California Massage Therapy Council | Providing voluntary certification that enables massage therapists to practice statewide.

Policies and Procedures for Approval of Schools

Approved 12/11/2025 — Effective January 1, 2026

The California Massage Therapy Council (“CAMTC”) hereby adopts the following policies and procedures for the approval of schools, pursuant to California Business and Professions Code sections 4600 et. seq. (hereinafter the “Law”). In accordance with the Law, CAMTC approved schools, as well as all education submitted for CAMTC certification, including but not limited to education from out-of-state and out-of-country schools, shall meet the minimum standards for training and curriculum as stated in these policies and procedures. CAMTC reserves the right to review, investigate, and accept or deny any or all of the education submitted by applicants for CAMTC certification, even if completed at an approved school.

1. Eligibility for Approval

In order to receive and maintain CAMTC school approval, a massage school, and any CAMTC approved satellite and branch locations, including any approved out-of-country locations, shall meet ALL of the following requirements:

The school must offer at least one eligible program clearly identified as a professional massage program that grants students a certificate, diploma, or degree in massage. Other professional education programs that include massage as a component of their programs and continuing education hours are not eligible.
Massage program(s) provides an organized plan of study of massage and related subjects for a minimum of 500 supervised clock hours (or credit unit equivalent) as set forth in section 5.E. below. The massage program(s) shall also incorporate appropriate school assessment of student knowledge and skills. CAMTC accepts online interactive distance learning hours as set forth herein but does not accept other distance learning hours, including but not limited to, externships, apprenticeships, homework, and self-study or credits through challenge examinations, achievement tests, or experiential learning.
1. For programs qualifying at a college or university of the state higher education system, as defined in Section 100850 of the Education Code, units must be for academic credit and appear on an official college transcript. Certificates from non-credit adult education classes and programs are inapplicable. Community College degrees and certificates must be approved by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
The school and/or massage program is not currently un-approved by CAMTC.
The school and corresponding massage program(s) shall also meet at least one of the following requirements:
1. Approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
2. Approved by the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
3. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities or the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and that is one of the following:
  1. A public school.
  2. A school incorporated and lawfully operating as a nonprofit public benefit corporation pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 5110) of Division 2 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code, and that is not managed by any entity for profit.
  3. A for-profit school.
  4. A school that does not meet all of the criteria in subparagraph (2) that is incorporated and lawfully operating as a nonprofit public benefit corporation pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 5110) of Division 2 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code, that has been in continuous operation since April 15, 1997, and that is not managed by any entity for profit.
4. A college or university of the state higher education system, as defined in Section 100850 of the Education Code.
5. A school requiring equal or greater training than what is required pursuant to the Law and is recognized by the corresponding agency in another state or accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
To prevent a possible lapse of CAMTC School Approval, CAMTC must receive a complete application for re-approval at least six months prior to the school’s approval expiration date as stated in the letter of approval. While CAMTC may send a complimentary reminder, it is the school’s responsibility to submit the application for re-approval on time.

2. Approval and Re-Approval Process

Complete either the application for school approval or application for school re-approval packet entirely and submit all requested documents.
Fees.
1. Approval Fees. Pay the initial application fee and any required background check fees identified in CAMTC’s Fee Schedule. If approved, the initial application fee provides for two full years of CAMTC approval, so long as the school maintains the requirements for approval set forth herein and is not in violation of these Procedures. A school that has been continuously approved for the full two-year initial approval period, with no disciplinary action taken against it by CAMTC and no break in the approval period, may apply for re-approval.
2. Re-Approval Fees. Pay the re-approval application fee for either two years or for four years and any required background check fees identified in CAMTC’s Fee Schedule. If re-approved, the re-approval application fee provides for two full years of CAMTC approval, or four full years of CAMTC approval depending on which time period is requested, so long as the school maintains the requirements for approval set forth herein and is not in violation of these Procedures. Schools with a break in the approval period, or who have had disciplinary action taken against them by CAMTC, must apply and meet the requirements of a new applicant, including paying the initial application fee.
3. All fees are non-refundable.
A school offering a professional massage therapy program that has not been approved by CAMTC, before enrolling a student in the school, shall notify the student in writing and obtain a signed confirmation from the student that the student has received written notification of the following:
1. That the school is not approved by CAMTC.
2. That the education completed at the school cannot be used to satisfy any of the requirements for CAMTC certification as a massage therapist or massage practitioner in California.
Schools applying for initial approval shall host a scheduled site visit from a CAMTC representative(s) who will verify information submitted in the application packet and compliance with requirements for approval set forth herein. Schools applying for re-approval may also be required to host a scheduled site visit from a CAMTC representative(s) who will verify information submitted in the application packet and compliance with requirements for approval set forth herein, at CAMTC’s discretion. Unscheduled site visits may also occur at any time for both approved schools and applicants for approval or re-approval.
Approval Process
1. For Initial Applications for School Approval received on or after January 1, 2020, the approval process for a school shall be consistent with the following timelines:
  1. On or before 30 days from the date CAMTC receives an initial application for school approval, CAMTC shall notify the school whether or not, for the purpose of preliminary review, the application is complete.
    1. A notice that an initial application is not complete for the purpose of preliminary review shall specify what additional documents or payment of fees the school is required to submit to CAMTC to make the application complete for the purpose of preliminary review.
    2. Within 60 days from the date CAMTC notifies the school that the initial application is not complete for purposes of preliminary review, the school shall provide the missing information and pay the required fees. If a school fails to do so, CAMTC shall purge the application. CAMTC may, in its sole discretion, provide a school with an additional 30 days to make its application complete for purposes of preliminary review. A school with a purged application may submit a new application for school approval, including the required fees, without prejudice, after 180 days have passed from the effective date of purging. A school whose application is purged twice or more shall not be allowed to submit a new application for school approval until two years after the effective date of the most recent purging. CAMTC shall post on its internet website the effective date of purging.
  2. On or before one year from the date CAMTC receives an initial application for approval as a school, CAMTC shall approve the school, propose to deny approval of the school, or notify the school that corrective action is required. CAMTC reserves the right to issue a one-time notice of corrective action on an initial application. If the school fails to adequately rectify the deficiencies, CAMTC may deny the application.
2. Provisional School Approval. For new schools or new massage programs, massage programs that have been on hiatus, or massage schools or programs for which students are not currently enrolled or have not completed enough of the program for CAMTC to adequately determine if the minimum requirements for training and curriculum have been met, CAMTC will follow the same application review process set forth in these procedures, except for those procedures applicable to the site visit and the timelines set forth above. For schools seeking CAMTC provisional school approval, a minimum of two site visits will occur. The initial site visit will follow the guidelines of a regular site visit except for those items which cannot be completed due to the school having no students or only having students for a short period of time. These items may include, but are not limited to, class observations, student interviews, and student file review. A follow-up site visit will be performed once students have started and completed enough of the program for CAMTC to adequately assess the remaining items. If granted, CAMTC provisional school approval is valid for only 180 days, unless otherwise extended by CAMTC in its sole discretion.
3. Request for Corrective Action. CAMTC, in its sole discretion, may determine that specific corrective action is needed. If CAMTC determines that corrective action is needed, it will send a letter to the school notifying it of the specific corrective action requested and specify a time period for the school to take the requested corrective action and provide proof to CAMTC that the requested corrective action has been taken. Once CAMTC has reviewed submitted proof that the school has taken the specific corrective action requested pursuant to this section, and made a determination as to whether the action taken satisfies the request for corrective action, CAMTC will send a letter to the school notifying it of CAMTC’s decision. CAMTC may decide: that the corrective action taken satisfies CAMTC’s request; request that additional corrective action be taken; approve the school; provisionally approve the school; place the school under investigation; propose to deny the school’s application; or propose to impose discipline (suspend the school’s approval, impose probationary terms or conditions, or revoke school approval). If CAMTC proposes to deny the school’s application, revoke school approval, suspend school approval, or impose probationary terms or conditions, the applicable Procedures identified in Section 7 of these Procedures shall be followed.
4. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
  1. “Initial application” means a new application submitted by a school for school approval.
  2. “Complete application,” for purposes of preliminary review, means an application that CAMTC, after preliminary review, has determined contains all the necessary documents for CAMTC to begin a more thorough review process that allows CAMTC to make a decision to approve or propose to deny the application for school approval or request corrective action. A complete application is not an approved application and a determination by CAMTC upon preliminary review that an application is complete shall not prejudice CAMTC’s ability to later determine that the application is not complete.
  3. “Preliminary review” means an initial review conducted by CAMTC to determine if all fees have been paid and if all application and supporting documents have been submitted, so that CAMTC can move forward and begin a more thorough review process. The preliminary review process does not include completion of a site visit or completion of background checks for noncertified individuals.

