Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Accreditation Partner for Massage & Esthetics Education
The Commission On Massage Therapy (COMTA) has been the leading specialized accreditor for massage therapy, bodywork, and esthetics education since 2002. Our mission focuses on establishing and maintaining rigorous educational standards that benefit students, practitioners, and the public. Through our accreditation process, we evaluate institutions and programs based on defined professional standards, ensuring quality education and training that aligns with national industry needs. With recognition from the U.S. Department of Education, we provide a peer-driven evaluation system that emphasizes curriculum excellence, faculty qualifications, and student competency development.Our team of experienced commissioners and staff offers comprehensive support throughout the accreditation journey, including online training resources and professional development opportunities. We maintain transparency through annual reporting requirements and ongoing compliance monitoring, while our Endorsed Curriculum program offers an accessible alternative for institutions seeking to demonstrate curriculum quality without full accreditation. Our collaborative approach with industry partners and regulatory bodies ensures our standards remain current and relevant to evolving professional practices.
Services
Specialized Accreditation
Endorsed Curriculum Review
Online Training Programs
Accreditation Preparation
Professional Development
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We are the only specialized accreditor focused exclusively on massage therapy and esthetics education
- 22 years of continuous USDE recognition demonstrates our established credibility
- Our Endorsed Curriculum program offers flexible quality verification options
- We provide comprehensive support through the entire accreditation process
- Our peer-review system ensures standards reflect current industry needs
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Department of Education
Services
Specialized Accreditation
COMTA's specialized accreditation evaluates massage therapy and esthetics education programs through rigorous standards. Our peer-review process examines curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, and student competency development. Accredited institutions gain recognition for meeting national educational benchmarks while receiving support for continuous improvement.
Endorsed Curriculum
This recognition verifies that programs meet COMTA's curriculum standards without full institutional accreditation. The streamlined process focuses on instructional quality and competency alignment. Institutions receive recognition for curriculum excellence while maintaining flexibility in operations.
Online Training
COMTA offers online training resources for faculty and administrators. Our courses cover accreditation standards, curriculum development, and assessment methodologies. Participants receive continuing education credits and practical tools to enhance educational quality.
Accreditation Preparation
We provide comprehensive support for institutions pursuing accreditation. Services include standards interpretation, self-study guidance, and process navigation. Our team assists with documentation preparation and compliance verification to ensure successful accreditation outcomes.
Commission Oversight
COMTA's volunteer commissioners represent diverse industry perspectives. They ensure accreditation decisions reflect current professional needs while maintaining educational integrity. The commission provides ongoing oversight through annual reporting requirements and compliance monitoring.
People
Jessica Frier
Commissioner (Public Member)
Doctor of acupuncture with specialization in reproductive medicine and extensive bodywork training. Former Dean of Acupuncture College and active educator with expertise in clinical research and functional medicine.
Dale Healey
Chair (Distinguished Contributor)
Chiropractor with 25+ years in massage education. Associate Professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University and leader in integrative health education initiatives. Holds PhD in Organizational Leadership.
Toshiana Baker
Secretary (Esthetics Practitioner)
Licensed esthetician since 2006 with leadership roles in spa operations and education development. Developed training programs for skincare professionals and advocates for estheticians' career advancement.
Lurana Bain
Vice Chair (Massage Educator)
Massage Therapy Program Director with 20+ years in adult education. Led multiple program accreditations and serves on state licensing boards. Maintains private practice while advocating for lifelong learning in massage therapy.
Patrick Comstock
Commissioner (Administrator)
Higher education leader with 30 years of experience in compliance and educational administration. Holds PhD in Education and has served in leadership roles at massage therapy institutions.
Questions
What are the benefits of COMTA accreditation?
Accreditation demonstrates educational quality through peer-reviewed standards, enhances institutional credibility, and qualifies schools for federal financial aid programs.
How does the accreditation process work?
The 12-month process includes initial application, self-study report, on-site visit, and final commission review. Staff support is provided throughout all stages.
What is Endorsed Curriculum status?
This recognition verifies curriculum quality without full accreditation, focusing on instructional standards and competency alignment at reduced cost and administrative burden.
Can schools receive financial assistance?
The AMTA covers 50% of initial accreditation fees. Endorsed Curriculum applicants pay $1,500 application fee with annual sustaining fees thereafter.
How long does accreditation last?
Accreditation grants last seven years with annual reporting requirements. Endorsed Curriculum recognition lasts four years with simpler renewal processes.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Institutions must be state-approved, offer post-secondary programs meeting licensing hour requirements, and have at least five enrolled students to qualify for accreditation or endorsement.
