The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation

08/25/2026

COMTA Commission Updates!

Congratulations to our newly elected Commissioners Verginiya Burgess and Delhia Gaynor, and to Lurana Bain, our new Commission Chair, and Drew Riffe, Vice Chair!

We’re also excited to announce that updates to the Massage Therapy and ABT Competency Charts have been approved and will take effect January 1, 2027. More details will be shared soon.

Save the Date: COMTA Community Connection Call

November 2, 2026 | 4:30 PM ET

Thank you to our Commissioners and the entire COMTA community for your continued support!

08/19/2026

The countdown is on for the AMTA 2026 National Convention in Denver!

COMTA is excited to join massage therapy professionals from across the country to celebrate our profession, connect with colleagues, and support the future of massage therapy education.

We're especially honored to be presenting to the AMTA Board and look forward to sharing more about COMTA's continued commitment to excellence in massage therapy education.

Safe travels to everyone attending, we can't wait to see you in Denver!

08/10/2026

Important news for massage therapy education!

The U.S. Department of Education's final accountability rule includes key improvements for massage therapy programs, including a delay in implementing earnings measures for tip-based professions like massage therapy.

This change helps ensure future earnings data more accurately reflects the profession and supports continued access to federal student aid for students pursuing a career in massage therapy.

Thank you to AMTA and everyone who advocated on behalf of massage therapists, educators, and students throughout this process.

Learn more from AMTA: https://www.amtamassage.org/about/news/new-federal-education-accountability-rule/

The Department of Education recently accepted one of AMTA's key recommendations for the Do No Harm Rule by providing a special implementation delay for occupations that rely heavily on tips, including massage therapy and somatic bodywork.

07/30/2026

COMTA members are invited to participate in the 2026 Commission Election. As outlined in the COMTA Bylaws, each member institution and/or program has the opportunity to cast one vote for open Commission positions.

We are honored to have a group of qualified and experienced candidates participating in this election cycle. Members are encouraged to review candidate information and submit their vote by August 14, 2026.

Vote here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XZ3HBXK
Thank you for your continued participation and support of COMTA accreditation and the future of massage therapy education.

Learn more about COMTA Bylaws:
https://comta.org/accreditation/forms/

07/16/2026

Massage Is for EveryBody Week July 19–25, 2026

COMTA is proud to support the Association of Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Massage Is for EveryBody mission.

This initiative highlights the power of community outreach, compassionate care, and expanding access to therapeutic massage for underserved populations. It also recognizes the meaningful impact made by practitioners, students, and schools who give back through service and education.

Join us in celebrating the positive difference massage therapy makes every day and the professionals who continue to strengthen their communities through healing touch.

07/14/2026

A Milestone for Massage Therapy Education
Ohio is the first state to enact the revised Interstate Massage Therapy Compact, which expands opportunities for Ohio massage therapists to practice in multiple states and includes a continuing education requirement for license renewal. This legislation supports lifelong learning while helping pave the way for greater licensure mobility as additional states join the revised compact.

Read more from AMTA about Ohio's new legislation: https://www.amtamassage.org/about/news/ohio-enacts-revised-compact/

🎊 A Landmark Moment for Massage Therapy in Ohio

On July 7, SB 276 was signed into law—establishing Ohio as the first state to enact the Revised Massage Therapy Compact.

This achievement builds on Ohio’s history as the first state to implement massage licensure and reflects a continued commitment to professional excellence.

The legislation also makes continuing education a requirement for license renewal—aligning with Compact eligibility standards and strengthening massage practitioner competency statewide.

This is a meaningful step toward greater workforce mobility for massage therapists and enhanced public protection in Ohio!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4vWlWyW

06/15/2026

COMTA is excited to announce a new opportunity for schools following NCBTMB’s decision to sunset the Assigned School Program.

In partnership with NCBTMB, schools can now apply for COMTA-Endorsed Curriculum recognition—a streamlined alternative that highlights the strength of your curriculum while offering continued support and engagement.

For a limited time, application and renewal fees are waived (nearly a $2,000 value).

Learn more and get started here: https://comta.org/comta-endorsed-curriculum/

We look forward to welcoming you to the COMTA community.

05/28/2026

The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE) is requesting your Nominations for the Instructor of the year award and CE provider of the year awards to be given this November at the AFMTE Education Conference in November. to learn more click the link below.

The Alliance published the  NTESP Core Competencies for Massage Therapy Teachers in 2013. This document includes ten standards, each of which

05/20/2026

Congratulations 2026 graduates entering the massage therapy and wellness professions!

Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to learning are helping shape the future of healthcare and therapeutic education. As you begin this next chapter, we celebrate the hard work and perseverance that brought you here.

Wishing you continued success in your professional journey from all of us at COMTA.

05/12/2026

Federal Proposal Could Threaten Financial Aid for Wellness & Beauty Programs

A proposed federal rule could put student loan access at risk for massage therapy, esthetics, and cosmetology programs across the country.

COMTA encourages schools, educators, students, graduates, and professionals to learn more and make their voices heard before the May 20, 2026 deadline.

Learn More About the Proposed Rule:
https://www.aei.org/education/low-earning-degrees-will-soon-lose-access-to-federal-loans-is-yours-on-the-list
Submit a public comment:
https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ED-2026-OPE-0100-0001