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Biofeedback certification is not required but is desirable among medical professionals. Applicants need a degree in a clinical healthcare field and must complete coaching and supervised sessions. The Biofeedback Certification Institute of America is the most recognized organization in the US. Certification is valid for four years and requires 80 hours of continuing education for recertification.
Medical professionals who employ biofeedback therapy in their practice often do so after obtaining biofeedback certification. Although certification is not required by any regulatory agency, it does represent a mark of distinction among medical colleagues. It also demonstrates that the practitioner has undergone peer review in terms of exercising ethical and professional standards in practice. There are several ways to obtain biofeedback certification.
First, biofeedback certification is not the same as a license to practice your primary profession, such as psychology or nursing. Those seeking certification without a professional license are generally required to provide proof of intent to provide biofeedback services under the license and supervision of a qualified professional. Additionally, a licensed professional may not be required to obtain biofeedback certification in order to provide biofeedback services. However, as mentioned earlier, certification is considered desirable as it serves as evidence of competence and professionalism in the field.
There are certain educational requirements to be met to qualify for biofeedback certification. At a minimum, applicants are expected to have a degree in a clinical healthcare field. Acceptable proof usually consists of an original transcript from the educational institution bearing an official seal. In the US, the degree must have been awarded by an accredited academic institution, as defined by the American Council on Education. Those seeking certification in the US and majoring in a health-related clinical field in another country may have their transcript reviewed by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
The most widely recognized organization in the US that offers biofeedback certification is the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA). Several medical centers and facilities in Europe offer biofeedback training but do not appear to offer certification. These include the Biofeedback Foundation of Europe and the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback of the Czech Republic.
Curriculum guidelines and practical skills training vary by training institution. The BCIA, for example, requires 20 hours of coaching under an approved professional, plus 50 supervised sessions with a patient. There are also a variety of workshops and courses on anatomy, biology and physiology. Those who hold a degree in a field other than psychology, or who have no formal education in that field, will likely be required to take additional courses in the subject.
Biofeedback certification remains valid for four years, after which the professional can apply for recertification. However, to qualify for recertification, a candidate must be able to show that they have completed at least 80 hours of continuing education that meet certification board approval. In addition, the professional must certify that his professional license has not been subject to suspension or revocation at any time.
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