Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I apply for membership?
A. You can download an application form from the AAMT website, or phone (1300 138 872), fax (03 9602 3088) or email (info@aamt.com.au) and we will post one to you.

Q2. I have just sent my Membership Application. How long will it take to process and for me to receive my new membership pack?
A. It takes up to 10 working days to process your application. Providing you have included everything set out in the checklist in the application.

Q3. Can I ask for my membership number over the phone?
A. Yes, providing your application has been approved and processed.

Q4. What qualifications do you accept?
A. You require a minimum qualification of a Cert IV in Massage Therapy in accordance to the current NTIS - National Training Package - see Qualifications for course codes.

Q5. Can I become a member of AAMT with my overseas qualifications?
A. AAMT does not accept overseas qualifications. You will need to have your qualifications mapped/assessed by a Recognised Training Organisation (RTO) that delivers the courses recognised by AAMT. They will assess your qualifications against the Australian standards. Once you have been satisfactory assessed, you may join the Association. See Study Massage/Colleges on this website.

Q6. Can I become a member of AAMT if I've been practicing for 10 years?
A. Provided you have the qualifications accepted for membership, you may become a member irrespective of your years in practice.

Q7. What are Registered Training Organisations (RTO's)?
A. RTO's are government accredited training organisations that deliver government approved courses. For a list of AAMT accepted RTO's see Study Massage/Colleges on this website..

Q8. How long does it take to complete a course in massage?
A. Time frames differ from school to school regarding the time taken to complete the massage course. On average, a student would be able to obtain the Certificate IV between 6 and 12 months, and around 18 - 24 months for the Diploma.

Q9. How do I upgrade my qualifications?
A. To upgrade from Associate (student) to either Certificate IV or Diploma membership, fill in a member application form along with the items on the checklist and post to AAMT office.

Q10. I work as a Mobile Massage Therapist, do I need to supply AAMT with a clinic address and phone number?
A. If you want AAMT to refer clients to you, or you want to become registered as a Health Fund Provider, you need to supply AAMT with a physical street address (Not a Post Office Box) and a contact phone number.

Q11. Am I allowed to set up my Massage Clinic at home?
A. Yes. Contact your local Council for any regulations that affect Home Clinics.

Q12. Does AAMT provide members with any public referrals?
A. Yes. AAMT can forward your name and clinic phone number to the general public by two methods: the public phone AAMT and for a referral from our database or from the AAMT website "Find A Therapist". Contact AAMT if you do not wish to receive referrals. You must have insurance, first aid, clinic details all up to date and be financial for referrals.

Q13. What is the Award rate for Massage Therapists?
A. There was an award rate passed in January 2010. Click here to download the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2010.

Q14. Does my membership fee include insurance?
A. No, your membership fee does not include insurance as AAMT are not insurance brokers. As a member you are able to apply for insurance through a group policy at an affordable rate. The form will be in your member pack and is also available on the insurance page under Join AAMT.

Q15. Does AAMT issue Health Fund Provider numbers?
A. Only the health funds issue provider numbers. Some health funds will use your AAMT member number as your provider number.

Q16. Am I automatically registered with all health funds?
A. Health fund registration requires: being a current financial member, providing AAMT with a copy of your current insurance policy, a copy of your current Seniors/First Aid certificate, keeping your CPE points up to date (40 points current for RMT and 30 points current for MT) clinic address and phone number. More information is available on our Health Fund section on our website.

Q17. Why has my name been left off the Health Fund List / Website?
A. If any of your details are not up to date on our database, your name will not be submitted to the Health Funds or be listed on the Website. Compulsory details that need to be up to date are: Renewal, First Aid, Insurance, CPE Points, Clinic details.

Q18. Why do some Health Funds refuse to pay my client?
A. The most common reason why a client rebate is not paid is because AAMT does not have the therapist's details to forward to the health fund. You need to ensure that AAMT has your clinic details, a copy of current First Aid certificate and Insurance policy, your CPE points are up to date and that you are currently a financial member of AAMT.

Q19. What is CPE and how does it work?
A. CPE stands for "Continuing Professional Education", and is a points driven system where Remedial members of AAMT are required to have 40 points current at all times (30 points for Massage members) by furthering their education. This can be done in the form of reading books, annual subscriptions, attending workshops, lectures, updating their First Aid, doing charity work, etc. Points are counted for any further education related to massage, building your business or the Australian Health Industry. For more information please refer to the CPE section on this website or contact AAMT on 1300 138 872.

Q20. Do WorkCover recognise AAMT members as providers?
A. Workcover in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Northern Territory will pay costs of remedial massage services that meet their criteria. For further information and how to apply for Workcover in your state please refer to "Provider Information" in the "Member Login" section of this website.

Q21. Where does Massage Therapy stand with regards to HICAPS?
A. Health Industry Claims and Payments Service (HICAPS) is an electronic, real time claims and payments system run by a consortium of Health Funds. AAMT members can access this service if they are a provider with Medibank Private, however not all Health Funds participate in HICAPS.

Q22. Does DVA and TAC recognise AAMT members as providers?
A. AAMT is currently in discussion with the Department of Veterans' Affairs for recognition of Remedial Massage Therapists. The Transport Accident Commission have advised that the massage industry must first be regulated before they will rebate massage.

Q23. I have concerns about a massage therapist's ethics?
A. AAMT has a code of ethics that member Therapist's are to comply with as part of their membership of the association. Complaint's can be lodged with AAMT, on the appropriate form, and they will be dealt with by AAMT's Ethics Committee.