4201 Patterson Avenue Baltimore, MD 21
PHONE: , FAX: WEBSITE: mdmassage.org
**** IMPORTANT NOTICE TO APPLICANTS WHO ATTENDED FOREIGN SCHOOLS ****
Transcripts will ONLY be approved from massage schools that are accredited by either the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) or approved or accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Refer to the Web site for a list of USDE accrediting agencies. Additionally, schools located outside of the United States must undergo a strict comprehensive review and scrutiny through a professional, private contract commission International Commission on Healthcare Professionals [ICHP], 3600 Market St., Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651, Phone: (International Consultants of Delaware) to determine the eligibility and competency of such school(s).
In many instances, fraudulent information has been detected in applications, particularly from transcripts purportedly derived from foreign schools and institutions. Accordingly, the following procedures apply to any foreign school:
■ A formal, comprehensive review must be done to protect the certification program and the consumer public. There is a non-refundable, additional
fee for this comprehensive investigation/review which must be paid by the applicant to the contract commission, ICHP. The applicant must provide all
documentation to ICHP and pay all fees (which could amount to $300.00 - $500.00). The Board does not interface with the contractor. All dealings
with ICHP must be undertaken by the individual applicant.
■ No further action will be taken on the application until the Board receives a full report from ICHP. Applicants are advised that such reviews take
several weeks to several months to complete.
■ Applicants are advised that the Board will NOT process the application further until a full favorable report is submitted by ICHP. The Board retains
the discretion to approve or reject any application upon review of the report and documentation.
■ All foreign transcripts, letters and documents must be presented to the contract investigating company in original form and must also have an original
English translation from an accredited member of the American Translators Association. No other translations are acceptable. The applicant bears
all costs of any translations or certifications.
■ Applicants who attended foreign schools are advised that very few foreign schools or institutions have qualified as meeting Maryland’s standards.
Accordingly, APPLICANTS ARE PUT ON NOTICE THAT THEY SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER AND WEIGH THE COSTS OF THIS
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AND FEES WITH THE PROBABLE CHANCES OF NON-ACCEPTANCE OF THE FOREIGN SCHOOL.
■ Affected applicants are advised that acceptance of an application and non-refundable fees does NOT in any manner insure, promise or
guarantee that the application will be approved and certification or registration will be granted.
■ Applicants are solely responsible to make all arrangements with ICHP, including payment of any applicable fees. Applicants may contact:
1. International Commission on Healthcare Professionals (ICHP)
3600 Market Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-2651
2. International Consultants of Delaware
625 Barksdale Road, Suite 109
Newark, Delaware 19711
3. World Education Services, Inc.
Post Office Box # 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, New York 10274-5087
4. World Education Credential Evaluators
Post Office Box # 341468
Tampa, Florida 33694 - 1468
06/06 - DH