The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) represents more than 58,000 massage therapists. The mission of the American Massage Therapy Association is to serve AMTA members while advancing the art, science and practice of massage therapy. AMTA works to establish massage therapy as integral to the maintenance of good health and complementary to other therapeutic processes; to advance the profession through ethics and standards, continuing education, professional publications, legislative efforts, public education, and fostering the development of members. To it’s 1400+ professional and student members, the AMTA MO Chapter provides continuing education, networking, community service, & sports massage opportunities around the state, in addition to insurance and legislative support.
How do I join AMTA?
Information on how to join AMTA is located on the AMTA National site at http://www.amtamassage.org/membership-intro.html.
Are board members, delegates and committee members elected or appointed?
Missouri chapter board members and delegates are elected by professional Missouri AMTA members. Committee chairs are appointed by the chapter president, with approval from the rest of the board of directors. To find out requirements or to receive an application to become a board members or delegate, contact the Commission on Candidacy chair or the chapter president. To become appointed as a committee chair, or to join a committee, contact the chapter president.
Is it expensive or time-consuming to be a volunteer?
It depends on how involved you choose to become. All volunteerism is appreciated and the chapter board of directors makes it easy to volunteer. You tell us your schedule and if you have a preference on what you would like to do. We will match you accordingly. If it’s a task that requires reimbursement, i.e. phone calls, copies, etc., submit the receipt to the treasurer and a reimbursement check will be sent promptly.
Are massage therapists regulated int he State of Missouri?
On July 10, 1998, Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan signed the massage therapy certification bill into law, making his state the 26th to regulate the massage therapy profession. The law took effect on August 29, 1998.
What benefits can I expect as an AMTA member?
AMTA’s Professional members receive an extensive menu of outstanding benefits: liability insurance, optional additional insurance coverage, a personal listing in AMTA’s “Find a Massage Therapist” national locator service, credit card scanner, no-fee Platinum credit card, preferred pricing on professional supplies and products for your business, local and national educational events, quarterly Missouri Chapter newsletters, Massage Therapy Journal, e-touch newsletter, community outreach grants, marketing materials to help promote your business and expand your client base, reproducible hand outs, presentation materials and several options for public relations tools. As a Professional AMTA member, this indicates that your education, training and ethics place you within the top tier of massage therapists nationwide. It’s a milestone that should make you proud. (Benefits are subject to acceptance.)
What are the fees for AMTA members?
AMTA’s Professional members receive an extensive menu of outstanding benefits: liability insurance, optional additional insurance coverage, a personal listing in AMTA’s “Find a Massage Therapist” national locator service, credit card scanner, no-fee Platinum credit card, preferred pricing on professional supplies and products for your business, local and national educational events, quarterly Missouri Chapter newsletters, Massage Therapy Journal, e-touch newsletter, community outreach grants, marketing materials to help promote your business and expand your client base, reproducible hand outs, presentation materials and several options for public relations tools. As a Professional AMTA member, this indicates that your education, training and ethics place you within the top tier of massage therapists nationwide. It’s a milestone that should make you proud. (Benefits are subject to acceptance.)
How often is it necessary to renew my membership?
It is necessary to renew your membership every year.
Does AMTA have a Foundation for grants and scholarships?
Yes, the Massage Therapy Foundation was created in 1993 to generate, disseminate and apply the benefits of massage to a vast number in society.
How can I receive a research grant from the Massage Therapy Foundation?
The Foundation grants funding for research, community outreach and educational scholarships. Since 1993, The Massage Therapy Foundation has granted over $441,000 to advanced research on therapeutic massage and boidywork. A variety of topics havebeen funded ranging from pain and stress to lymphedema. Since 1993, The Massage Therapy Foundation has granted almost $245,000 to foster massage therapy initiatives that serve populations in need. Twenty-one various populations have been served ranging from low income families to hospice patients To obtain information on funding for any of these areas, contact the national office at 800-905-2700 .
What are the requirements to become an AMTA member?
You can become a student member by being enrolled in a 500 in-class hour supervised entry-level massage therapy training program . Proof of one of the following is required for Professional Membership:
Graduation from a 500 in-class hour supervised entry-level massage therapy training program
A current license from one of the following: AL, AR (1988 or after), AZ, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, MS, MO, ME, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NY, NV, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, or the province of Ontario, Canada
Certification by the National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Previous enrollment as an AMTA Professional member
Do you have to be licensed to practice massage in Missouri?
Yes, you have to be licensed to practice massage in the State of Missouri.
Should I become involved in AMTA?
Yes! Volunteerism is exciting, rewarding and vital to a well-established and successful chapter. The Missouri chapter is member-driven where your voice is heard and action is taken. Volunteers have kept this chapter going strong, even after 50 years. An hour, a day or a year – all those who volunteer are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated. Contact the membership chair or the president for more information.
Does AMTA offer continuing education?
Yes. The AMTA Missouri Chapter offers excellent and varied educational opportunities at least twice a year, in the spring and fall. National and local presenters, doctors, and chiropractors have presented the newest and most innovative techniques available. Missouri educational meetings are highly sought-after and bring therapists from around the country. Check the events calendar for upcoming meetings.
How many CEUs are required to be an active AMTA member?
48 – which can be accumulated over a four year period. All documentation needs to be submitted to the National AMTA office to stay an active member.
