Below is a letter to the editor of Massage Today in response to a column in the August issue of their publication regarding one entry-level exam for the massage therapy profession.

August 11, 2006

Massage Today
Huntington Beach, CA

Dear Editor,

In response to your August column, we would like to clarify AMTA’s view of the importance of having one entry-level massage therapy exam, or as you state, “why one set of exams is better for the profession than two, 12 or 112.”

A single entry level exam allows for consistency in licensure and the ability for portability where massage therapists would have the freedom to legally practice in any market.  It provides a uniform measurable standard for all who enter the profession and allows for more consistent expectations and better protection for the public.  Also, AMTA members have told us that consistent licensure and portability are important to them. 

Our profession has significant differences in educational standards and licensure requirements from state to state, making portability of massage practice difficult.  We believe multiple entry-level exams will only add another layer of complexity, “red tape” and delay for those massage therapists who wish to relocate to or practice in a different state.  AMTA believes that a long-term commitment to licensure and consistency in licensure will lead to portability for all massage therapists.    

If the profession were to have multiple exams, there would be no guarantee the exams would support the same educational standards.  The massage therapy profession doesn’t have a means for enforcing one set of standards in multiple exams.  The likely result for massage therapy students, new massage therapists, state regulators and consumers would be confusion.  Instead of adding to the confusion, AMTA is committed to working towards fair and consistent licensure in all states. 

With more than one entry-level exam, how could a student decide what standards are best?  How would regulators know which standards or exams best measure whether someone has the necessary information and skills to enter massage therapy practice?  And, how would the consumer know who is qualified to practice?

To achieve consistent standards, our profession truly needs to find agreement on what knowledge someone should have to enter the profession.  That knowledge should be measured in one entry-level exam.  We don’t believe competing exams will help achieve the goal of portability. 

AMTA would like to reaffirm that we support the concept of an organization of state massage therapy boards.  This concept can provide a venue for states to communicate about professional standards, fair regulation and portability of massage therapy.  AMTA continues to encourage the FSMTB to work with the NCBTMB to strengthen the existing exam. 

AMTA’s commitment to its members includes pursuing consistent standards, working towards portability and encouraging collaboration within the profession.  We believe this is an opportunity for all to collaborate in creating a strong, unified profession. 

Board of Directors
American Massage Therapy Association