AFMTE hosts free monthly virtual events, including continuing education classes for massage therapy educators and Think Tank webinars on topics of relevance to the profession of massage therapy education. Our CE Provider and School members also advertise their massage therapy continuing education offerings through our exclusive members’ area and on this page.
Members: To add your listings, log into the members area.
Connecting with Vendors and Products to Add Another Income Stream for CE Providers
Provider: Nathan Nordstrom for AFMTE
April 28, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
About the Session
Diversify your continuing education offerings by connecting with vendors and integrating products into your courses. Facilitated by Nathan, this session brings together representatives from top industry brands to showcase collaborative opportunities.
Discover how to align with vendors that complement your content, create win-win partnerships, and enhance your students’ learning experience. Learn how to negotiate contracts, secure sponsorships, and incorporate value-added products into your classes to boost revenue.
Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, this course provides actionable strategies for turning vendor relationships into profitable, mutually beneficial collaborations.
About Nathan Nordstrom
Nathan Nordstrom has been working in the industry of massage therapy for over 20 years and is an advocate for high standards in the profession.
He has been a teacher, administrator, and leader in massage therapy and hopes to bring together the industry for the art and science that is massage therapy.
He is currently the International Senior Director of Massage Therapy Training and Industry Relations (ISDOMTTAIR) for Hand & Stone Franchise Corporation.
Mentoring Therapists to Become Teachers
Provider: AFMTE’s Education Committee
May 19, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
About the Session
Developing the next generation of massage therapy educators is critical to the profession’s future.
In this panel discussion, facilitated by the AFMTE Education Committee, experienced mentors share insights into guiding therapists toward teaching roles.
Learn strategies to identify potential educators, nurture their talents, and provide mentorship that builds confidence and expertise. This session covers the key competencies required for teaching, effective feedback methods, and fostering professional growth.
Whether you’re a seasoned mentor or interested in becoming one, gain practical advice for empowering therapists to step into teaching roles and contribute to the growth of the massage education community.
Teaching Diverse Populations: Academic Diversity and Screening Candidates for Massage Programs (2 CE’s)
Provider: Kim Alexander and Shari Aldrich for AFMTE
June 23, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
About the Session
Diversity in massage education enriches the classroom but requires thoughtful approaches to instruction and screening.
This panel discussion, led by AFMTE president Kim Alexander and AFMTE vice president Shari Aldrich, addresses best practices for teaching diverse populations and ensuring equitable admissions processes.
Explore how to adapt your curriculum to meet the needs of students from various backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles. Learn to identify and reduce barriers while maintaining program standards.
This session equips educators with strategies to promote inclusivity, academic success, and meaningful career pathways for all students.
Attendees of the live session will receive 2 CEs.
About Kim Alexander
Kim Alexander is a seasoned massage therapist and educator. She has been a therapist for 33 years and an educator for 44 years. She holds a bachelor’s in science education and a masters in Comprehensive Science Education from Truman State University. She graduated from massage training at Lexington Healing Arts Academy. She has been active throughout her career in AMTA, COMTA, and currently serves the organization as President of AFMTE.
About Shari Aldrich
Shari Aldrich is an esteemed figure in the world of massage therapy, renowned for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the field. With a career spanning decades, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of education and advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Shari’s vision extends beyond individual growth; she envisions a community where massage therapists flourish and where the impact of their work resonates profoundly. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of practitioners is evident in her efforts to identify and support aspiring massage therapists.
Marketing CEs, Branding CEs, and Managing Your Supply and Demand
Provider: Nathan Nordstrom and Rebecca Pollock for AFMTE
July 28, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
About the Session
This dynamic session, led by Nathan and Rebecca, empowers continuing education providers with innovative strategies for marketing, branding, and balancing supply and demand.
Participants will learn how to build a recognizable brand, create targeted marketing campaigns, and effectively manage class offerings to meet the needs of their audience.
Whether you’re a seasoned CE provider or just starting out, this course will equip you with the skills to elevate your business, expand your reach, and create a sustainable model for delivering exceptional education.
About Nathan Nordstrom
Nathan Nordstrom has been working in the industry of Massage therapy for over 20 years and is an advocate for High standards in the Profession. He has been a teacher, administrator, and leader in massage therapy and hopes to bring together the industry for the art and science that is massage therapy. He is currently the International Senior Director of Massage Therapy Training and Industry Relations (ISDOMTTAIR) for Hand & Stone Franchise Corporation.
