This achievement is a milestone in the university’s 109-year history. Currently only 85 of the roughly 1,400 massage therapy schools in the U.S. are accredited by COMTA.
Portland, OR (PRWEB) July 30, 2013
The University of Western States (UWS), a leader in the education of health care professionals, has been granted initial programmatic accreditation for its massage therapy program by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). COMTA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting agency to ensure quality education in massage therapy programs.
“This achievement is a milestone in the university’s 109-year history,” said UWS provost Laura Lamm, DC. “Currently only 85 of the roughly 1,400 massage therapy schools in the U.S. are accredited by COMTA. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to ensure that the UWS massage program standards meet the national quality standards set forth by COMTA.”
UWS is one of three massage therapy schools in Oregon to receive accreditation through COMTA.
About the UWS Massage Therapy Program
The UWS massage therapy program began on the Portland campus in 2006 and expanded to a second location in Salem in 2011. The program trains future massage therapists using the university’s vast resources that include gross anatomy labs, an extensive health sciences library, and clinical rotations that allow students to practice sports massage, oncology massage, pregnancy massage, general relaxation and wellness massage.
“Our 12-month program provides students specialized training to work with injuries, athletes, chronic pain issues and cancer patients at both campuses,” said Peter Szucs, director of massage therapy. “We know our alumni are making a difference in the lives of the clients they touch, and that they are prepared to work in any setting where massage therapy is offered.”
About COMTA
The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) accredits both educational institutions and programs offering instruction in massage therapy and bodywork or esthetics and skin care. The organization was formed to establish and maintain the quality and integrity of the profession and is governed by a commission of elected volunteers. COMTA was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting agency in 2002, an acknowledgement of its expertise in ensuring quality education and allowing programs to access federal student aid funds. Additional information about COMTA can be found at http://www.comta.org.
About the University of Western States
A leader in the education of health care professionals, the University of Western States (UWS) provides a science-driven curriculum that delivers a solid foundation and competitive edge in preparing students for clinical practice. UWS is a regionally accredited, non-profit institution dedicated to improving the health of society through its educational programs, research and clinical services. Founded in 1904, the university offers a doctor of chiropractic degree program; master’s degrees in exercise and sports science, human nutrition and functional medicine, and diagnostic imaging; a massage therapy certification program; and accredited continuing education programs for licensed health care professionals. UWS is a founding member of the Oregon Collaborative for Integrative Medicine, an organization that aims to advance integrative health care through education, research, patient care and advocacy. To learn more about the University of Western States and its academic programs, go to http://www.uws.edu.