Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation COMTA

Overview

The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to accrediting educational institutions and programs in the United States that offer instruction in massage therapy, bodywork, esthetics and skin care. Established in 1992, COMTA aims to elevate and uphold standards of excellence in these fields through specialized accreditation, benefiting students, schools, practitioners and the public.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

COMTA was created in response to the desire of massage therapy and bodywork educators for rigorous standards to be applied to institutions in these fields. It has conducted accrediting activities since 1992 and established an elected commission in 1996. The organization is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting agency for massage therapy and bodywork programs and institutions.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

COMTA's mission is to elevate and uphold standards of excellence in massage therapy, bodywork and esthetics education through specialized accreditation. This mission benefits students, schools, practitioners and the public by ensuring that accredited programs meet high-quality standards.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

COMTA operates as an independent, non-profit organization. Its governance structure includes a commission composed of professionals from the massage therapy, bodywork and esthetics fields. The commission is responsible for establishing accreditation standards and overseeing the accreditation process. This structure ensures that COMTA remains focused on the specific needs and standards of the massage and esthetics professions.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role

COMTA offers accreditation to schools and programs offering training in massage therapy, bodywork, esthetics and skin care professions. Accreditation is a voluntary process that acknowledges schools and programs for achieving high quality, performance and integrity. It involves a thorough review by peer professionals to assess compliance with established standards.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While COMTA primarily accredits institutions within the United States, it recognizes the importance of global collaboration in massage therapy and esthetics education. COMTA engages with international organizations to share best practices and promote the advancement of education in these fields worldwide.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

COMTA continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of massage therapy, bodywork and esthetics education by setting high standards for program quality and fostering continuous improvement. As the healthcare and wellness industries evolve, COMTA adapts its accreditation standards to address emerging trends and challenges, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of diverse populations.

7. Summary

The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) is a specialized accrediting agency dedicated to ensuring the quality and integrity of massage therapy, bodywork and esthetics education programs. Established in 1992, COMTA operates as an independent, non-profit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Through its rigorous accreditation process, COMTA promotes high standards in education, benefiting students, schools, practitioners and the public.

8. FAQs

1. What is COMTA?
   COMTA is a non-profit organization that accredits educational institutions and programs in the United States offering instruction in massage therapy, bodywork, esthetics and skin care.
2. How can a school become accredited by COMTA?
   A school must undergo a voluntary accreditation process that includes a thorough review by peer professionals to assess compliance with established standards.
3. Is COMTA recognized by the U.S. Department of Education?
   Yes, COMTA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting agency for massage therapy and bodywork programs and institutions.
4. Does COMTA accredit programs outside the United States?
   While COMTA primarily accredits institutions within the United States, it engages with international organizations to share best practices and promote the advancement of education in these fields worldwide.
5. Where can I find a list of COMTA-accredited programs?
   A list of COMTA-accredited programs is available on the official COMTA website.

Organization Name

Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation

Acronym

COMTA

Year of Establishment

1/01/1992

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

77

Address

5335 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 440
Washington
20015 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 895 1518

Fax

+1 (202) 895 1519

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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