3. Important Dates

July 1, 2016. As of this date, CAMTC will accept, for purposes of certifying individuals who received massage education in California, only those hours completed from CAMTC approved programs offered at CAMTC approved schools unless otherwise allowed pursuant to these procedures. The 500 hours required for CAMTC Certification may be completed at more than one approved school and/or more than one approved massage program. Students do not have to register for or complete an entire CAMTC approved program for CAMTC to consider the education sufficient to meet the requirements in the Massage Therapy Act; CAMTC will consider hours from a partially completed program for certification so long as those hours are part of a CAMTC approved massage program.
1. CAMTC will accept education for CAMTC certification purposes from schools or programs closed on or before June 30, 2016, with either no lawful custodian of records or a lawful custodian of records that is not a CAMTC approved school as long as all of the following conditions are met:
  1. The education occurred at a time when the closed school or program was approved or accredited by at least one of the organizations listed in California Business and Professions Code section 4601;
  2. The closed school or program is or was not subject to any disciplinary actions or pending investigations by any approval or accrediting agencies, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA), government agencies, CAMTC or other massage or school related entities; and
  3. The applicant for CAMTC certification provides sufficient proof that the education received at the closed school or program meets minimum standards for training and curriculum and the statutory education requirements for certification.
2. CAMTC will accept education for CAMTC certification purposes from schools or programs closed on or before June 30, 2016, that have a CAMTC approved school as their lawful custodian of records as long as all of the following conditions are met:
  1. The education occurred at a time when the closed school or program was approved or accredited by at least one of the organizations listed in California Business and Professions Code section 4601;
  2. The closed school or program is or was not subject to any disciplinary actions or pending investigations by any approval or accrediting agencies, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA), government agencies, CAMTC or other massage or school related entities;
  3. The CAMTC approved school identified as lawful custodian of records remains approved by CAMTC; and
  4. The CAMTC approved school identified as lawful custodian of records adheres to the following requirements:
    1. Submits transcripts from closed school(s) or program(s) in accordance with these Procedures, noting either on the transcript or in an attached letter that the transcript is being submitted by the lawful custodian of records;
    2. When education is completed at multiple schools, submits either 1) one transcript listing education from all schools clearly identifying when and at which school specific education was received, or 2) provides a separate transcript for each school identifying when and at which school specific education was received;
    3. Maintains detailed information including, but not limited to, attendance records, syllabi, instructor names, and course catalogs for the programs and curriculum from the closed school(s) or program(s) as they are listed on transcripts for CAMTC review; and
    4. Maintains detailed information on the purchase, merger, or other legal transaction that resulted in the CAMTC approved school becoming the lawful custodian of records for the closed school or program for CAMTC review.
3. CAMTC approved schools or programs that are closed, expired, or merged with a CAMTC approved school on or after July 1, 2016, and are in good standing with CAMTC at the time of closure, expiration, or merger: Education will be accepted from the lawful custodian of records as long as the closed, expired, or merged school or program is or was not subject to any disciplinary action or pending investigations by any approval or accrediting agencies, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA), government agencies, CAMTC or other massage or school related entities.
4. CAMTC reserves the right to review and accept or deny all or part of any education submitted or require individual applicants for CAMTC certification to provide additional proof of adequate education by passing a CAMTC education hearing from any school or program including, but not limited to approved, closed, expired, sold, or merged school or program described herein.
5. For schools that have been un-approved by CAMTC, and who had an effective un-approval date on or after April 2, 2016, a 90-day grace period from the date of the adoption of this provision (March 9, 2017), or from the effective date of un-approval, whichever is later, will be provided for acceptance of individual certification applications. During this 90-day grace period, the school’s students who apply for certification, and all of those whose applications were previously held, will be required to provide additional proof of adequate education (beyond merely a transcript from the subject school) in order to prove their education. Students whose applications are received after the 90-day grace period has expired will be notified that, unless they have also supplied evidence of completion of required hours of massage education from one or more CAMTC approved schools, their applications are incomplete and that they have one year to complete their education and provide an acceptable transcript to CAMTC before their applications are purged.
Initial school approval shall be for a two-year time period, unless the school’s approval is revoked or suspended in accordance with these Procedures.
Schools approved or provisionally approved will have an effective date of approval starting on the date of approval or provisional approval. For purposes of individual CAMTC Certification, if CAMTC ultimately approves a school whose application for school approval is or was received on or after July 1, 2016, CAMTC may consider education completed at the school on or after the date CAMTC initially received the school’s application for school approval as education completed at a CAMTC approved school.
Once a school completes its portion of the application for school approval, the application may not be withdrawn.
Interactive Distance Learning.
1. For students who completed education at approved schools from March 12, 2020, through September 13, 2021, CAMTC will accept interactive distance learning hours that comply with CAMTC’s “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Contingency Plan for Schools” documents dated March 12, 2020, March 27, 2020, and May 11, 2020; CAMTC’s Temporary Policy to Accept Interactive Distance Learning Hours approved July 27, 2020, and revised December 10, 2020; and the Clarification of Temporary Policy to Accept Interactive Distance Learning Hours for Hands-on Practice dated February 23, 2021. Students completing education during this time have until September 13, 2022, or the completion of their program, whichever occurs first, to complete education under these temporary measures.
2. For students beginning their education at an approved school on or after September 14, 2021, CAMTC will accept interactive distance learning hours in accordance with the requirements for approval set forth herein. Approved schools that have offered distance learning hours for a minimum of 90 days prior to September 14, 2021, in compliance with CAMTC’s Temporary Policy to Accept Interactive Distance Learning Hours, may continue to offer interactive distance learning hours in accordance with the requirements for approval set forth herein without specific additional approval from CAMTC to do so as CAMTC has already approved these modifications; schools that have not offered distance learning hours for a minimum of 90 days prior to September 14, 2021, in compliance with CAMTC’s Temporary Policy to Accept Interactive Distance Learning Hours and that begin offering interactive distance learning hours on or after September 14, 2021, must seek specific approval from CAMTC to do so pursuant to section 5.A.g.
3. CAMTC will not accept any distance learning hours completed before March 12, 2020.

