Accreditation and Approvals
In keeping with our standards of excellence, IPSB is nationally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. IPSB is one of two COMTA-accredited schools in California. We were among the first schools in California to receive approval as a massage therapy private post-secondary school. In addition, we have obtained various other approvals, licenses, and official relationships that significantly benefit our students and graduates.
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) accredits both educational institutions and programs offering instruction in massage therapy and bodywork. The organization was formed to establish and maintain the quality and integrity of the profession. In 2002, COMTA was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting agency, an acknowledgement of its expertise in ensuring quality education and allowing programs to access federal student aid funds.
State of California- Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education
IPSB, International Professional School of Bodywork, 9025 Balboa Avenue, Suite 130, San Diego, California 92123, was granted course approval in 1977 from the California Bureau for Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education as a vocational training school under the provisions of Section 94311(d), California Education Code. The State approval means that the institution and its operation comply with the standards established under law for occupational instruction by private post-secondary institutions.
As of June 2007 the legislation establishing the BPPVE expired. IPSB has an agreement with the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs that our institution will continue to follow the former legislation until replacement legislation is established.
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Approvals
Financial Aid plans are provided through the Federal Pell, SEOG Grant Programs and/or the Federal Family Educational Loan Programs (Stafford subsidized, unsubsidized, and PLUS Loans). All students seeking federal financial aid benefits must be admitted to International Professional School of Bodywork in order to determine financial aid eligibility.
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Upon successful completion of IPSB’s Massage Therapist and Health Education training, many of our graduates take the National Certification Examination. This voluntary test has been established to measure entry-level competence in the field. IPSB’s comprehensive training prepares our graduates for this test.
American Massage Therapy Association
IPSB adheres to the national standards for Massage Therapists established by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). The Association was established in 1943 to promote the practice of professional Massage Therapy. AMTA is the largest and most influential organization in the field.
IPSB welcomes students from other countries. We enroll eligible non-immigrant students under the regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Visit our International Students Page for more information.
Vocational Rehabilitation & Veterans’ Benefits
Many vocational rehabilitation counselors have found IPSB’s Massage Therapy training appropriate for the retraining of their clients. Along with technical skill and support, our program instills the confidence to succeed.
IPSB is approved by the State of California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) based on the Veterans’ Information Bulletin. Students who wish to receive veteran benefits need to notify the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). The IPSB program is approved as accredited under Section 3675, Chapter 36, Title 38, U.S. Code.
Many nurses find Massage Therapy training valuable both for themselves and their patients, and incorporate it into their nursing work. Others develop an independent practice that allows them to help others outside a hospital setting. The Board of Registered Nursing has approved IPSB to offer continuingeducation for nurses.
Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI)
Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI) is a non-partisan network of professionals who study and practicenuad boran, also known as traditional Thai massage. THAI endorses students, Registered Thai Therapists, teachers and schools around the world that follow basic standards of study and practice of Thai healing arts.
