Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our courses, certificates, policies, and more. Can't find your answer? Contact us.
Enrollment & Prerequisites
Who can enroll in MTA courses?
Our courses are open to licensed massage therapists, bodyworkers, and manual therapists who hold an active license in their state or territory. Some advanced courses list additional prerequisites — check the individual course page for details. Licensed students currently enrolled in an accredited massage therapy program may also enroll in select foundational courses.
Do I need any prior experience for advanced courses?
Some courses require completion of a foundational course or a minimum number of years in professional practice. Any prerequisites are listed clearly on the course page. If you're unsure whether a course is right for you, contact us before registering.
Can I enroll if I'm licensed in a different state than where the workshop is held?
Yes. Your license from any U.S. state or territory is accepted for enrollment. CE hours earned through MTA courses can typically be applied toward renewal in your home state — see the "Credit Acceptance" section below for details.
CE Credits & License Renewal
Are MTA courses approved by NCBTMB?
Yes. Manual Therapy Alliance is an NCBTMB Approved Provider (Provider #941). Our courses qualify for continuing education hours toward NCBTMB Board Certification (BCMTB®) renewal.
Will these CE hours count toward my state license renewal?
NCBTMB Approved Provider status is recognized by the majority of U.S. state massage therapy licensing boards. CE requirements vary by state — it is your responsibility to verify that a specific course meets your state board's requirements before enrollering. We are not responsible for determining individual state eligibility. Contact your state board or visit their website for current CE rules.
Does MTA report my hours to NCBTMB or my state board?
No. CE hours are self-reported when you renew your license or NCBTMB Board Certification. Your certificate is your proof of completion — retain it for your records. We keep attendance and completion records for six years in accordance with NCBTMB requirements.
Can I use the same course for CE credit in back-to-back renewal periods?
No. NCBTMB does not allow the same course to be used for CE credit in consecutive renewal periods, and most state boards follow the same rule. If you repeat a course you've previously taken for credit, it cannot be counted again until at least one full renewal cycle has passed.
Do CE hours expire or carry over?
CE hours must be completed within your current renewal period and generally cannot be carried forward. A small number of states (such as Oregon and New Jersey) allow limited carryover — check with your state board. Hours completed before or after your renewal window typically do not count.
What counts as one CE credit hour?
For live and webinar courses, one CE credit equals 50 minutes of instruction (a "contact hour"). For online self-paced courses, NCBTMB guidelines equate one CE credit to approximately one hour of video/audio instruction or reading equivalent. Each course listing clearly states the number of CE credits awarded.
Online vs. In-Person Courses
What is the difference between online and in-person courses?
In-person workshops and live webinars award a Certificate of Completion based on verified attendance. You must attend the full course — partial credit is not available. These formats include hands-on technique practice and real-time interaction with the instructor.
Online self-paced courses award a Certificate of Achievement upon passing the course exam (70% or higher). All course materials are digital and available immediately after purchase. You can work at your own pace.
Do any states limit how many online CE hours I can count?
Yes — some states cap the number of online or self-instructional CE hours that count toward renewal. For example, New York limits home-study hours to 12 of the required 36 hours per cycle. Always check your state board's current rules before purchasing an online course if you plan to apply those hours toward renewal.
Are online courses open-book?
Yes. Online self-paced courses are designed so you can reference your course materials during the exam. The exam tests your comprehension and ability to apply the material, not memorization.
How many attempts do I get on the online course exam?
You have up to three attempts to achieve a passing score of 70% or higher. If you do not pass after three attempts, please contact us and we will work with you to find a solution.
Certificates
When will I receive my certificate?
- Online courses: Your Certificate of Achievement is available immediately upon passing the exam — download or print it directly from your student portal.
- In-person workshops & live webinars: Your Certificate of Completion is issued at the conclusion of the course or emailed within three business days after attendance is verified.
Can I get a replacement certificate if I lose mine?
Yes. Log in to your student portal to reprint your certificate at any time. If you have trouble accessing your account, contact us and we can reissue it. We retain completion records for six years.
Refunds & Cancellations
What is the refund policy for in-person workshops?
We understand plans change. Our policy for live workshops is:
- 30+ days before the course date: Full refund, less a $35 processing fee.
- 8–29 days before the course date: 50% refund, or a full credit toward a future course.
- 7 days or fewer before the course date: No refund. A one-time transfer to a future course date may be available — contact us as soon as possible.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to info@manualtherapyalliance.com.
What is the refund policy for online courses?
Online course purchases are eligible for a full refund within 30 days of purchase, provided you have not yet submitted the course exam. Once an exam attempt has been made, the course is considered in progress and no refund is available.
What if MTA cancels a course?
Manual Therapy Alliance reserves the right to cancel a course if minimum enrollment is not met or due to circumstances beyond our control (instructor illness, severe weather, public health directives, etc.). If we cancel a course, you will receive a full 100% refund within 10 business days, or you may opt to transfer your registration to a future course date.
Can I transfer my registration to a different course date?
Yes — one free date transfer is available if requested at least 8 days before your original course date. Transfers requested within 7 days of the course date are subject to availability and may incur a $25 transfer fee. Contact us at info@manualtherapyalliance.com to arrange.
What if I have a medical emergency?
We handle medical emergencies on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us as soon as possible with documentation (e.g., a doctor's note), and we will work with you to find a fair resolution — typically a full credit toward a future course.
Pricing & Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and PayPal. For group bookings or institutional invoicing, please contact us to arrange payment by check or bank transfer.
Do you offer early bird pricing?
Yes. Discounted early bird pricing is available on select in-person workshops when you register 30 or more days before the course date. The discounted price is shown automatically on the registration page while the offer is active.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes. Groups of 3 or more participants registering together from the same practice or organization receive a 10% discount. Contact us at info@manualtherapyalliance.com before registering to receive a group discount code.
Are CE expenses tax-deductible?
Continuing education expenses required to maintain a professional license may be deductible as a business expense. We recommend consulting a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation — we are not able to provide tax guidance.
Workshop Logistics
What should I bring to an in-person workshop?
Course-specific supply lists are posted on the individual course page and emailed to registered participants one week before the course. In general, wear comfortable, professional attire suitable for hands-on practice. A massage table is provided; bring your own sheets and lubricant unless otherwise noted.
Are meals included at in-person workshops?
Meal inclusion varies by event and is noted on the course page. Unless specifically stated, meals are not included — attendees are responsible for their own lunch and refreshments.
Can I video-record or photograph workshop sessions?
Photography and video recording by participants is not permitted without prior written consent from the instructor, in order to protect instructor intellectual property and fellow participants' privacy.
Accessibility & Accommodations
Do you offer accommodations for participants with disabilities?
Yes. Manual Therapy Alliance is committed to making our courses accessible to all participants. If you require accommodations due to a physical, sensory, or learning disability, please contact us at info@manualtherapyalliance.com at least two weeks before your course date so we can make appropriate arrangements in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Are online courses more accessible for participants with mobility limitations?
Online self-paced courses eliminate travel and venue accessibility concerns and can be completed on your own schedule. If you have specific questions about accessibility for any course format, please reach out before enrolling.