4. Application Packet

A School Approval Code issued by CAMTC is for a single campus, including CAMTC approved satellite locations and specific owner(s), and may not be used for any other locations, schools, or owners. Therefore, for each main or branch campus or school, a separate application, fee, and requested materials shall be submitted in accordance with current CAMTC policy.

Application
1. The application shall be completed in its entirety, typed, signed, dated, and accompanied by the non-refundable application fee. Employees of public colleges or universities of the California state higher education system, as defined in section 100850 of the Education Code, may use campus ID number in lieu of social security number, campus ID as a form of government issued photographic identification, and may omit home address.
Approvals
1. Documented proof of current approval or accreditation by an agency listed in Business and Professions Code section 4601(a). Schools with more than one approval or accreditation shall submit proof of all, including if and when the school was approved to offer distance learning.
2. Schools shall submit all site visit report(s), compliance inspection report(s), disciplinary actions and other related documents issued to the school by all respective agencies documented above, if any.
3. Pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 4615(b), CAMTC, in its sole discretion, may adopt provisions for the acceptance of accreditation from a recognized accreditation body.
Management
1. For private post-secondary schools:
  1. Organizational chart showing owners and all full and part-time employees, independent contractors, volunteers, and any other individuals who participate in massage program operations, including but not limited to management, staff, faculty members, advisory boards, and administrative personnel.
  2. Ownership worksheet (included with application), resume, and copy of a current valid government issued photographic identification for all owners of the school.
  3. Administrator Qualification form (included with application), resume, and copy of a current valid government issued photographic identification for all full and part-time employees, independent contractors, volunteers, and any other individuals who participate in massage department operations, including but not limited to department management, staff, advisory boards, and administrative personnel.
  4. Copy of property tax bill, lease agreement, local business license, and fictitious business name filing, if applicable, proving that the owner(s) either owns or leases the property where the school is located.
  5. For corporations, limited liability companies, or partnerships, copies of articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, contracts, and/or EIN certificate from the IRS showing proof of ownership.
2. For public colleges or universities of the California state higher education system, as defined in section 100850 of the Education Code, and public schools accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education:
  1. Organizational chart showing all full and part-time employees, independent contractors, volunteers, and any other individuals who participate in massage department operations, including but not limited to department management, staff, faculty members, advisory boards, and administrative personnel.
Transcripts
1. Sample transcript and massage program addendum, if any, with no additional markings.
2. Sample transcript and massage program addendum, if any, with highlights and descriptions for unique security measures.
3. Signatures, printed names, and titles for all approved signers.
4. Transcript checklist (included with application).
5. Sample diploma (NOTE: Diplomas are not accepted in lieu of transcripts as proof of education).
Enrollment Agreement
1. Blank enrollment agreement and massage program addendum, if any.
2. Enrollment agreement checklist (included with application).
Course Catalog
1. Current course catalog and massage program addendum, if any.
2. Course catalog checklist (included with application).
Curriculum
1. Program hour requirement worksheet (included with application).
2. Calendar for each massage program noting beginning and end dates and daily schedule of all classes.
3. Syllabi detailing all massage courses.
4. List of textbooks, educational materials, and classroom equipment used for massage program.
5. Policies for creating, reviewing, and updating curriculum.
Faculty
1. Massage program faculty list worksheet (included with application).
2. Instructor Qualification forms (included with application), resume, and copy of a current valid government issued photographic identification for all massage program faculty, including but not limited to visiting teachers, volunteers, and all those who will be teaching on a full or part-time or temporary basis.
3. Policies and procedures for hiring, training, evaluating (including student and management evaluations of faculty), and disciplining faculty.
4. Massage program staff and faculty meeting and/or training policy, minutes, and attendance records within the last 12 months.
5. Student-teacher ratio policy and ratios for all current classes.
Facility
1. Simple floor plan with approximate measurements and square footage.
2. Clear, color pictures of the following:
  1. Exterior signage.
  2. Building exterior.
  3. All classrooms utilized for massage classes.
  4. All areas utilized for student massage clinic.
Advertising
1. Copies of online and print advertisements and marketing materials related to the massage programs submitted for approval.

5. Requirements for Approval

Failure to meet and maintain minimum standards for training and curriculum, as determined by CAMTC in its sole discretion, is a basis for denial of an application for school approval or discipline of a school.

To achieve and maintain approval, schools shall fulfill the requirements of all other agencies through which they are approved or accredited pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 4601 and comply with all of the following provisions:

