COMTA Accreditation
East West College is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). Accreditation through COMTA means that the college and its programs have been carefully scrutinized by an agency that specializes in accrediting schools of massage therapy and bodywork.
COMTA Standards
COMTA provides high standards for all parts of the college's operations -- from curriculum to faculty to finances. Since it only accredits massage and bodywork colleges, COMTA accreditation assures students that the college has met or exceeded standards that specifically apply to the massage field.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
What does COMTA accreditation mean about East West College?
COMTA has accredited East West College because it meets or exceeds the following rigorous standards of excellence:
• Curriculum, Methods, Materials & Facilities. East West College's educational program, curriculum, instructional materials and equipment must meet or exceed COMTA educational standards as well as state laws and regulations for colleges of massage and bodywork.
• Faculty. Faculty must be academically and professionally qualified to teach their subject. Massage instructiors are required to have at least two years of practical experience; East West massage instructiors have an average of 10 years of practical experience. Science instructors must have at least an undergraduate education in a related health science; our science instructors include naturopaths (N.D.) and chriopractors.
• Student Support Services. East West College's relations with students must reflect the highest ethical standards and conform to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Student Evaluation and Completion. East West College completion and placement percentages must meet or exceed COMTA standards. In fact, the pass rate for East West College graduates on the Oregon Board Exam is consistently 10-15% ahead of the state average.
• Program Assessment. COMTA requires East West College to regularly examine its program's mission and objectives, educational quality and student performance. This shows you that our program grows and evolves to meet the needs of each new generation of massage therapy and bodywork professionals.
• Management and Financial Practices. East West College's management must be efficient, productive, organized and ethical to meet COMTA's rigorous standards. Accreditation guarantees students that East West College's financial practices are administered competently and legally to ensure long-term stability. The fact that East West College has been serving the Portland community for over thirty years is strong evidence of this fact.
What does this mean to me?
When considering massage colleges, ask these questions:
• Is the college accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education? If it isn't, there is no guarantee that it meets the high standards required by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Is the college's accrediting agency an expert in the field of massage therapy education? If it isn't, there is no guarantee that its curriculum and program meets the high standards required by COMTA.
After looking carefully at these factors, we think you will enthusiastically agree that COMTA accreditation makes East West College an excellent for your massage education.
How can I learn more about COMTA?
For more information on COMTA, go to www.comta.org, email for information at info@comta.org or call 202-895-1518
LICENSE AND APPROVALS
In addition to the COMTA accreditation, East West College's program is licensed by the Oregon Department of Education and approved by the following:
• Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists
• Washington Board of Massage
• Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Division
• Oregon Commission for the Blind
• U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS
• American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Council of Schools
• Oregon Massage Therapy Association (OMTA)
