Definition
There are two different routes you can take to earn CEUs, or continuing education units. You can either go to a school's physical location to take the class and exam or you can choose distance learning. With the latter option, you will be given the materials to study and then you will take the test either online or through the mail. You are able to look over the material before you take the exam.
Significance
Becoming certified as a massage therapist or acupuncturist, you will have to obtain certification from the NCCAOM or National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, or the NCBTMB, also known as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Some states have their requirements for CEUs for obtaining a license or certification renewal.
Time Frame
In most instances, certifications last up to 4 years. Then there are some licenses that must be renewed annually or twice a year. It is necessary for you to acquire the needed CEUs before your license or certificate expires (if you would like to avoid breaks and lapses).
Where to Find
You can look around the Web for sites like the NCBTMB, or National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. And other sites for the National Certification for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals and the American Massage Therapy Association, which are association websites.
Considerations
Make sure to look into the standards of the two fields to see what you need to do to continue your education in massage therapy and acupuncture.