Administration
1. Continuously maintain all eligibility requirements for approval or accreditation by the organization(s) listed in Business and Professions Code section 4601 that the school is accredited or approved by, and for approval by CAMTC.
2. Include CAMTC School Approval Code (once approved) in any and all massage program advertising and marketing materials, including but not limited to website, business cards, brochures, print advertisements, and online banners. The school may indicate that it is “CAMTC approved” or “approved by CAMTC,” but may not state or imply that the school or its educational programs are endorsed or recommended by CAMTC, or that approval indicates the school exceeds minimum standards.
3. Post any and all approvals and accreditations, including from CAMTC, on the school premises in an area easily visible to the public.
4. Continuously maintain the exact same owner(s) and ownership structure matching CAMTC records, which shall match the records of all other agencies that have approved or accredited the school pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 4601.
5. Operate; advertise; issue certificates, diplomas, degrees, and/or transcripts; and conduct all other school business under the exact school name matching CAMTC records, which shall match the records of all other agencies that have approved or accredited the school pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 4601.
6. Teach all classes and conduct business only at CAMTC approved locations matching CAMTC records, which shall match the records of all other agencies that have approved or accredited the school pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 4601.
  1. Occasional, site-specific classes including, but not limited to, First Aid/CPR Certification, cadaver labs, sports massage events, health and professional expos, career fairs, and spa tours accounting for no more than 50 total hours and specifically provided for in the curriculum, complete with detailed learning objectives, assignments, and assessments, may be taught at an appropriate off-site location under direct supervision of a qualified instructor. Instructors must sign off on appropriate documentation attesting to the total number of acceptable clock hours completed by each student and students shall only receive credit for the actual clock hours for which they engaged in massage activities and activities related to massage. Under no circumstances shall students receive credit for travel time, idle, non-educational, or unsupervised activity. CAMTC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to not accept off-campus hours.
7. Changes of owner(s) and/or ownership structure; operating under a different school name; teaching and/or conducting business at a different or additional address or online through interactive distance learning; and/or changes in program name or content may only occur after the school first obtains an approval letter from the appropriate agencies that have approved or accredited the school pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 4601, submits the appropriate application for change to CAMTC, and CAMTC approves such application. (Please note that BPPE currently only requires approval for a change of location if the move is more than 10 miles from the original location; however, CAMTC requires approval for any change of location.)
8. The school is responsible for the conduct of all owners, full and part-time employees, independent contractors, volunteers, and any other individuals who participate in school operations, including but not limited to management, staff, faculty members, advisory boards, and administrative personnel. CAMTC may deny approval or take disciplinary action against a school if an owner, full or part-time employee, independent contractor, volunteer, or any other individual who participates in school operations, including but not limited to management, staff, faculty members, advisory boards, and administrative personnel, engages in unprofessional conduct while engaged in school activities.
9. The school must report to CAMTC, within 15 days of receiving notice, all legal actions, arrests, police reports, and complaints against professional conduct, involving the school; school personnel including owners, full and part-time employees, independent contractors, volunteers, and any other individuals who participate in school operations, including but not limited to management, staff, faculty members, advisory boards, and administrative personnel; and/or students or graduates engaged in school or massage related activities.
10. Comply with Education Code section 94934.5, which provides:
  1. An institution with an approval to operate that knows that it is being investigated by an oversight entity other than the bureau shall report that investigation, including the nature of that investigation, to the bureau in writing within 30 days of the institution’s first knowledge of the investigation. An institution with an approval to operate that is the subject of a judgment by, a regulatory action by, increased oversight or monitoring by, or a settlement with, any oversight entity other than the bureau shall report it to the bureau within 30 days. Failure to comply with this section may subject the institution to an administrative citation pursuant to Section 94936.
  2. For the purposes of this section, “investigation” means any inquiry into possible violations of any applicable laws or accreditation standards.
  3. For the purposes of this section, “oversight entity” means all of the following:
    1. Any governmental agency.
    2. Any accrediting agency.
    3. Any professional licensing entity that exercises any programmatic or institutional approval over the institution.
    4. Any private entity authorized pursuant to any provision of the Business and Professions Code to approve schools or educational programs for purposes of a professional certification.
Transcripts
1. Transcripts and massage program addendums, if any, from private post-secondary schools shall, at minimum, contain the following information:
  1. School name, address, telephone number, website, and CAMTC School Approval Code (once approved), which shall exactly match information on file at CAMTC.
  2. Heading entitled “Official Transcript.”
  3. Student’s full legal name, address, and date of birth.
  4. Name of CAMTC approved program(s) attended by student.
  5. Date student started CAMTC approved program(s) and date student completed CAMTC approved program(s) or hours, for programs longer than 500 hours, completed CAMTC requirements, if applicable.
  6. Breakdown of courses completed with total number of supervised clock hours attended; total number of hours completed as in-person lecture, in-person lab, interactive distance learning lecture, and interactive distance learning lab; and passing grades for each course. Courses shall match those listed in the provided syllabi and program hour requirement worksheet(s) (included with application).
  7. Total number of supervised clock hours completed for CAMTC approved program(s).
  8. At least one authorized signature, personally handwritten in ink or electronically signed in accordance with current CAMTC policy, with printed name, title, and date.
  9. Official school seal affixed, embossed, or otherwise attached to transcript.
  10. Sufficient security measures that uniquely identify the school’s transcripts.
2. Transcripts from public colleges or universities of the California state higher education system, as defined in Section 100850 of the Education Code, and public schools accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education shall meet or exceed standards as determined by governing laws and regulations.
3. Only transcripts submitted electronically from an authorized email address in accordance with current CAMTC policy will be considered for certification purposes.
4. CAMTC staff shall clearly be able to discern whether a student has completed the required hours without having to interpret any information.
5. Clearly identify or DO NOT include unsupervised clock hours.
6. Clearly identify or DO NOT include courses or hours considered incomplete by the school.
7. Pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 4604, CAMTC can only consider transfer hours from CAMTC approved schools. Transcripts shall clearly identify transfer hours, including but not limited to name, CAMTC School Approval Code, address, telephone, and website of other school(s); number of hours transferred; class requirements met by transfer hours; reason(s) for transfer; and attached copy of transcript(s) from other school(s). Transfer hours may not make up more than 50% of the 500 hours required for certification.
  1. CAMTC will consider up to 125 hours of equivalent anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and/or health and hygiene completed at a college or university of the state higher education system, as defined in Section 100850 of the Education Code, or completed at a school accredited as identified in Business and Professions Code section 4601(a)(3), as meeting the definition of a CAMTC approved school.
  2. CAMTC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to not accept any or all transfer hours.
8. Schools shall take necessary precautions to avoid the creation and/or reproduction of fraudulent transcripts. Fraudulent transcripts, whether from within or without the school, may lead to suspension or revocation of school approval, among other consequences.
9. Any changes in transcript format, authorized signers, authorized email addresses, and/or security features may only occur after the corresponding application for change has been submitted to and approved by CAMTC.
10. The school shall have clearly defined written policies that it follows for accurately and securely keeping and maintaining student files and transcript information, including but not limited to enrollment agreements, payment ledgers, daily attendance rosters indicating if the hours were completed in-person or through interactive distance learning, daily proof of identity verification for each student completing interactive distance learning hours, coursework, and grades.
11. Transcript information shall be securely kept permanently. If a school closes, it shall designate a custodian of records for that school and notify CAMTC of the name, address, email address, and telephone number of its designated custodian of records 30 days before the date of the school’s closure.
Enrollment Agreement
1. Enrollment agreements and massage program addendums, if any, from private post-secondary schools shall, at minimum, contain the following information:
  1. School name, address, additional addresses where classes will be held, telephone number, and website.
  2. Student’s full legal name, date of birth, address, email, telephone number, and signature.
  3. Copy of a current valid government issued photographic identification.
  4. Title of massage program and total scheduled number of supervised hours received upon completion.
  5. Program schedule with start date and scheduled completion date.
  6. All scheduled charges and fees including, as applicable: tuition, registration fee, equipment, lab supplies, textbooks, educational materials, uniforms, charges paid to an entity other than the school as required by the program, and any other charge or fee.
  7. Scheduled payment terms.
  8. Clearly visible disclosure statement: “Attendance and/or graduation from a California Massage Therapy Council approved school does not guarantee certification by CAMTC. Applicants for certification shall meet all requirements as listed in California Business and Professions Code sections 4600 et. seq.”
  9. Statement directing students to CAMTC for unanswered questions and for filing a complaint: “A student or any member of the public with questions that have not been satisfactorily answered by the school or who would like to file a complaint about this school may contact the California Massage Therapy Council at: One Capitol Mall, Suite 800, Sacramento, CA 95814, www.camtc.org, phone (916) 669-5336, or fax (916) 669-5337.”
2. Enrollment agreements from public colleges or universities of the California state higher education system, as defined in section 100850 of the Education Code, and public schools accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education shall meet or exceed standards as determined by governing laws and regulations.
Course Catalog

