I have held massage certifications in NJ, SC, NV and recently moved to NC. NC state requires a reference from a bodywork or massage therapist instructor. The school has a "policy" that will not provide references. I was told over the phone that most students asking for references are from their college professors. I explained that the state board *explicitly* asks for massage/bodywork instructor. I was treated very poorly and was shamed over the phone to ask for this. Who else am I supposed to ask for a massage/bodywork therapist other than my school? Also, I did their in school training and was involved with clinics etc. Some of the program is distance. Also it took nearly 2 years, 1.5 to be exact to become certified in NV because they had a distrust of the school. I had to sit in front of massage board in NV to be approved. They were able to assess my character in a few minutes so 🤷‍♀️