About Rebecca Pollock
Rebecca has been a practicing massage therapist for over 25 years, an Herbalist for over 15 years and recently became a Reiki Master. She has worked in chiropractic offices, day spas, five-star hotel spas, fitness facilities, wellness clinics and her own private practice. She combines elements of Eastern, Western and Energy Frequency principles to create therapeutic experiences for her clients.
Education is her real passion. She taught in massage therapy schools in Chicago for 8 years and ran the Chicago College of Healing Arts (CCHA) for two years. She has been an Approved Provider for Continuing Education since 2013 and teaches Hot stone massage, Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Teacher Training, Longevity and Mindset. She also consults for educators in curriculum development and the approval process. Helping with the growth of the massage community she has volunteered with several organizations.
Currently, she is the Executive 2nd Vice President and Director of Educational Standards for FSMTA. Continuing her journey in the holistic health field, she furthered her education with cutting edge technology in Frequency Healing and nutraceuticals. She is also certified in Qest4 Bio-energetic scanning, which is used as a powerful assessment tool.
How to Protect Male Therapists from False Accusations (Teachers’ Edition)
Provider: Luke Fritz for AFMTE
Session sponsor: ABMP
August 25, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
About the Session
Male therapists face unique challenges in navigating client interactions. In this teachers’ edition session, Luke Fritz provides guidance on equipping male students with tools to safeguard their reputations and practice ethically.
Learn how to teach boundaries, professionalism, and effective communication to minimize risks. Explore case studies, role-playing exercises, and strategies for fostering confidence in addressing sensitive situations.
This session ensures educators are prepared to tackle this critical topic, empowering male therapists to thrive while maintaining the highest standards of client care and personal accountability.
About Luke Fritz
Luke Fritz is the primary instructor at Health Enrichment Center, School of Therapeutic Massage, and coauthor of Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage and Mosby’s Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage.
He started practicing in 2004 & has worked in a variety of spa, medical, and professional sports environments.
His current passion is helping entry level massage therapists develop skills for long lasting, rewarding careers.
Communicating Healthcare Integration Without Bias (Teachers’ Edition) (2 CE’s)
Provider: Renee Johnson for AFMTE
September 22, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
About the Session
Bias in healthcare and education can hinder professional growth and client outcomes.
Join Renee Johnson from Chattanooga State for this interactive session addressing the impact of bias on self-care and teaching practices.
Learn how to recognize and challenge personal biases to foster inclusivity and empathy in your work. Explore techniques to model unbiased behavior for students and create an environment that values diverse perspectives.
This course provides tools for self-reflection, meaningful dialogue, and actionable change to improve your effectiveness as an educator and therapist.
Attendees of the live session will receive 2 CEs.
About Renee Johnson
Renee R. Johnson, LMT, CMBE, CHBMT, CPMT is the Senior Instructor for the Massage Therapy program at Chattanooga State Community College, where she leads and teaches the entire program.
With over 11 years of teaching experience and more than 16 years as a licensed massage therapist, Renee has made significant contributions to the field of massage therapy education. Renee was recognized as the National Technical Honor Society’s Advisor of the Month in August 2021. She holds certifications in Hospital-Based Massage Therapy from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and Pediatric Massage Therapy from Liddle Kidz, led by Tina Allen. She is currently preparing to test for Board Certification through the NCBTMB.
During her tenure, Renee has rewritten Chattanooga State’s Massage Therapy program three times, ensuring its curriculum remains robust and relevant. The program has achieved a 100% job placement rate for the past five years, with graduates maintaining an MBLEx first-time pass rate of 87%-100% over the same period.
In addition to her professional achievements, Renee is certified in equine myomanipulation and works on her horses on the family farm. Her love for animals extends to her Pembroke Welsh Corgis, with whom she participates in agility, rally, and other dog sports. Her partner’s horseback riding lesson program complements her passion for equine care.
Renee’s dedication to excellence in education, her advocacy for high teaching standards, and her multifaceted personal interests highlight her commitment to both professional and personal growth.
Conferences: The Benefits and Challenges
Provider: Nathan Nordstrom for AFMTE
October 27, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
About the Session
Conferences are invaluable for networking, professional development, and showcasing your expertise—but they come with unique challenges. Nathan hosts a panel discussion exploring the highs and lows of attending and presenting at conferences.
Gain insights into maximizing the benefits of participation, from forging connections to staying on top of industry trends. Learn tips for budgeting, scheduling, and handling unexpected obstacles while maintaining your focus and professionalism.
Whether you’re an attendee or a speaker, this session provides practical advice for making the most of every conference experience.
