US-Based Massage Therapy Organizations

Are you interested in a career in massage therapy? There are two major massage therapy organizations in the US. They are great sources of information on reputable massage schools and how to build a therapy practice. Therapists will also find avenues for networking with other professionals.

Massage clients are savvy and want to know that they are in the hands of a professional. These two associations will help you on the way to becoming that trusted professional:

• American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
• Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).

Many massage therapists are now certified. It isn't a requirement in every state. But certification is becoming the norm and therapists need to be kept up-to-date on the requirements of their field, especially since many employers prefer to hire certified therapists. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) is the main organization that most massage therapists seek certification from.

Both the AMTA and ABMP websites have certification info as well as a listing of schools that will provide the kind of education that will prepare you to sit for the exam. Included on both sites is contact info for each school as well as if financial aid is provided.

Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits of membership in each organization:

• AMTA: There are different degrees of membership with a discount for students. All members receive liability insurance and a subscription to the trade publication Massage Therapy Journal. Students can post their resume for free and general members are enrolled in the national massage therapist locator service. All members receive discounts on training courses that can be used for continuing education credits as well as tools to help promote their business.

• ABMP: This organization also has liability insurance of different levels available to student and professional members. The ABMP also includes skin care specialists such as estheticians in their membership as well as other bodywork professionals such as energy workers and reflexologists.

All members receive a subscription to Massage & Bodywork magazine and marketing tools for their business.

Both organizations help members stay current with their profession and businesses by providing continuing education classes and publications, some of which are online. They also offer free web space for members to set up their own professional website.

Many massage therapists join one of these organizations because of the liability insurance. But with all the other perks of membership, the AMTA and ABMP are excellent resources for learning about the massage therapy profession and for professionals to grow their businesses.

• American Massage Therapy Website. Accessed March 2010.
• Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Website. Accessed 2010.