FAQsWhy should I join the IMTA?
As a complementary massage therapist working in Ireland, it makes sense to belong to the Irish national, professional body that represents your interests. The IMTA is recognised by the Government as the national association for massage and bodywork therapists.
The IMTA had two representatives on the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists in Ireland and was actively involved in the preparation of its report in December 2005. In the future, regulation will require that all practising therapists belong to accredited organisations. As a self-regulating association (in the absence of much-needed statutory government legislation) we continually review and update our progress in this area. We have an ever-increasing Membership Benefit Programme that will save you money and give you practical support when you need it. We provide a Helpline for advice and support by phone (086 3773801) or email:
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. A friendly therapist is always available to answer your queries or just have a chat about any issues or problems you may be having.
What benefits do I have as a member of the IMTA?
- Membership of a professional organisation that represents your interests in Ireland
- Access to our Group Insurance Scheme with annual premium of €96
- Access to professional insurance with two other companies
- Access to combined Practitioner & private house insurance - if you work from home
- An entry on 'Find a Therapist' Register on the website (optional)
- Access to Members Discount Scheme nationwide
- Access to Helpline for any queries or issues re your practice
- A vote at the AGM, held annually in early Spring.
- A say in how the Association develops.
- Networking and support of other therapists via Regional Meetings.
- Access to approved courses/workshops with CPD points
- Quarterly Newsletter ‘In Touch’
- Access to Information Leaflets on the benefits of massage for your clients.
- Use of the IMTA logo on your own promotional material (available electronically)
- Protection of our Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
- Support from Ethics Committee if a malpractice complaint is made against you.
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How do I get insurance cover for my practice?
As a member of the IMTA you are entitled to reduced professional indemnity insurance cover through our Group Insurance Scheme run by Brian Mullins Insurance Brokers www.bmib.ie or click on rotating insurance banner on home page. O’Brien Finlay and Balens Insurance, also offer insurance to our members. These companies specialise in complementary therapy insurance. General insurance companies also offer cover, but very often the small print excludes essential elements of cover required by complementary therapists. For this reason we launched our own Group Insurance Scheme with Brian Mullins Insurance Brokers in February 2009 and have negotiated reduced rates with these two other specialist companies for our members. So you have ample choice for insurance cover.
What is the cost of membership?
The IMTA year runs from 17th March to 18th March the following year. We have following membership types:
| Membership Type |
Membership Fees |
| Full Active | €100 |
| Associate Member | €100 |
| Full Inactive | €50 |
| Student |
€35 |
A pro-rata reducing rate applies for the second to fourth quarters of the year. See Types of Membeship for details.
What if I forget to renew my membership in March?
If you have an email address you will receive a renewal reminder every February. If you miss the renewal date we allow a four week period of grace from 18th March to middle of April each year. If you have not renewed your membership by then your name will be placed in “lapsed members” and removed from the national register of therapists of this website. You will no longer receive "In Touch". However, we are always pleased to accept renewals from members throughout the year as we continually need funds in order to continue our work on behalf of members and members benefits from continued, unbroken membership.
What is the difference between Full Active and Associate Membership?
Full Active membership is for experienced therapists with established practices prior to 2003, or therapists who have studied an accredited massage course of more than 300 hours duration. This course must include theory and practical instruction in anatomy, physiology and massage.
Associate Membership is offered to newly-qualified therapists who have attended accredited massage courses of between 100 and 300 hours duration. This membership category gives newly-qualified therapists an opportunity to develop their skills through practice and to build up their experience.
Associate membership is available for a maximum of 3 years. During this time, members are expected to gain 100 CPD points each year (see below for explanation of CPD points). Depending on the insurance company you take out cover with, there is a slightly higher insurance premium payable by Associate Members over this three year period as experience is gained and CPD points accumulated. However, the Group Insurance Scheme with Brian Mullins offers cover to all categories of members for €96.
What is Full Inactive Membership?
