The American Massage Therapy Association Council of Schools

The AMTA Council of Schools was founded in 1982 as a forum for massage therapy school owners, administrators, and faculty to explore common interests, make new contacts and friends in the field, gather information from the experience of others and actively participate in the growth and development of the profession of massage therapy.

MISSION AND PRINCIPLES

The stated mission of the AMTA COUNCIL OF SCHOOLS is to promote excellence in education in order to advance the art, science, and practice of massage therapy and to enhance the quality and effectiveness of its member schools. As a volunteer organization, the Council of Schools is guided by the following principles in pursuit of its mission. We value:

  • Respect, compassion, and appreciation in our interactions

  • Cooperation and mutual support

  • Open, ethical and caring conduct in the school environment

  • Active volunteerism and participation

  • Personal health and self care

  • Respect for diversity goals

  • To be a leader and a resource in the field of massage therapy by advancing educational and professional standards, increasing public awareness and promoting professional training programs

  • To support excellence and innovation in massage therapy education and inspire new educational methods, models, and programs

  • To provide a forum for networking and exchanging ideas and information

  • To offer high quality programs and services responsive to the needs of its members

  • To encourage and advance research in the theory and application of massage therapy

  • To expand existing markets and develop new markets for graduates of massage therapy training programs

  • To participate in legal, legislative, and political issues that affect member schools

  • To stimulate growth, development and effectiveness of the Council of Schools

Ten Benefits of COUNCIL OF SCHOOLS Membership

  1. Standards: Belong to a group committed to developing and maintaining the highest standards in massage therapy/bodywork education in schools throughout the country.
     

  2. Leadership: Get involved in making decisions which impact the direction of massage/bodywork education, and the profession as a whole.
     

  3. Quality: Receive information and assistance in planning for the COMTA accreditation process.
     

  4. Information: Access the most current information available about the profession and practice of massage and bodywork therapies.
     

  5. Networking: Get together with people just like you! Share ideas and experiences with administrators of massage/bodywork schools around the country.
     

  6. Education: Have the opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars for massage/bodywork educators and practitioners.
     

  7. Promotion: Have the distinction of marketing or advertising your school as a member of the AMTA Council of Schools.
     

  8. Diversity: Explore unique and innovative ideas with people from different backgrounds and schools.
     

  9. Publications: Receive subscriptions to the AMTA Massage Therapy Journal, Hands On and the Council of Schools Newsletter.
     

  10. Fun!! Make new friends and share common interests at great meeting locations from coast-to-coast!

Membership Criteria

A school must meet both of the following eligibility criteria for membership in AMTA Council of Schools:

Criterion I: A 500 Hour Program

The school must be operating a minimum 500 hour program of study for massage therapists and/or bodyworkers.

Criterion II: Legal Operation

The school must meet all the legal requirements for operation within its jurisdiction.

The COUNCIL OF SCHOOLS Annual Conference

Each year the Council of Schools hosts a meeting of its members.  In addition to the day and a half of annual business meetings of the Council, two days of educational and networking programs are scheduled. School directors, administrators, and staff are typically in attendance. This is a time to gain knowledge from and share experiences with others in this profession from around the country. The program is organized to create an opportunity for participants to attend several presentations. The Conference also serves as an opportunity to take a winter break in a warm climate.

For more information about Council of Schools membership or the annual conference, write to cschools@amtamassage.org or call   847-864-0123