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Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals:
Advancing professionalism through practice support,
ethical standards, legislative advocacy, and public education.

IMSTAC Standards of Accreditation
Copyright © Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

Standards have been developed to establish a measurable performance model for schools of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies. Accredited programs meet or exceed these standards. Schools that achieve accreditation standards are recognized as offering IMSTAC accredited programs of instruction, and will enjoy the privilege of using the following designation: "Accredited by Integrative Massage and Somatic Therapies Accreditation Council, a division of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals."

Accreditation standards are defined in five key competency areas-Academic, Financial, Logistical/Operational, Accountability, and Professionalism.

Academic
Basic Curriculum. The school has established a professional training curriculum that qualifies graduates for eligibility for professional practice in the school's state of residence that is consistent with training standards in the profession. The program of instruction includes a minimum of 500 hours of training, and contains (but is not limited to) at least 100 hours of anatomy/physiology; at least 100 hours devoted to professional aspects of the practice of massage including but not limited to ethics, draping, contraindications, first aid, CPR, and business management; and at least 200 hours of theory, practice and techniques of massage therapy. The program contains both academic learning and practical skill development.

Student Clinic. The school includes a practical extension of training in a supervised student clinic and/or externship program, which can comprise a maximum of 20% of the curriculum. The majority of the time required for student clinic must be hands-on sessions with the public. Additional participation can be encouraged, but not mandated.

Academic Accountability. The objective of the program is to prepare students to knowledgeably and professionally enter the field of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies, and/or achieve eligibility through successful completion of licensing requirements.

Academic Professionalism. The school continually offers quality instruction, drawing upon the most current information in the field, and strives to develop programs that will advance massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies knowledge and practice. The curriculum is taught in a consistent, organized manner. Substantially the same curriculum is maintained from one class session to another. Continual review of teaching methods, formats, content, and faculty occurs, utilizing all available resources. The school employs an instructional staff that is qualified and adequate to fulfill the objectives of the educational program and the institution.

Financial
The school maintains financial viability through continued adherence to fiduciary responsibilities and maintenance of adequate working capital at all times. It maintains complete financial records that comply with federal and state regulations for businesses.

Logistical/Operational
The school has a published statement that identifies it as a training institution for the massage, bodywork and somatic therapies profession.

The school operates within the legal requirements dictated by applicable state and municipal post-secondary education and business/fire safety specifications.

The school has a solid management foundation to oversee the day-to-day operation and long-term planning of the school. In addition, the school has an established written organizational plan for continued improvement.

The school carries professional liability insurance covering the institute for work the faculty members and students perform within the context of the program of instruction.

Accountability
The school has established policies and procedures related to the instruction of students, including but not limited to admissions, grievances, ethics and dismissal procedures.

The school provides information to students regarding tuition requirements and financial aid opportunities.

The school maintains a process to track employment progress of alumni.

The school provides students with a solid foundation in business ethics, professional practices and career development.

The school has standard admissions criteria for all applicants, and accepts only students capable of completing the studies offered.

The school maintains written documentation on file explaining any denial of admission. A review of admissions guidelines and their effectiveness is conducted for each entering class, examining dropout, failure, completion, and grading rates.

All students and prospective students are treated equally and fairly. Tuition and other costs are clearly communicated to students and prospective students, and are equivalent for all students.

A formal complaint procedure exists for students regarding academic and other school-related concerns. The school notifies all students of the grievance process offered through IMSTAC.

Student services include career counseling/placement, advising, and record maintenance.

Student evaluation occurs on a regular basis, and students are made aware of their standing in class as it relates to completion or graduation. Each student is informed of his or her progress or deficiency, and remedies are presented to improve deficient students' progress. Probationary status is established for students with severe academic deficiencies.

The school conducts regular faculty/staff evaluations, in-services and training opportunities.

Professionalism
The school provides a safe and ethically sound environment for every student.

The school cultivates a culture of integrity, acceptance, and professional approach to the profession.

The school is an attractive place for prospective, current, and past students to visit.

School communications are articulate and convey a sense of professionalism.

The school distributes descriptive materials that reflect positively on the school and the massage profession in general.

The student clinic provides a positive model for students as a prospective practice standard.