Course Catalogs and massage program addendums, if any, shall, at minimum, contain the following information:
1. School name, address, additional addresses where classes will be held, telephone number, website, and CAMTC School Approval Code (once approved).
2. Date printed/revised.
3. Title of massage program(s) and total number of scheduled supervised hours received upon completion.
4. Program prerequisites, including but not limited to admission requirements, previous training, and language comprehension skills.
5. Completion and graduation requirements, including but not limited to clock hours to attend, assignments to complete, and assessments to pass.
6. Transfer credit policy.
7. Attendance and leave of absence policies, including but not limited to:
  1. Notice that applicants for CAMTC certification shall have attended 500 supervised hours total with 100 of those hours satisfying CAMTC specified subjects.
  2. For 500-hour programs, how students make up missed hours and, for programs longer than 500 hours, percentage of hours students can be absent and how they make up any additional hours.
  3. Length, terms, and allowances for leaves of absence.
8. Hygiene, dress code, and draping policies.
9. If the school admits foreign or ESL students, the catalog shall contain language proficiency information, including the level of English language proficiency required of students and the kind of documentation of proficiency that will be accepted; and whether English language services are provided and, if so, the nature of the service and its cost. The catalog shall also identify whether any instruction will occur in a language other than English and, if so, identify the other language(s) instruction will be provided in, the level of English proficiency required, and the kind of documentation of proficiency that will be accepted.
10. Publication of CAMTC’s Law related to unfair business practices as related to massage:
  1. Pursuant to California Business and Professions Code section 4611, it is an unfair business practice for a person to do any of the following:
    1. To hold himself or herself out or to use the title of “certified massage therapist” or “certified massage practitioner,” or any other term, such as “licensed,” “certified,” “CMT,” or “CMP,” in any manner whatsoever that implies or suggests that the person is certified as a massage therapist or massage practitioner, unless that person currently holds an active and valid certificate issued by the California Massage Therapy Council.
    2. To falsely state or advertise or put out any sign or card or other device, or to falsely represent to the public through any print or electronic media, that he or she or any other individual is licensed, certified, or registered by a governmental agency as a massage therapist or massage practitioner.
11. Clearly visible disclosure statement: “Attendance and/or graduation from a California Massage Therapy Council approved school does not guarantee certification by CAMTC. Applicants for certification shall meet all requirements as listed in California Business and Professions Code section 4600 et. seq.”
12. Statement directing students to CAMTC for unanswered questions and for filing a complaint: “A student or any member of the public with questions that have not been satisfactorily answered by the school or who would like to file a complaint about this school may contact the California Massage Therapy Council at One Capitol Mall, Suite 800, Sacramento, CA 95814, www.camtc.org, phone (916) 669-5336, or fax (916) 669-5337.”
13. Statement notifying students that the massage and bodywork competency assessment examination described in Business and Professions Code section 4604(a)3(A) is not a requirement for certification but may be required for licensure or certification as a massage therapist in any other state.
Curriculum