About Nathan Nordstrom
Nathan Nordstrom has been working in the industry of massage therapy for over 20 years and is an advocate for high standards in the profession.
He has been a teacher, administrator, and leader in massage therapy and hopes to bring together the industry for the art and science that is massage therapy.
He is currently the International Senior Director of Massage Therapy Training and Industry Relations (ISDOMTTAIR) for Hand & Stone Franchise Corporation.
Delivering MBLEx Content Made Simple (2 CE’s)
Provider: Julie Freeman for AFMTE
Session sponsor: ABMP
November 24, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EST
About the Session
This course offers massage educators an effective and streamlined approach to delivering MBLEx content to their students.
Led by Julie Freeman, participants will explore practical teaching strategies, simplified content presentation techniques, and tools to ensure student success in understanding and retaining key material.
Attendees will leave with actionable insights and resources to confidently teach MBLEx content in a way that resonates with diverse learners, fostering both knowledge retention and exam readiness.
Attendees of the live session will receive 2 CEs.
About Julie Freeman
Julie Freeman is a seasoned educator and board-certified massage therapist with over 30 years of experience, primarily in medical settings such as hospitals, cancer centers, and hospice care. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Studies and is a Professor in the Health Education Division at 2 colleges. She is also a Certified Massage and Bodywork Educator through the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education.
Dedicated to advancing the profession, Julie volunteers on the Ethics and Standards Committee of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). She serves on the Illinois Board of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Additionally, she contributes as an item writer and reviewer for the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is a Certified Yoga Therapist accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
As an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider, Julie is recognized for offering evidence-based, professional development opportunities designed to enhance the skills and expertise of massage therapists.
Interprofessional Education
Provider: Jodi Wiley for AFMTE
December 22, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EST
About the Session
Interprofessional Education (IPE) is a transformative approach for teaching massage educators to collaborate effectively within the broader healthcare system.
Led by Jody Wiley of Lansing Community College, this session focuses on integrating IPE principles into massage therapy education.
Discover how to prepare students to work alongside other healthcare professionals, enhance communication, and contribute to improved patient outcomes. Learn strategies to incorporate team-based learning, case studies, and real-world scenarios into your curriculum.
This session empowers massage educators to elevate their teaching by fostering interdisciplinary understanding and collaboration, ensuring students are equipped to thrive in diverse healthcare environments.
About Jodi Wiley
Jodi started massage school on a whim in 2004 and began massaging professionally in 2006. Her practice has had various focal points over the years including maternal massage and evidence-based orthopedic treatments. In 2013, she started teaching part time, then full time in 2021 while still maintaining a small, home-based practice. Jodi has enjoyed serving on several massage-related committees with AMTA, COMTA, AFMTE and the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy.
She recharges her internal batteries by being in the woods, volunteering, and reading. Jodi lives in Williamston, Michigan with her husband and son on 2.5 wooded acres.
Understanding the Lymphatic System
Provider: Dexterity Professional Development
1.5-Hour On-Demand Online Course
Course Description
Understanding the Lymphatic System delves into edema and lymphedema, lymphangitis, and lymphoma, including the causes, signs, symptoms, common treatments and prognosis.
Explore the complexities of the lymphatic system and discover common signs and symptoms associated with the various conditions that can cause lymphatic dysfunction. Understand the potential causes of the conditions.
Discover step-by-step guidance on how to conduct relevant clinical assessments for massage therapy to evaluate for lymphatic dysfunction and the issues. Understand how to distinguish specific conditions that present similarly. Gain insight into recognizing when to provide a referral to a patient with lymphatic dysfunction.
By taking this online massage therapy course, you will gain a greater understanding of the lymphatic system and its intricacies.
To complement your knowledge we recommend you enrolling in Treating Edema and Assessing Edema.
Learning Objectives
- Dive into the fundamentals of the Lymphatic System, including the causes of lymphatic dysfunction and the common signs and symptoms it presents in patients.
- Discover the structure and functions of the lymphatic system.
- Learn about the formation, flow and role of lymphatic fluid
- Gain an understanding of common lymphatic system conditions: Edema, Lymphedema, Lymphangitis, Lymphoma
- Understand the causes, signs, symptoms, common treatments, and prognosis of each lymphatic system condition.
About Dexterity Professional Development
Dexterity Professional Development proudly develops and releases original courses under its in-house brand.
Dexterity PD has a highly experienced and credentialed Course Development team, which includes RMTs, researchers, medical professionals, science writers, editors, and course instructors.
