The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is the largest non-profit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools, with more than 56,000 members. AMTA provides our members with the strongest benefits in the profession. We promote massage to the public, the health care community and other important groups. We work for fair licensing of massage in all states, and actively support research. Your voice is heard in AMTA as we are governed by massage therapists. And, we provide a wealth of local and national networking and continuing education opportunities. Mission Statement To serve AMTA members while advancing the art, science and practice of massage therapy. Core Values We are a diverse and nurturing community working with integrity, honesty and dignity. We are a nonprofit member-driven organization of ethical professionals. We embrace excellence in education, service and leadership. We endorse professional standards and support fair regulation of massage therapy. We believe that massage benefits all.

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) is an independent, private, nonprofit organization founded in 1992 to establish a certification program that would uphold a national standard of excellence in the field. Today, there are nearly 80,000 nationally certified massage therapists and bodyworkers safely and responsibly serving millions of Americans each year. National Certification Program Our certification program consists of a series of carefully established requirements. Practitioners must meet the necessary eligibility criteria for the certificate, pass an examination, adhere to our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and fulfill the continuing education and recertification conditions. In brief, to become nationally certified, practitioners must: Complete a minimum of 500 hours of instruction Demonstrate mastery of core skills, abilities and knowledge Pass a standardized NCBTMB exam Uphold NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics Board Certification Credential (available 1st quarter 2013) At NCBTMB, our goals are to: * Elevate the profession by recognizing and encouraging excellence in schools, continuing education, therapist competency and high standards. * Establish certification as a recognized credential of professional and ethical standards * Promote the worth of national certification to health, therapeutic massage and bodywork professionals, public policy makers and the general public * Assure and maintain the integrity, stability and quality of the national certification program * Periodically update the program to reflect state-of-the-art practices in therapeutic massage and bodywork WHY CERTIFIED PRACTITIONERS? What’s the most important reason to choose a NCBTMB certified professional? You are. Whether you’re visiting a massage therapist or bodyworker for relaxation, rehabilitation or rejuvenation, you deserve to be treated by a practitioner who is skilled, knowledgeable, and committed to excellence in their chosen profession. That’s what the NCBTMB credential stands for – a commitment to excellence. Certified Therapists Meet Rigorous Qualifications When you choose a certified practitioner, you can be confident you’ve selected a dedicated professional. To become nationally certified, a practitioner must demonstrate mastery of core skills and knowledge related to their profession, pass an NCBTMB standardized exam, uphold the organization’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and take part in continued education to ensure they remain at the top of their profession. Today, there are nearly 80,000 certified practitioners nationwide – and you can find them throughout the country in physicians’ offices, private practices, spas, rehab facilities, health clubs and hospitals.