All 500 clock hours of education (or credit unit equivalent) required for CAMTC Certification must be provided under the active and direct supervision of qualified instructors, meet or exceed the minimum requirements for approval set forth herein, and be substantially related to the massage profession. CAMTC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine whether curriculum is substantially related to massage or not. For programs in excess of 500 hours, the hours above and beyond 500 do not have to meet these requirements; however, hours that do not meet these requirements cannot be used towards CAMTC Certification.
1. Provide a minimum of 310 in-person supervised clock hours (or credit unit equivalent) addressing the following subjects:
  1. A minimum of 250 hours of Hands-On Massage including, but not limited to, client assessment and interview, client draping, massage application, and planning and administering an individualized therapeutic massage. These 250 hours may include a maximum of 75 student clinic hours as set forth in section 5.E.c of these Procedures. California Business and Professions Code section 4601(e) defines massage as “the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues.”
    1. CAMTC defines Hands-On Massage hours as two individuals actively working per massage table, mat, or chair, with one individual practicing instructed massage techniques as the therapist and the other individual receiving massage and providing feedback as the client. When a modality requires it (e.g., four-handed massage) or to accommodate an odd number of students, Hands-On Massage hours may consist of a maximum of three individuals per massage table, mat, or chair.
    2. Students practicing modalities and techniques which are generally performed on unclothed or partially clothed clients, with proper draping, should perform those modalities and techniques in the classroom predominately on unclothed or partially clothed individuals, with proper draping, except when valid educational reasons exist to practice such techniques on clothed individuals (e.g., learning to drape).
  2. A minimum of 20 hours of Anatomy & Physiology Lab.
  3. A minimum of 10 hours of Ethics including, but not limited to, standards of ethical practice, California laws and rules, informed consent, therapeutic relationship, and confidentiality.
  4. A minimum of 30 hours of additional subject matter which may include, but is not limited to, any combination of:
    1. Kinesiology Lab including, but not limited to, palpation, movement, range of motion, and end feel.
    2. Additional Modalities.
  5. All Assessments, both physical and cognitive, required to demonstrate successful completion of the 500 hours required for CAMTC Certification must be in person.
2. Provide a minimum of 190 in-person or synchronous distance learning supervised clock hours (or credit unit equivalent) addressing the following subjects:
  1. A minimum of 60 hours of Anatomy & Physiology Theory including, but not limited to, orientation to the human body; integumentary, skeletal, fascial, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, and other body systems; and kinesiology.
  2. A minimum of 35 hours of Contraindications including, but not limited to, pathology, endangerment areas, skin disorders, and medications and massage.
  3. A minimum of 20 hours of Health & Hygiene including, but not limited to, therapist hygiene, blood and airborne pathogens, infection control, and universal precautions.
  4. A minimum of 15 hours of Business including, but not limited to, professional development, obtaining and maintaining credentials, and adhering to laws and regulations.
  5. A minimum of 60 hours of additional subject matter which may include, but is not limited to, any combination of:
    1. Massage Theory
    2. Massage History
    3. Medical Terminology
    4. Kinesiology Theory
    5. SOAP Notes and Charting
    6. Additional Core Hours
  6. All distance learning hours must be synchronous, meaning instruction that occurs in real time, but not in person, through live stream with instructor and students visible to and interacting with one another via webcams, microphones, and chat or message boards. Schools must ensure that students participating remotely have all materials, supplies, and equipment necessary to receive all of the curriculum and instruction. For a student to be considered present for synchronous distance learning hours, the camera must be turned on; the student’s full face must appear on screen; the student must be in a safe, quiet, and distraction-free location conducive to learning; and the student must remain solely focused on the instruction. Assessments for distance learning hours must be in person.
3. Student clinic hours may count for no more than 75 of the required 500 supervised clock hours and shall demonstrate educational purpose by meeting the following conditions:
  1. Operate at all times under active and direct supervision of qualified instructors and on school premises.
  2. Maintain detailed lesson plans, learning objectives, policies and procedures, attendance records, and grade requirements.
  3. Include a client intake form for every client that, among other things, informs client that the practitioner is a student.
  4. Include SOAP notes, or equivalent, completed by the student practitioner for every client.
  5. Provide for written client feedback.
  6. Maintain clinic attendance for each student detailing massages and other duties performed during clinic hours.
  7. Offer alternate, faculty-supervised learning experiences to students participating in clinic but who do not have a clinic client or specific clinic duties. Under no circumstances shall students receive credit for idle, non-educational, or unsupervised activity.
  8. Student clinic hours may include, but are not limited to, hands-on treatments of paying and non-paying public clients or other students; setting up, tearing down, and cleaning massage area; reviewing intake forms, interviewing clients, providing and receiving client feedback, and recording SOAP notes, or equivalent; greeting customers at reception, handling payments, answering and returning calls for appointments, interacting with appointment systems, placing confirmation calls, and managing client files; other duties reasonably befitting a professional massage therapist; and instruction related to these items. Students may not be required to clean school premises or work beyond normal procedures inclusive to treatment areas and immediate office space used during clinical sessions.
  9. Schools should carefully weigh and be prepared to support the purpose, duration, and effectiveness of student clinic hours in terms of educational value to the student. CAMTC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to not accept clinic hours.
4. Students may not be credited more than 40 hours of total education in any 7-day period, with no more than 10 hours in any one day, including hours above and beyond the 500 hours required for certification.
5. Maintain current syllabi, including but not limited to the following information for each course and/or subject:
  1. Name of course or subject.
  2. Detailed description.
  3. Learning objectives.
  4. Prerequisites.
  5. Total number of hours.
  6. Instructional material(s) to be used.
  7. Required assessments and assignments for successful completion.
6. Maintain current daily lesson plans for each course that support syllabi. Daily lesson plans should include, at minimum: educational objectives; instructor resources; required or suggested readings; required or suggested assignments; and assessments with assessment criteria, if any, for each class.
7. Maintain policies for creating, reviewing, and updating curriculum.
8. Maintain and ensure that CAMTC has a copy of the current class calendar providing a day-by-day listing for every schedule offered by the school including the date, times, and specific class and subject matter taught which corresponds directly to the course outline, syllabi, and daily lesson plans. Any classes delivered through synchronous distance learning must include access codes and passwords for CAMTC’s use.
Faculty
1. Qualified instructors are responsible for the delivery of all 500 supervised clock hours (or credit unit equivalent). CAMTC reserves the right in its sole discretion to determine whether an instructor is qualified or not. Requirements for qualified instructors include but are not limited to:
  1. Complete and submit the instructor qualification form, including supporting documents.
  2. Hold a current CAMTC certification, other allied health license with advanced training in soft tissue modalities, or possess documented higher education applicable to the specific subject(s) taught.
  3. Have at least 2 years of documented professional experience applicable to the specific subject(s) taught.
  4. Instruct only in those subjects in which qualified through documented education, certification, and professional experience, and not instruct techniques or procedures that require specialized training, licensure, or experience for which they are not qualified.
  5. Behave within principles of acceptable, ethical, and professional behavior, including but not limited to:
    1. Truthfully and completely administer, record, and represent duties, including but not limited to attendance records, curriculum delivery, and student assessments.
    2. Refrain from soliciting, encouraging, or consummating romantic, sexual, or otherwise inappropriate relationships with current students on or off school premises by written, electronic, verbal, or physical means.
    3. Refrain from possessing, consuming, furnishing, allowing, or working under the influence of alcohol or illegal or unauthorized drugs during professional activities, including but not limited to being on school premises or at school-sponsored events involving students.
    4. Refrain from financial transactions with students, including but not limited to payments, loans, advances, donations, contributions, deposits, or monetary gifts, except for lawful collection and transfer of funds as required by regular school business.
    5. Refrain from violating federal, state, and local laws and/or CAMTC rules and regulations, including but not limited to the reasons for denial or discipline/revocation as stated in CAMTC’s Procedures for Denial of Certification or Discipline/Revocation.
2. Maintain policies and procedures for hiring, training, evaluating (including student and management evaluations of faculty), and disciplining faculty.
3. Maintain policies and procedures, minutes, and attendance records for regular massage program staff and faculty meetings and/or trainings.
4. For private post-secondary schools, student-teacher ratios for practical (hands-on) classes may not exceed 25 total students to 1 teacher. For public colleges or universities of the California state higher education system, as defined in Section 100850 of the Education Code, and public schools accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education student-teacher ratios shall meet or exceed standards as determined by governing laws and regulations.
Facility
1. Appropriate in size and design for the number of students.
2. Sufficient reference materials and other resources to support educational objectives.
3. Instructional aids and equipment consistent with the educational content, format, and teaching methodology of each course.
Site Visits
1. CAMTC reserves the right to visit any approved school or school applying for approval during stated business hours and scheduled class hours with or without notice at any time whatsoever and for any reason.
2. Approved schools and schools applying for approval must provide and ensure that CAMTC has a current schedule of classes at all times including, but not limited to, class name, day/date, class start and end times, and whether the class is in-person or distance learning. For interactive distance learning classes, the school must provide login information for CAMTC in advance of the class. CAMTC, in its sole discretion, may charge a fee if a site visit is attempted but unable to be completed because the school failed to provide a current schedule of classes, emergencies and unforeseen circumstances notwithstanding.
Out-of-Country Supplement Program or Course
1. CAMTC approved schools in good standing may apply to offer a minimum 50-hour Out-of-Country Supplement Program or Course (as part of a current CAMTC approved program). An additional fee may apply.
2. A CAMTC approved school may not offer an Out-of-Country Supplement Program or Course until written approval from CAMTC is granted. If granted, the expiration date of the Out-of-Country Supplement Program or Course will align with the current expiration date of the school’s other approved program(s). Schools must apply and receive approval for the Out-of-Country Supplement Program or Course with each re-approval application. An additional fee may apply.
3. Approved Out-of-Country Supplement Programs or Courses must comply with the same CAMTC Policies and Procedures and meet the same minimum requirements for training and curriculum identified in these Procedures with the exception that they must also meet the specific provisions identified and required in CAMTC’s Policies and Procedures for the Evaluation of Out-of-Country Education. If there is a conflict between a specific provision in these Procedures, and the Policies and Procedures for the Evaluation of Out-of-Country Education, the Policies and Procedures for the Evaluation of Out-of-Country Education control.
4. CAMTC may take denial or disciplinary action against a school’s approved Out-of-Country Supplement Program or Course separately or in conjunction with other action taken against the school in accordance with these Procedures.
5. CAMTC shall only accept education provided by an approved Out-of-Country Supplement Program or Course for applicants who have applied for certification with out-of-country education.