Members of the Course Development team work in collaboration to create courses that achieve academic excellence and provide an engaging learning experience.
In-house courses undergo the same rigorous Quality Testing Process applied to all courses released by Dexterity PD, which includes several rounds of editing, fact-checking, testing, and user feedback.
Acupressure Treatment for Headaches
Provider: Takayoshi Munemoto, Dexterity Professional Development
3-Hour On-Demand Online Course
Course Description
Acupressure Treatment for Headaches explores various approaches to the understanding and treatment of different types of headaches. Recognize the unique nature of headaches, which differ in intensity, symptoms, and origins from patient to patient.
Compare how Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine approach headaches differently. Learn how to conduct clinical assessments for massage therapy to determine if acupressure is indicated and use acupressure to create personalized solutions for headaches.
Explore how to incorporate targeted acupressure into a massage therapy treatment plan. Discover acupressure techniques to activate meridian pathways and become familiar with the most effective acupressure points for headache relief.
Our easy-to-follow guide highlights each step of the treatment process, detailing the locations of pressure points, depth, and timing. It helps you understand how to implement an acupressure treatment and integrate it into treatment through a variety of multimedia elements.
Enhance your approach to headache care by learning how to integrate acupressure into treatment confidently through our online massage therapy course.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will understand professional responsibilities when integrating complementary modalities.
- Participants will identify root causes of diverse headache types for optimal treatment.
- Participants will compare and contrast Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine strategies for addressing headaches.
- Participants will learn headache assessment techniques and create individualized acupressure treatment plans.
- Participants will target specific acupressure points for effective headache relief.
- Participants will apply your knowledge through case study analysis featuring a sample acupressure treatment plan.
Instructor Bio
Takayoshi (Taka) Munemoto MA, RMT, RAc., CLT, has been practicing manual therapy since becoming licensed as a Registered Massage Therapist in 2005. He is also registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
Taka is a dedicated bodywork specialist with over 18 years of global experience, passionately strives to enhance balance and movement in each client. His expertise spans Oriental Medicine, particularly Acupuncture, as well as Osteopathic Manual skills, Feldenkrais Method, and Somatic Education. Bridging Eastern and Western philosophies, Taka integrates a rich tapestry of knowledge acquired from Canada, Japan, Taiwan, the USA, Germany, and Italy.
Taka’s holistic treatment approach, guided by TCM principles, focuses on meridian channels for self-healing in injured tissues, encompassing styles like 5 elements balancing and Japanese techniques rooted in TCM.
Certified by Dr. Vodder School International, a leader in lymphatic obstruction treatment, Taka excels in manual lymphatic drainage techniques, recognizing its role in promoting tissue health and a robust immune system. Taka’s commitment to holistic well-being extends to his mastery of the Feldenkrais Method, addressing sensory and motor issues. Through finely coordinated movements, this dynamic approach alleviates muscle tension and joint stiffness, enhancing overall range of motion and promoting pain-free movement.
Continuously seeking knowledge globally, Taka ensures clients receive profound results in health through his distinctive and integrated treatment approach.
Acupressure Treatment for Shoulder Pain
Provider: Takayoshi Munemoto, Dexterity Professional Development
3-Hour On-Demand Online Course
Course Description
Acupressure Treatment for Shoulder Pain empowers massage therapists to effectively use acupressure to ease shoulder discomfort caused by various issues through our online massage therapy course.
Learn how to conduct a clinical assessment for massage therapy to assess and determine if acupressure is indicated for the treatment of chronic shoulder problems. Gain the expertise to deliver precise acupressure treatments for the shoulder, neck, and thorax.
Our easy-to-follow guide takes you through each step of the treatment process, highlighting crucial details such as pressure points, depth, and timing. This ensures that you can confidently reduce shoulder pain using acupressure in your sessions.
Enhance your approach to shoulder pain care by learning how to confidently integrate acupressure into massage therapy treatment.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will compare Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment strategies and approaches to shoulder problems.
- Participants will understand the significance of meridian channels and myofascial connections in maintaining shoulder health.
- Participants will learn a variety of assessment techniques to tailor your approach to each patient.
- Participants will examine the precise acupressure points that activate meridian channels and provide relief from shoulder discomfort.
- Participants will explore how the neck, thorax, and other areas contribute to shoulder support and explore the acupressure points to address these compensatory areas.
- Participants will discover the approach and protocol for integrating acupressure into treatment.