This membership type is for therapists who are currently taking a break from their practice. A reduced membership fee of €50 per annum applies, but this can be topped up at any time during the year, if the therapist returns to full-time practice.
I am still a student – can I become a member?
Yes, the IMTA welcomes and encourages all massage students as members. We believe that it is imperative for students to hold their own insurance (for practice and case study work) from the start of their course of study and not to just rely on the insurace of their school or college, which only gives them protection while on the school premises. As a student it is also very beneficial to have the support and encouragement of qualified therapists at Regional Meetings and the AGM. Our Group Insurance Scheme is available to all students at a specially reduced rate of €35 per annum.
Can I pay my membership fee on-line?
Yes, on-line FeePay facility is now available on our home page. We continue to accept cheques/money orders etc., made payable to IMTA.
What do I need to include with my membership application form?
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Fully completed Application Form – answer all questions.
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Appropriate membership fee made payable to IMTA.
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Copies of all your qualification certificates.
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Your insurance certificate, only if insured with a company other than Brian Mullins Insurance Brokers
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Copy of your Occupational or Basic First Aid certificate (compulsory from March 2009). If you do not currentluy hold a First Aid certificate you can still become a member and take a course in the first 3 months of your membership. Contact 086 3773801 to discuss.
What do I need to include with my Renewal application form?
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Fully completed Renewal Application Form (indicate change of contact details, if applicable).
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Your current insurance certificate.
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Appropriate membership fee made payable to IMTA.
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Your Membership Passport - recording your CPD points earned during the year
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Copy of your Occupational or Basic First Aid certificate (compulsory from March 2009) concessions available, see above, contact 086 3773801 to discuss.
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Copies of any NEW certificates gained during the past year (it is not necessary to submit copies of existing certificates).
My IMTA membership has lapsed for a few years – can I re-join?
Yes, you can re-instate your membership at any time during the year. It will be necessary for you to complete a Renewal Membership Application Form and to apply for insurance cover again. Your original application may still be on file.
What are CPD points?
Continuous Professional Development points are, as the name suggests, points that members earn each year which show that they are continuing their education and developing their skills and techniques etc., after initial qualification. They not only cover professional development but personal as well. 100 CPD points are required each year. Information on how to earn CPD points is available in the Members Only section of this site.
CPD points are recorded in a Passport, issued to all members. If more than the required 100 points are gained in the year, the additional points can be carried over to next year. It is necessary to supply a photocopy of your Passport with your membership renewal application each year. This is very much a “trust-based” system.
How do I earn CPD points?
There are numerous ways to earn your CPD points from studying for a new or up-graded qualification, attending a course or workshop to attending Regional Meetings, the AGM, writing an article for ‘In Touch’; becoming a Regional Officer to name but a few. For a full list of activities and their CPD points click here. Your Regional Officer or any member of the Executive can sign your Passport.
How do I contact my Regional Officer?
The names and contact details of your Regional Officer are printed in each edition of ‘In Touch’. However, as the Regional Officer network grows and expands your Regional Officer will be in contact with you from time to time via email, text or letter. Attending regional meetings is a great way to get to know your Regional Officer and to network and support other therapists in your locality. A list of Regional Officers and their contact details is available in the Members Only section of this site.
Why is a First Aid qualification necessary?
Apart from the fact that it is common sense to know what to do if a client becomes ill or has an accident while on your premises, it is also a legal requirement to hold either an Occupational or Basic First Aid certificate under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. This applies to all therapists and employers whether you work in a large salon or spa, on the sports field or work alone in private practice.
First Aid, as the name implies, is the first assistance or treatment given to a casualty at the scene of an accident or sudden illness before the arrival of medical aid. The aims are to preserve life, prevent the condition worsening and to promote recovery. Wouldn’t you want your therapist to know what to do if you became ill or had an accident while having a treatment on their premises? Click here for a list of First Aid Course providers around the country. If you are a registered and practising nurse, you do not have to have a First Aid certificate to apply for membership.
