ATMS CPE Points: Why More Therapists Are Choosing Online Learning

For remedial massage therapists, myotherapists, and Bowen therapy practitioners, keeping up with continuing professional education is a core part of maintaining professional membership and clinical currency. The ATMS CPE policy outlines annual requirements for members, with points allocated for participation in recognised professional development activities.

But while attending in-person workshops and seminars has long been the traditional route, a growing number of practitioners are turning to online courses to earn their ATMS CPE points—and for good reason.

Therapist engaging in online learning to earn ATMS CPE points, illustrating the flexibility and relevance that make digital education increasingly popular.

Why Online CPE Makes Sense for Busy Practitioners

Let’s face it—most manual therapists juggle packed client schedules, family responsibilities, and the general demands of running a practice. Travelling to seminars or waiting for the next in-person course can quickly become a logistical headache. That’s where online courses come in.

Online professional development gives you:

• Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, on your own time—whether that’s in between clients or after hours.

• Accessibility: No need to travel or rearrange your week. Your learning is available wherever you are.

• Consistency: Choose when and how you review the material, helping to consolidate knowledge over time.

These benefits make online learning an increasingly popular option when planning how to earn your ATMS CPE points throughout the year.

What Counts Towards ATMS CPE Points?

The ATMS CPE Policy allows for a wide range of learning formats, provided they’re relevant to your scope of practice and delivered by credible sources. That includes:

• Online courses with formal assessment or certificates of completion

• Webinars and virtual conferences

• Self-directed study (when appropriately documented)

As long as your chosen course meets the criteria outlined in the ATMS CPE policy, you can feel confident that your points are being well earned—whether you're attending a face-to-face seminar or completing a course online.

Making Your CPE Work for You

Too often, CPE becomes something we rush through at the end of the year just to remain compliant. But taking a more strategic approach—choosing topics that genuinely interest you or support your clients—can make your CPE a valuable part of your growth as a practitioner.

Courses that cover relevant topics like musculoskeletal pain, posture correction, chronic conditions, or nervous system health can help you refine your clinical thinking and bring fresh insight into your sessions. Online learning makes this kind of targeted, meaningful CPE more accessible than ever.

Looking Ahead: Plan Early and Learn Smarter

If you’re a member of ATMS, now is the time to start planning how you’ll earn your CPE points for the year. Choosing high-quality online courses means you won’t be left scrambling at the end of the year—and you’ll likely find the learning more rewarding, too.

At TheTherapyWeb.com, we offer evidence-informed, online professional development courses created specifically for massage and manual therapy practitioners. All courses are designed to support your clinical reasoning, improve client outcomes, and meet CPE criteria for a variety of associations—including those that recognise ATMS CPE points.