- Participants will enhance your skills with a real-world case study that illustrates a hands-on acupressure treatment plan in action.
Instructor Biography
Takayoshi (Taka) Munemoto MA, RMT, RAc., CLT, has been practicing manual therapy since becoming licensed as a Registered Massage Therapist in 2005. He is also registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
Taka is a dedicated bodywork specialist with over 18 years of global experience, passionately strives to enhance balance and movement in each client. His expertise spans Oriental Medicine, particularly Acupuncture, as well as Osteopathic Manual skills, Feldenkrais Method, and Somatic Education. Bridging Eastern and Western philosophies, Taka integrates a rich tapestry of knowledge acquired from Canada, Japan, Taiwan, the USA, Germany, and Italy.
Taka’s holistic treatment approach, guided by TCM principles, focuses on meridian channels for self-healing in injured tissues, encompassing styles like 5 elements balancing and Japanese techniques rooted in TCM.
Certified by Dr. Vodder School International, a leader in lymphatic obstruction treatment, Taka excels in manual lymphatic drainage techniques, recognizing its role in promoting tissue health and a robust immune system. Taka’s commitment to holistic well-being extends to his mastery of the Feldenkrais Method, addressing sensory and motor issues. Through finely coordinated movements, this dynamic approach alleviates muscle tension and joint stiffness, enhancing overall range of motion and promoting pain-free movement.
Continuously seeking knowledge globally, Taka ensures clients receive profound results in health through his distinctive and integrated treatment approach.
Acupressure Treatment for Low Back Pain
Provider: Takayoshi Munemoto, Dexterity Professional Development
2-Hour On-Demand Online Course
Course Description
Acupressure Treatment for Low Back Pain empowers massage therapists to effectively use acupressure to ease low back pain caused by a range of issues through our online massage therapy course.
Explore Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives on diagnosis and treatment of low back pain. Discover how to conduct clinical assessments for massage therapy to determine if acupressure is indicated in treating low back pain.
Gain expertise in targeting the appropriate meridian channels and become skilled at applying acupressure to precise points for the treatment and relief of low back pain. Dive into how to treat common compensatory areas, including the neck, thorax, pelvis, and hips.
Our easy-to-follow guide highlights each step of the treatment process, detailing the locations of pressure points, depth, and timing. Through a variety of multimedia elements, you can understand how to implement acupressure treatment and integrate it into massage therapy.
Enhance your approach to low back pain by learning how to confidently integrate acupressure into massage therapy treatment.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will gain insight into the typical triggers of low back pain.
- Participants will explore diverse treatment approaches across different professions, broadening your toolkit for effective solutions.
- Participants will combine Western and Eastern methods to provide top-notch care by blending insights from both approaches.
- Participants will master the art of pinpointing low back pain causes with precision, and create a tailored treatment strategy that incorporates acupressure techniques.
- Participants will explore the complex relationship between common compensatory zones and low back pain, both anatomically and within the Meridian channels.
- Participants will become an expert in applying the most powerful acupressure points to alleviate low back pain, addressing both the root cause and associated areas.
- Participants will enhance their skills with a real-world case study that illustrates a hands-on acupressure treatment plan in action.
Instructor Biography
Takayoshi (Taka) Munemoto MA, RMT, RAc., CLT, has been practicing manual therapy since becoming licensed as a Registered Massage Therapist in 2005. He is also registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
Taka is a dedicated bodywork specialist with over 18 years of global experience, passionately strives to enhance balance and movement in each client. His expertise spans Oriental Medicine, particularly Acupuncture, as well as Osteopathic Manual skills, Feldenkrais Method, and Somatic Education. Bridging Eastern and Western philosophies, Taka integrates a rich tapestry of knowledge acquired from Canada, Japan, Taiwan, the USA, Germany, and Italy.
Taka’s holistic treatment approach, guided by TCM principles, focuses on meridian channels for self-healing in injured tissues, encompassing styles like 5 elements balancing and Japanese techniques rooted in TCM.
Certified by Dr. Vodder School International, a leader in lymphatic obstruction treatment, Taka excels in manual lymphatic drainage techniques, recognizing its role in promoting tissue health and a robust immune system. Taka’s commitment to holistic well-being extends to his mastery of the Feldenkrais Method, addressing sensory and motor issues. Through finely coordinated movements, this dynamic approach alleviates muscle tension and joint stiffness, enhancing overall range of motion and promoting pain-free movement.
Continuously seeking knowledge globally, Taka ensures clients receive profound results in health through his distinctive and integrated treatment approach.