AMTA Submits Comments Opposing DoEd Proposal That Could Limit Federal Aid for Massage Students

On April 20, the U.S. Department of Education (DoEd) proposed a new “Do-No-Harm” earnings test for postsecondary educational programs that receive Title IV federal student aid. While intended to ensure students are not financially worse off after completing their education, the proposed rule could have devastating consequences for massage therapy education programs and for students seeking massage careers.

As currently written, the proposed rule applies earnings metrics designed for degree-granting institutions to career training programs like massage therapy without accounting for key realities of the profession, including part-time employment, self-employment, tip-based income, and flexible career paths. As a result, up to 89% of massage therapy schools utilizing federal financial aid could lose eligibility for student loans and potentially close by July 2028.

AMTA has been actively advocating on behalf of the profession by engaging expert legal counsel at Duane Morris LLP to evaluate the proposed rule, prepare comments and assess all potential next steps. On May 20, AMTA submitted comments to the DoEd regarding the proposed program.

Submitting comments is only the first step in what we anticipate may be a sustained effort with the Department to ensure that potential students have access to quality massage therapy educational programs and employers, in turn, have a skilled and ready workforce to meet the growing needs of the marketplace.

Read AMTA's Comments