6. Reasons for Imposing Discipline or Denying Approval

Schools may be denied approval or may have their school approval disciplined (revocation, suspension, or imposition of probationary terms or conditions), for any of the following reasons:

Failing to meet or maintain the requirements for approval set forth herein or in CAMTC’s Procedures for Un-Approval of Schools, which includes but is not limited to the following:
1. Selling or offering to sell transcripts, or providing or offering to provide transcripts, without requiring attendance, or full attendance, at the school;
2. Failure to require students to attend all of the classes listed on the transcript;
3. Failure to require students to attend all of the hours listed on the transcript;
4. Engaging in fraudulent practices, including but not limited to, the creation of false documents to aid or abet students seeking CAMTC certification, aiding or abetting students to use false documents and/or to present false testimony in CAMTC hearings, aiding or abetting students in engaging in fraudulent practices with respect to CAMTC hearings, making false claims, or otherwise engaging in fraudulent practices;
5. Denial, suspension, revocation, or otherwise being acted against by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, including but not limited to, denial, suspension, or revocation of assigned school code;
6. Failure to create, record, or maintain accurate records, including but not limited to student attendance records and student transcripts;
7. Failure to identify transfer credit from other institutions (including name of other institution(s), hours transferred, and class requirements met by transfer credit) on transcripts;
8. A finding by a local law enforcement agency, a state or local agency, or a private certifying, permitting, or accreditation agency related to massage, that a school has engaged in any of the conduct identified in this section 6;
9. Failure to meet the requirements for an approved school as defined in Business and Professions Code section 4601(a).
Engaging in or has engaged in unprofessional business practices or an owner, faculty member, or other member of the school’s staff (including but not limited to a visiting instructor, independent contractor, administrative staff, or volunteer) has engaged in or is engaging in unprofessional business practices;
Procuring or attempting to procure school approval by fraud, misrepresentation, or mistake or an owner, faculty member, or other member of the school’s staff (including but not limited to a visiting instructor, independent contractor, administrative staff, or volunteer) has procured or attempted to procure school approval by fraud, misrepresentation, or mistake;
Violating or attempting to violate or has violated, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation of, or conspiring to violate, or has assisted in or abetted the violation of, or conspired to violate, any provision of the Massage Therapy Act or any rule, regulation, policy, or procedure adopted by CAMTC by the actions of the school or an owner, faculty member, or other member of the school’s staff (including but not limited to a visiting instructor, independent contractor, administrative staff, or volunteer);
Conviction of an owner, faculty member, or other member of the school’s staff (including but not limited to a visiting instructor, independent contractor, administrative staff, or volunteer) of any felony, misdemeanor, infraction, or municipal code violation, or being held liable in an administrative or civil action for an act that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a CAMTC certificate holder or CAMTC approved school. A record of the conviction or other judgment or liability shall be conclusive evidence of the crime or liability;
Committing any fraudulent, dishonest, or corrupt act that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a CAMTC certificate holder or CAMTC approved school or an owner, faculty member, or other member of the school’s staff (including but not limited to a visiting instructor, independent contractor, administrative staff, or volunteer) commits or has committed any fraudulent, dishonest, or corrupt act that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a CAMTC certificate holder or CAMTC approved school;
An owner, faculty member, or other member of the school’s staff (including but not limited to a visiting instructor, independent contractor, administrative staff, or volunteer) commits or has committed any act punishable as a sexually related crime or is or has been required to register pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 290) of Title 9 of Part 1 of the Penal Code), or is or has been required to register as a sex offender in another state, or commits or has committed an act that is a violation of human trafficking laws or a violation of the education code or a violation of the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education’s rules, regulations, policies, or procedures;
Failure to fully disclose all information requested on the application or provide information upon request to an individual working on behalf of CAMTC;
Denial of licensure, permit or certificate, or revocation, suspension, restriction, citation, or any other disciplinary action against the school, an owner, faculty member, or other member of the school’s staff (including but not limited to a visiting instructor, independent contractor, administrative staff, or volunteer) by CAMTC, by a state or territory of the United States, by a government agency, or by another California health care professional licensing board. A certified copy of the decision, order, judgment, or citation shall be conclusive evidence of these actions.
An owner, faculty member, or other member of the school’s staff (including but not limited to a visiting instructor, independent contractor, administrative staff, or volunteer) has owned, worked at, or been associated with a school that has been un-approved by CAMTC.
Failure to update CAMTC and notify of any changes that might affect a school’s eligibility for approval or result in disciplinary action against the school.

7. Procedures for Imposing Discipline or Denying CAMTC School Approval

Any decision to impose discipline (suspension, imposition of probationary terms or conditions, or revocation of school approval) or deny approval, against a school that has applied for CAMTC approval or is a CAMTC approved school, shall be decided upon and imposed in accordance with the procedures set forth herein. Denial, revocation, suspension, and imposition of probationary terms and conditions decisions taken against a school applying for CAMTC school approval or against a CAMTC approved school shall be based on a preponderance of the evidence. In determining the basis for action against a school applying for CAMTC school approval or a CAMTC approved school, the Council may consider all written documents or statements as evidence, but shall weigh the reliability of those documents or statements. The school has the burden to prove that they are entitled to CAMTC school approval.

