The American Massage Therapy Association is a voluntary member organization dedicated to the profession of massage therapy; the organization is a valuable resource for both its members and current or potential massage therapy clients.
The Purpose Of The American Massage Therapy Association
The goal of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is to advance the field of massage therapy and to promote and establish massage therapy as a viable therapy integral to good health. The AMTA works to set standards for care and ethical practice, support member therapists, to educate the public about massage therapy and its benefits, and to support legislative efforts in favor of massage therapy.
Who Can Join The American Massage Therapy Association
Membership to the American Massage Therapy Association is open to professionals and students pursuing a career in massage therapy. There is a fee to join and maintain membership in the AMTA; the fee is dependent on the level of membership chosen. Membership is offered at different levels for both students and practicing professionals, and each level of AMTA membership requires different qualifications.
What The AMTA Offers Clients And Consumers
Although the AMTA is an association which exists largely for the benefit of its members, the function of the organization is also to promote the art and science of massage therapy, and so the American Massage Therapy Association offers services to massage therapy clients and consumers as well.
The AMTA offers opportunities for the consumers and clients to advertise in their journal (Massage Therapy Journal) and on their website, but what the AMTA is most interested in doing for consumers is to educate them and assist in obtaining professional massage therapy services. This is done by
• Offering advertising and job posting services to consumers looking to reach massage therapists
• Offering a “National Locator Service” which can be used to locate a local therapist
• Promoting public education initiatives
• Offering informational resources for consumers
What The AMTA Offers Massage Therapy Professionals
The American Massage Therapy Association offers a number of different services to its members; access to services is dependent on the level of membership, and some services are available to non-members for a fee.
Professional services offered to therapists by the AMTA include
• Access to member’s section
• Informational resources
• Job search/listing services
• Inclusion in locator directory
• Continuing education opportunities
• Advertising opportunities
• Materials and resources for clients/public education
• Code of Ethics and core documents
• Industry demographics
• Professional support
• Access to insurance (liability, health, disability, optional insurances)
• Regulatory information and updates
• Professional publications
• Political/legislative voice
The American Massage Therapy Association, a member of the Federation of Therapeutic Massage, Bodywork, and Somatic Practice Organizations, represents over 56,000 massage therapy professionals. The AMTA is a valuable resource for both clients and therapists alike.