited to have our NTMC professionals change the world by teaching massage and other NTMC skills to make the largest ripple effect possible. Through your Neonatal Touch & Massage Certification® and your commitment to NTMC Recertification, extensive education is provided regarding the multiple clinical variables that need to be assessed and reasoned through to determine if, and when, massage and advanced manual therapy are appropriate for a baby.
Over the past few years, we have seen inconsistencies in the knowledge and skill of non-NTMC professionals who were “taught” the Listening Touch Massage™ and Trigger Point Releases by peers. Unfortunately, what these professionals were “taught” included significant differences from the hands-on skills learned during NTMC Phase III Hands-On Training. There have also been situations where incorrect or partial information was learned, raising concerns about unsafe practices for babies and families.
Due to these concerns, our NTMC Team has amended our stance on teaching other professionals who are not NTMC certified:
We no longer allow NTMC professionals to instruct other healthcare professionals in Listening Touch Massage™ or Advanced Manual Therapies (such as Trigger Point Releases).
As an NTMC professional, we do encourage you to provide the Listening Touch Massage™ and mentor parents/families to promote the incredible healing and bonding benefits of massage. We do encourage you to provide mentorship to parents and staff in neuroprotective, developmental, family-integrated care, including skin to skin holding, 2-person caregiving, supportive positioning & handling, NICU environmental modifications, side-lying diaper changes and swaddled bathing.
We understand that this is a significant change and appreciate your understanding. We hope you will continue to encourage other professionals in your unit to join you and the NTMC Family! The more your NTMC nurse and therapy team grows and applies NTMC advanced knowledge and skills, the better you can work collaboratively to improve care for babies and families.
Please reach out if you have any additional questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Kara Ann & the NTMC Team
NTMC@neonatalcertification.com