As a massage therapist, you want to be part of a professional association that focuses on your professional growth, customers and overall wellbeing. After all, who doesn't want to join an organisation that provides its members with the latest industry news and practices, indemnity insurance and ability to provide clients with private health fund rebates?
However, with countless associations teeming the landscape of holistic health care, which one should you join? This guide lists the Top 5 massage therapy associations in Australia that will help you take your career to greater heights.
1. Association of Massage Therapists (AMT)
Established in 1966, Association of Massage Therapists (AMT) is a nationally recognized proponent of professional massage therapists. They set and maintain a high level of standard for people who want to practise massage therapy in Australia. Members have access to a broad range of benefits, including workshops for skills enhancement, networking events to meet and interact with like-minded peers, and insurance discounts.
The cost of entry to the AMT amounts to $290, which includes the $80 application fee and $210 annual fee.
Membership benefits: By becoming a member, you get access to professional indemnity insurance, ongoing professional development opportunities, networking with peers, a listing on the online therapist directory, and advocacy for the industry.
Courses offered: AMT itself does not offer courses but provides a list of accredited massage therapy schools and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for its members.
Number of members: Exact numbers are not publicly available, but AMT is one of the largest massage therapy associations in Australia.
How can I become an accredited member of AMT?
You need to complete an AMT-accredited massage therapy course, adhere to their Code of Ethics, and apply for membership through the AMT website.
2. Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
Since its inception in 1955, Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) has become the largest body of professional complementary medicine practitioners across the country. It is responsible for setting and maintaining the highest educational and ethical standards for practitioners of various modalities. Members of this organisation include naturopaths, acupuncturists, homeopaths, TCM specialists, Ayurvedic practitioners, and massage therapists, to name just a few.
Students who are undergoing training in any modality supported by ANTA can join the organisation free of charge. Professional practitioners, on the other hand, have to pay the standard application fee of $110 and the $185 annual membership fee.
Membership benefits: Members receive professional indemnity insurance, a free listing on the ANTA practitioner directory, access to ongoing professional development, and member discounts on products and services.
Courses offered: ANTA does not offer courses but recognizes and accredits courses from various natural therapy educational institutions.
Number of members: As of September 2021, ANTA had over 10,000 members, making it one of the largest natural therapy associations in Australia.
What modalities does ANTA recognize and accredit?
ANTA recognizes and accredits a wide range of natural therapy modalities, including acupuncture, naturopathy, herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, remedial massage, and more.
3. Massage Association of Australia (MAA)
Supporting budding practitioners from their education all the way to their careers is an integral part of the mission of the Massage Association of Australia (MAA). Besides working closely with its member practitioners and affiliated schools, this organisation educates the public about the health benefits of massage, as well as how it can be used alongside other modalities.
Students of a massage therapy course can apply for membership at the cost of $44, while the upfront cost for new professional therapists is $370.
Membership benefits: MAA members receive professional indemnity insurance, access to discounted products and services, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a listing on the MAA therapist directory.
Courses offered: MAA does not provide courses but maintains a list of accredited massage therapy schools and CPD opportunities for its members.
Number of members: Exact membership numbers are not publicly available.
How can I apply for membership with MAA?
You can apply for membership online through the MAA website. Make sure you meet their membership requirements, including completing an MAA-accredited massage therapy course.
4. Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA)
Formerly known as the Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT), Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA) was established in 2003 and currently has more than 8,600 members across Australia. It sets and maintains the highest standards in the field of massage therapy, remedial massage and myotherapy by making sure that its members have access to continuing education.
Your membership comes with a one-time application fee of $110 and an annual membership fee based on your qualification.
Membership benefits: MMA members receive professional indemnity insurance, a listing on the therapist directory, networking opportunities, access to ongoing professional development, and member discounts on products and services.
Courses offered: MMA does not offer courses but provides a list of accredited massage therapy and myotherapy schools for its members.
Number of members: Exact membership numbers are not publicly available.
What is the difference between massage therapy and myotherapy?
While both massage therapy and myotherapy focus on the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, myotherapy is a specialized form of massage therapy that uses advanced techniques and evidence-based practices to assess, treat, and manage musculoskeletal conditions.
5. Myotherapy Association Australia (MAA)
Myotherapy Association Australia (MAA) advocates the interest and growth of all students and practitioners of myotherapy in Australia. Formed in 1989, the organisation has changed its name many times in the past but remains committed to supporting the growth of myotherapists through ongoing educational programs and workshops.
Qualified myotherapists should pay $495 per annum, while remedial massage therapists $395, to gain membership.
Regardless of what massage therapy you specialise in, joining any of these top 5 massage therapy associations in Australia will take you to the peak of your success faster than you think.
Membership benefits: MAA members receive professional indemnity insurance, access to ongoing professional development opportunities, a listing on the therapist directory, and member discounts on products and services.
Courses offered: MAA does not provide courses but maintains a list of accredited myotherapy educational institutions and CPD opportunities for its members.
Number of members: Exact membership numbers are not publicly available.
What are the benefits of seeing a myotherapist compared to a massage therapist?
A myotherapist has specialized training in assessing and treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. They use a combination of advanced techniques such as dry needling, joint mobilization, and exercise prescription to address a wider range of conditions than a general massage therapist.
Thinking about becoming a massage therapist? Find a range of accredited massage courses in Australia through Natural Therapy Pages.
Already a massage therapist? Join Natural Therapy Pages to find new clients for your business.
Originally published on Oct 27, 2020
