Research - Infant Massage
Approval Codes
NCBTMB #70056745 CE Broker #20-521275
Available Course Formats
Test Information
- Number of Questions: 25
- Passing Score: 70%
- Test Access: Included with course enrollment format.
Research Infant Massage
This course examines the scientific research behind massage therapy and reflexology as applied to infants exploring evidence from studies on healthy newborns, preterm infants, infants with health complications, and the caregivers who work with them. It is a research-focused course designed to deepen your understanding of why infant massage works, grounded in peer-reviewed findings and clinical data.
Please note: This course reviews medical research supporting the use of infant massage. It does not teach hands-on techniques. If you want to learn how to perform infant massage, please see our kinesthetic course Certified Infant Massage Therapist. Additionally, much of the research content in this course is included within the Infant Massage Certification program if you are already enrolled in that course, there is no need to enroll in this one separately.
Continuing Education Details
| CE Hours | 5 Massage Therapy CEUs |
| CE Classification | Research (Note: Effective February 2019, the NCBTMB no longer requires 3 research CEUs for renewal. These hours count toward your elective CE total.) |
| Approved By | NCBTMB (#280672-00) | Florida (#MCE-326) | New York (#0019) | AMTA | ABMP |
| CE Broker | Auto-reported weekly in applicable states (license number must be on file in your account) |
| Course Materials | Research Infant Massage by Judith Koch; Touch and Massage in Early Child Development published by Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C. |
| Test | Online exam certificate available immediately upon passing |
| Format | Fully Online, Self-Paced |
| Tuition | $39 USD |
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- List and describe scientific research findings on massage therapy applied to healthy infants
- List and describe scientific research findings on massage therapy applied to preterm infants
- List and describe scientific research findings on reflexology applied to infants with health complications
- List and describe scientific research findings on how infant massage benefits caregivers
Key Topics Covered
- Research methodology in infant massage studies how studies are designed and what the evidence shows
- Massage and healthy infant development research outcomes related to growth, bonding, sleep, and neurological development
- Massage for preterm infants clinical findings on weight gain, hospital discharge timelines, and developmental outcomes in NICU settings
- Reflexology for infants with health conditions evidence for reflexology as a supportive intervention for specific infant health presentations
- Benefits for caregivers research on how infant massage practice supports caregiver mental health, bonding, and confidence
Who This Course Is For
- Massage therapists interested in the evidence base behind infant massage before pursuing hands-on training
- Practitioners who work with perinatal and postpartum clients and want research support for infant touch recommendations
- Therapists completing the Certified Infant Massage Therapist certification who want additional research depth (note: this content overlaps with the certification program review before enrolling separately)
- Any licensed massage therapist seeking NCBTMB-approved research CEUs to round out their continuing education requirements
Course & Certification Details
Course Materials: This course is based on two published texts: Research Infant Massage by Judith Koch, and Touch and Massage in Early Child Development published by Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C. Course materials are provided as part of your enrollment.
Study Guide: A printed study guide with all test questions and answer choices is available with this course. You can print it and work through it alongside your reading, then log in to submit your answers when you are ready.
Test & Certificate: The online exam is completed through your student account at MassageCredits.com. Upon passing, your certificate of completion is available immediately for printing or download as a PDF. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retest at no additional charge until you pass.
CE Broker Reporting: Institute of Somatic Therapy automatically reports completions to CE Broker in applicable states, provided your license number is on file in your account. Reports are submitted weekly. To verify or add your license number, log in to your account and select "Edit" if your license is not shown.
Provider Approvals: Institute of Somatic Therapy is an NCBTMB Approved Provider (#280672-00), approved by Florida (#MCE-326) and New York (#0019). Courses are also accepted by AMTA, ABMP, and most individual states. Some states limit the number of online or home-study hours permitted per renewal cycle. Please review our State Guidelines section for requirements specific to your state.
Note: CE regulations change. Your state licensing board holds you responsible for knowing the requirements that apply to your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download the course materials to my computer?
You must be logged in to your account at MassageCredits.com to access course materials. Many courses include downloadable files check within your course once enrolled.
Will this course work on my phone or tablet?
Yes. Our courses are designed to work across devices. We recommend taking our free sample course first to confirm that online content and any streaming video work correctly on your specific device.
Can I print the test to work on it in advance?
Yes. A study guide with the test questions and answer choices is included with this course. You can print it and complete it as you study, then log in to submit your answers when you are ready to take the official test.
What happens if I fail the test?
You may retest as many times as needed at no additional charge until you pass.
Do you report completions to NCBTMB, AMTA, or ABMP on my behalf?
No. These organizations do not have a reporting system for providers to submit on your behalf. You will need to provide your certificate of completion directly when submitting renewal documentation to those agencies.