About Membership
Students
ABMP student membership provides the tools and support you need to launch
your career as a massage therapists.
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About Membership
Congratulations on choosing a career in massage and bodywork! Massage and bodywork have never been more popular, and the profession continues to gain widespread acceptance as people learn more about the benefits of touch.
As you start your training program, you’re probably a little overwhelmed—new friends, anatomy and physiology, hands-on work, and so much more. Here’s some help to get you off to a great start: Student membership from Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), the largest organization serving the massage and bodywork profession.
Student membership combines the protection of liability insurance, outstanding academic resources, business development tools, and the many benefits of belonging to an organization with 69,000+ members, all for the low membership fee of $65.
Tools for Success
| The Student Success Guide uses goal setting exercises, charts, graphic organizers, and personal assessments to help you learn the skills you’ll need to achieve your academic goals. |
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| The Massage Year Planner provides you with a tool to arrange your schedule, plan assignments, arrange study ses-sions, and organize your life. Throughout the colorful pages, study plans, tips for success, and positive affirmations keep the process of staying organized fun. |
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| As part of membership, students have access to a variety of online study tools that promote active learning. Download graphic organizers for note taking or use the anatomy and physiology flash cards for review before a test. Materials on how to write a research paper, links to massage research, as well as resume and cover letter samples will help you in more advanced stages of your training program. |
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| ABMP members receive a wide variety of benefits. These include practice-building tools, offered through our print publications and online services. Web-based tools include a free e-mail account and a free website, as well as a discussion board to network with other students and professionals. Additional benefits include an ABMP members-only credit card and discounts on a variety of products, such as business cards, legal services, tax preparation services, and more. |
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| Knead to Know quarterly newsletter is written just for students. Read it for great tips and insights on making the most of your massage school experience. |
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| Massage & Bodywork magazine, ABMP’s flagship publication, is a bimonthly journal written for a national audience of massage, bodywork, and somatic professionals. Each issue offers in-depth articles on subjects including the latest research, historical perspectives, massage techniques, business information, professional trends, and a variety of regularly featured columns created to keep readers in touch with their work, their clients, and their health. |
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| And ABMP’s liability insurance. Comprehensive coverage protects you from liability claims in and out of the class-room for all school-sanctioned activities. |
Free E-mail and Website
By setting up your professional e-mail account and creating a website as a student, you’ll have two useful tools to help you prepare for becoming a professional therapist. Once you’ve joined ABMP, simply log in to the Members section of ABMP.com, and follow the prompts to “set up an e-mail account” or “create a website.” We have a program, just for members, to help you create your website.
For both your e-mail and website, you will be able to choose your user name and domain (
emailname@massagetherapy.com or
emailname@myabmp.com;
www.websitename@massagetherapy.com or
www.websitename@abmp.com). The step-by-step directions will allow you to take advantage of these tools created to help your career grow.
Make the most of your ABMP Student membership by establishing your free e-mail account and website as soon as you join. Start distributing your contact information to prospective clients and employers and you’ll be confident they know how to find you once you graduate and upgrade your membership with ABMP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need insurance? Is it really necessary as a student?*
Liability insurance protects you from any incidents or claims that may occur as a result of your massage work. Though not frequent, ABMP Student members have experienced insurance claims from massage given in the classroom as a part of their training, as well as from massage they have given in the school’s student clinic. A school claim was settled recently for over $500,000.
My school says I am already insured. Why should I join?
Be sure to check with your school that YOU are protected. We have learned that many times schools believe their students are covered by their school insurance policy, when in fact they are not. For example, ABMP School membership insurance does not cover students—only the school itself. So be sure you’re protected.
If your school does already provide insurance for you during your training, you can still join ABMP as a student member without insurance. You receive all the same other great benefits described above, but for $45.
How long does my Student membership last?
Student membership is in effect for one year, or until you get your license (if applicable), whichever date comes first. The insurance included with ABMP Student membership will not cover you if you are practicing for compensation or if you are practicing without a state license if one is required in your state.
What happens when my Student membership expires?
If you are still in school, you can renew your ABMP Student membership. If you are going to be finishing school and are ready to practice, you are ready to upgrade to our regular level of membership for practicing professionals.
In my state, I need to provide proof of insurance in order to get my license. Can I upgrade my membership?
Yes. If you are in any of the following states—Alabama, Colorado, Massachusetts, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin—then you must show proof of liability insurance in order to get a license to practice. You can upgrade your membership when you finish school in order to receive your license to practice.
In my state, I am allowed to practice as long as it not for compensation. Can I upgrade my membership?
If your state allows therapists to practice without a license if performing massage for no compensation, then you can upgrade your membership. Your insurance will not be in effect if you are found to be practicing for compensation.
Membership Options and Fees
Student Membership WITH Liability Insurance
* $65-up to 12 months in school
* $95-12 to 18 months in school
* $125-18 to 24 months in school
Student Membership WITHOUT Liability Insurance
* $45-up to 12 months in school
* $65-12 to 18 months in school
* $85-18 to 24 months in school
Schools, you can sign up groups of students by simply submitting a
spreadsheet.
*Note: The insurance coverage descriptions above are illustrative only. Refer to a copy of the policy for specific coverages, limitations, exclusions, terms and conditions. This insurance information is provided by our insurance agent and the insurance company underwriting our program and is not a contract; it is a partial illustration of benefits, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. In the event that there is confusion or conflict between the policy language and any information provided, the policy language shall control.
