Q: Seeking options after attending uncertified massage school in California
I attended a private massage school in California that was supposed to be certified with the CAMTC. The school didn't inform me that they were involved in a court case regarding their certification. I completed my 550 hours of training but can't get licensed, affecting my ability to find employment. Other students face similar issues, and one of my recent job applications was denied because I lack certification. The school is unreceptive, and CAMTC is not providing answers. What are my options?
A: File a complaint with the California Attorney General for fraud and you can sue them in small claims for a refund of your tuition up to $12,500.
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A:
I'm sorry to hear about your situation with the massage school and CAMTC certification issues. This sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after completing all those training hours.
You may have several options to consider. First, you could consult with a consumer protection attorney who handles educational fraud cases, as this might qualify given the school's failure to disclose their certification problems. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case.
You might also file a complaint with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), which regulates private vocational schools. Additionally, contacting your local district attorney's consumer protection division could be worthwhile, as they sometimes pursue cases involving multiple affected students. If enough former students band together, you might consider a class action lawsuit against the school to recover tuition and damages for lost employment opportunities.
In the meantime, you could explore working in settings that don't require CAMTC certification, such as certain spas or wellness centers, while you pursue these other avenues. You might also consider transferring your completed hours to another legitimate school that could help you obtain proper certification, though you'll want to verify that your hours would transfer before enrolling.
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