Student Membership Fact Sheet                                                                Printable Student Membership Fact Sheet
Preparing you for professional excellence in massage therapy

Students often ask, “What makes AMTA different?” AMTA is here to help you build a long-term and profitable career right from the start. To help you make good decisions for your future, we’ve put together the most frequently asked questions from massage students.

 

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

Why should I join as a student?

Once you join as a Student member, AMTA supports you with practice-building resources that enhance many important aspects of your career:

Professional Credibility – As a member, you get the benefit of AMTA’s strong reputation and ongoing support. You’ll be covered with professional and general liability insurance. Membership also gives you the opportunity to shape the future of your profession, as AMTA was established and is led by massage therapists.

Continuing Education – You can participate in an AMTA chapter where you can begin building relationships that will impact your career. You’ll also be able to attend national and regional conventions, and learn about professional practice in the Professional Development Center.

Information Resources – Your membership includes a subscription to mtj™ (Massage Therapy Journal), which gives you continuing education courses and articles to further build your knowledge and develop your skills. You’ll also get mail and e-newsletters, up to 30% off member discounts on massage products, and access to our extensive online resources, which includes the Massage Information Center and Job Bank.

I’ve just started massage therapy school. When can I join?

As soon as you enroll in a 500 in-class hour massage therapy program, you qualify to join AMTA as a Student member. The benefits will enhance your education, open up opportunities and provide you with vital insurance coverage. You can join as a Student member at any time during your training. The sooner you join the better!

What should I know about the student insurance? Is it really necessary while I’m in school?

While a member in good standing with AMTA and actively enrolled as a massage therapy student, AMTA’s professional and general liability insurance covers you for your school-sponsored or sanctioned activities, up to $2 million per incident and up to $6 million in aggregate coverage annually.

Once you graduate, you may retain your Student membership for up to one year at the $79 (+ chapter fee) rate until the time of your membership renewal. Upon graduation from your initial training program of 500 or more in-class hours, you may begin to practice professionally if you’re abiding by applicable local and state regulations.

Keep in mind that for any state or locale that requires licensure, it’s imperative that you not practice until after your license has been obtained. Where licensure is required, successful graduation from a massage therapy training program may not be sufficient for professional liability coverage.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

It’s not too early to think about what you’ll do after graduation.
AMTA is here to provide you with a membership plan that will help you jumpstart your career.

What happens to my insurance when I graduate?

Upon graduation from your initial training program of 500 or more in-class hours, you may begin to practice professionally under your Student membership if you’re abiding by applicable local and state regulations.

Keep in mind that for any state or locale that requires licensure, it’s imperative that you not practice massage therapy until after your license has been obtained. Where licensure is required, successful graduation from a massage therapy training program may not be sufficient for professional liability coverage.

When should I upgrade to Professional membership?

While you’re not required to upgrade to Professional membership until your membership renewal, choosing to upgrade your membership right away gives access to benefits that will help jumpstart your career. Becoming a Professional member also helps to establish your credibility as a massage therapist based on the highest standards of professional ethics and excellence.

In addition to the same broad professional and general liability insurance coverage you receive as a Student member, you’ll get access to many of AMTA’s business-building tools, including your free listing in AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist national locator service. Over 200,000 individuals used this service to search for a therapist last year alone—sending more potential clients to members! Many Professional members find that this benefit alone pays for their Professional membership many times over.

If you’ve graduated and want to upgrade before your membership renewal period,* we’ll simply apply what you already paid in Student dues toward a special Professional member upgrade of $199.** We know it takes time to get your practice up and running—that’s why we’re giving you a discount! Contact an AMTA Member Services Representative for more details.

What do I need to know about my membership renewal?

We recognize that you may not be ready to start your massage practice right after graduation. You may need some time to obtain certification, find a job or make preparations to get your own practice underway.

To help with your transition, we offer a special new graduate rate of $199 (+ chapter fee) for your first year of Professional membership! You can renew at this discounted rate if you’ve graduated within the past 12 months.

If you’re still enrolled in your original massage therapy training program, you can remain a Student member for up to two years if you provide proof of your student status.

We’re Here to Help!

AMTA provides you with quality resources to help you reach professional excellence. If you have any questions or concerns about your membership, please give us a call. We’ll walk you through your options and make sure you’re getting the level of membership that best fits your individual needs.

We wish you the best of luck as you pursue your career in massage therapy and look forward to helping you make the important leap from being a student of massage therapy to becoming a successful professional massage therapist.

*To upgrade to Professional membership, you must have completed a minimum 500 in-class hour massage therapy training program, be nationally certified or licensed in an AMTA-approved licensed state.
** This offer is only valid if you graduated within 12 months of the date of application.