Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia

STAA Membership

Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia is an independent organisation, run by members for members by way of the National Council. 

All fees collected are used solely to promote shiatsu and to support members.

Membership Categories

Registered

Membership for practising qualified shiatsu practitioners.

Requirements: 

• Diploma in Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies from an Australian registered training organisation (HLT50207, HLT50212, HLT52215).
• Current professional indemnity insurance 
• First Aid qualifications
• 20 hours of continuing education, completed annually

Associate

The membership is open to people with an interest in and support for shiatsu therapy and STAA’s activities.

For practitioners who are fully registered with another association and wish to stay in touch with the Shiatsu community.

Student

Students pursuing the Diploma in Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies at a registered training institution.

Benefits of STAA Membership 

• You can list your practice on the STAA website under Find a Therapist
• Access to professional indemnity insurance
• Biannual shiatsu magazine 
• Monthly newsletter
• STAA conference and workshops discounts
• Opportunities for professional development such as conferences, workshops, and mentoring
• Access to marketing brochures
• Increasing public awareness of shiatsu
• Participation in research projects
• Promotional materials containing the STAA logo
• Members have access to shiatsu magazine, newsletters, member information, and videos in an online Member Portal.

Continuing Professional Education

STAA members are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continued professional education (CPE) activities annually. 

Activities must be directly related to the development of clinical competence and professionalism in shiatsu, or related areas such as TCM, Oriental therapies, counselling skills, business management and development of a shiatsu practice.

Registered Membership Procedure

Send the following requirements along with your membership application online or by mail: 

• Diploma in Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies (HLT50207, HLT50212 or HLT52215*)
• Academic transcript
• First aid certificate (Provide First Aid)
• Professional indemnity insurance (if available)

*As of 1 February 2012, HLT50207 is the minimum qualification required for new members. In the event that you already hold a Shiatsu diploma, you need to have it verified by a registered training organisation that it is equivalent to the current diploma. If you have been a full member within the past three years, you may be eligible to rejoin after completing the CPE requirements (contact the office for more information). Proof of continuing education (10 points/10 hours per year) is required if you graduated more than one year ago.

Following receipt of your membership, you will receive a membership number for applying for professional indemnity insurance. 

After applying for your insurance, you will be issued with a certificate of currency stating the period of insurance and coverage. Send a copy to the STAA office to activate your membership. 

Upon receiving your insurance certificate, your name will appear on the Find a Therapist page and you will receive a Welcome Pack which includes:  

• Certificate of membership and membership card
• CPE information
• Pointers magazine

For more information about membership or to send your application, please visit the STAA website.