Actions Against Applicants for CAMTC School Approval and CAMTC Approved Schools.
1. All decisions to suspend school approval, impose probationary terms or conditions, revoke school approval, or deny school approval, shall be carried out by an employee of the Council known as the Division Director of the Educational Standards Division (hereinafter the “Division Director”) or his/her designee and at least one other employee of CAMTC. The Division Director shall be assisted by Council staff and such other employees as shall be determined necessary by the Division Director. The Division Director (or his/her designee(s)), along with any staff/employees under his/her supervision, shall be collectively known as the Educational Standards Division (the “ESD”).
2. If Council staff determines that grounds appear to exist to impose probationary terms or conditions, suspend approval, revoke approval or deny approval, against a school that has applied for CAMTC approval or is a CAMTC approved school, staff shall: i) hold all complete application packets from students who have submitted transcripts from the school if the school has applied for CAMTC school approval; ii) if the school is a CAMTC approved school, the school shall be placed under investigation and the Procedures identified in section 7.c. of this document shall be followed and iii) in all cases Council staff shall forward the matter to the Division Director, or an ESD employee designated by the Division Director to receive such information, and the procedures set forth below shall be followed:
  1. The ESD shall be responsible for reviewing and making proposed determinations regarding denials, suspensions, revocations, and imposition of probationary terms or conditions against a school that has applied for CAMTC approval or is a CAMTC approved school. All proposed decisions shall be made by a minimum of two employees of the ESD. The ESD shall ensure that the ESD employees making proposed denial, revocation, suspension, and imposition of probationary terms or conditions decisions do not have a conflict of interest relative to the affected school.
  2. If after reviewing the matter, the ESD determines that proposed action should be taken, the school shall be provided at least 15 days prior notice of the proposed action and the reasons therefore. Notice shall be given to the school by any method reasonably calculated to provide actual notice. Any notice given by mail must be given by first-class mail or mail with delivery confirmation sent to the last known address of the school shown in CAMTC’s records.
  3. Schools shall be given an opportunity to be heard, either orally by telephonic conference or in writing, at least five (5) days before the effective date of the proposed action against the school. Schools must request an oral telephonic conference or consideration of a written statement in writing (email is sufficient), and pay the appropriate hearing fee, a minimum of 21 days before the date scheduled for their matter to be considered in order for their request to be timely. Failure to request an oral hearing or consideration of a written statement and pay the required hearing fee in a timely manner shall result in the proposed action against the school becoming final and effective on the date noted in the letter, unless appealed as provided herein. Any documentary evidence to be considered by the Hearing Officers must be received by CAMTC a minimum of 21 days before the hearing/consideration date in order for it to be considered. The telephonic hearing shall be held, or the written statement considered, by a minimum of two Hearing Officers, who shall be employees of CAMTC, who together are authorized to determine whether the proposed action against the school should occur. The ESD shall ensure that the Hearing Officers making final denial, revocation, suspension, and imposition of probationary terms or conditions decisions do not have a conflict of interest relative to the affected school. The decision of the Hearing Officers shall be final as of the date noted in the Final Decision Letter, unless appealed as provided herein. The fee for an oral telephone conference shall be $1,800.00 and the fee for consideration of a written statement shall be $1,400.00.
  4. For Applications for School Approval received on or after January 1, 2020, within one year from the date that CAMTC notifies a school of its proposed decision to deny approval of an initial application for school approval, CAMTC shall notify the school of its final decision pursuant to any oral telephonic hearing or consideration of a written statement provided in opposition to the proposed decision to deny approval of the initial application for school approval.
  5. CAMTC shall note on its internet website the date that a letter proposing to deny a school’s application for approval or reapproval has been sent to the school and the final outcome and date of that proposed action.
Appeals
1. Requests to appeal a denial, revocation, suspension, or imposition of probationary terms or conditions decision must be: made in writing (email is sufficient) by sending the request to the address or email address noted in the proposed denial or disciplinary letter; made within 30 days of the effective date of the denial or imposition of discipline; must identify in writing the basis for the appeal; must specify whether an oral presentation before the Board (not to exceed 20 minutes) is requested or whether written consideration of a written statement is requested; and must include all documents to be considered.
2. An appeal of CAMTC’s final decision to deny approval of a school’s initial application for school approval shall be heard at the next board of directors meeting with a date, as posted on CAMTC’s internet website, that is at least 120 days from the last date for the school to timely request an appeal, unless a timely request for a continuance of the hearing date is granted. CAMTC may, in its discretion, for good cause, continue the date an appeal related to the denial of an initial application for school approval may be heard, in which case the appeal shall be heard at a later board of directors meeting. Pursuant to the Massage Therapy Act this provision only applies to appeals of CAMTC’s final decision to deny approval of a school’s initial application for school approval.
3. Appeals shall be considered by the CAMTC Board. Oral presentations before the Board may not exceed 20 minutes. No new factual evidence may be submitted during an appeal. During an appeal the Board is limited to reviewing the existing evidentiary record upon which the decision to deny or impose discipline was previously made and to determining whether the decision was reasonable (in that it was not arbitrary or capricious) and supported by the evidence in the record.
4. After considering a timely appeal, the Board shall either: uphold the decision previously made; impose lesser or more discipline; remand the matter back to ESD for further processing and consideration; or approve a school that has applied for CAMTC school approval or determine that the discipline not be imposed on a school that is a CAMTC approved school. The decision of the Board shall be final.
1. Notice of a final decision shall be given by any method reasonably calculated to provide actual notice. Any notice given by mail must be given by first-class mail or mail with delivery confirmation sent to the last known address of the school shown in CAMTC’s records.
2. Any action in superior court challenging CAMTC’s action against a school, including a claim alleging defective notice, shall be commenced within 90 days after the effective date of the final decision on appeal.
3. A school whose application for CAMTC approval is denied or whose CAMTC school approval is revoked pursuant to these procedures for selling or offering to sell transcripts, failing to require students to attend all of the classes listed on the transcript, failure to require students to attend the school for all of the hours listed on the transcript, or engaging in fraudulent practices, shall not be allowed to re-apply for CAMTC school approval for a period of five years from the effective date of the denial or revocation. All other schools whose application for CAMTC approval is denied or whose CAMTC school approval is revoked shall not be allowed to re-apply for CAMTC school approval for a period of two years from the effective date of the denial or revocation.
Actions Against Schools That Have Not Applied for CAMTC School Approval or Are Not CAMTC Approved Schools.
1. Actions against schools that have not applied for CAMTC school approval or are not CAMTC approved schools shall proceed in accordance with CAMTC’s Procedures for Un-Approval of Schools.
Procedures Related to Students.
1. All complete individual application packets for CAMTC certification submitted with transcripts from CAMTC approved schools that are under investigation or CAMTC has sent a letter to the school proposing to revoke, suspend, deny re-approval or impose probationary terms or conditions, and that cannot be otherwise certified, will be placed on hold. CAMTC will make a determination within 60-days of notifying a school that it is under investigation whether the investigation will continue or not, and notify the school of this determination.
  1. If the decision is made not to pursue further investigation, the hold on the individual application packets will be lifted and the applications will be processed in accordance with CAMTC’s standard procedures.
  2. If CAMTC determines that further investigation is necessary or it has been 60-days since CAMTC sent a letter to the school proposing to take denial or disciplinary action (whichever comes first), CAMTC will lift the hold and process complete application packets from individuals with education from the school, but the individuals shall be required to provide additional proof of adequate education (beyond just a transcript) by passing a CAMTC education hearing. Any education hearing provided pursuant to this provision shall be completed no later than 12 months from the date that CAMTC deems the application packet complete. This requirement to provide additional proof of adequate education will remain in place until one of the following occurs: 1) the investigation concludes and it is determined that no denial or disciplinary action will be taken; 2) a final decision to revoke, or deny, the school is made (in which case the 90-day grace period noted below shall apply); or 3) this requirement is lifted. If a final decision is made to suspend the school’s approval or impose probationary terms or conditions, the requirement for students to provide additional proof of adequate education will be addressed in the school’s final decision letter and students must comply with those provisions applicable to them.
  3. If the school ultimately has its approval revoked, or re-approval denied, a 90-day grace period from the effective date of denial or discipline will be provided for individual certification applications received during this time. During this 90-day grace period, the school’s students who apply for certification, and all of those whose applications were previously held, will be required to provide additional proof of adequate education (beyond merely a transcript from the subject school) in order to prove their education. Students whose applications are received after the 90-day grace period has expired will be notified that, unless they have also supplied evidence of completion of required hours of massage education from one or more CAMTC approved schools, their applications are incomplete and that they cannot use education from the school for certification purposes.
  4. If the school ultimately has its approval suspended, or has probationary terms or conditions imposed, the final decision letter to the school will inform the school whether or not its students will be required to provide additional proof of adequate education or comply with other requirements. The school’s students will be required to comply with those requirements identified in the final decision letter that are applicable to them.
2. For schools whose initial applications for CAMTC school approval are received on or after January 1, 2019, students may only use education from the school for certification purposes if the school is ultimately granted CAMTC school approval. Students who have attended schools whose initial applications for CAMTC school approval are received on or after January 1, 2019 and are denied CAMTC school approval may not use education from the school for certification purposes.

All information provided by CAMTC on this web page, and on its other web pages and internet sites, is made available merely to provide immediate access for the convenience of interested persons. While CAMTC believes that the information listed here is reliable, human or mechanical error remains a possibility, as does delay in the posting or updating of information. Therefore, CAMTC makes no guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, currency, or correct sequencing of the information. Neither CAMTC, nor any of the sources of the information relied upon, shall be responsible for any errors or omissions, failure to post or update in a timely manner, or for the use or results obtained from the use of this information.

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