Updated on July 8, 2024

What is a Registered Massage Therapist RMT

In Ontario, a registered massage therapist, RMT, is a massage therapy provider who is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).

To protect the public, and provide a safe and secure health care option, massage therapy practice is regulated in Ontario.

The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) is a provincial authority which governs the practice of massage therapy in Ontario under the umbrella of the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and Massage Therapy Act.

As such, an RMT must practice according to the rules and standards stipulated by the CMTO.

Any massage therapist who wishes to practice as an RMT must be registered with the CMTO (College).

Some of the requirements for registration with CMTO are:

1. Every RMT must have theoretical and practical hands-on knowledge to provide the safest and most effective care to clients.
2. So, every RMT must successfully graduate from a recognized Massage Therapy diploma program at an accredited college.
3. The massage therapist training curriculum includes extensive theoretical knowledge in the fields of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, massage theory, orthopedic assessments, law and ethics.
   
   

   
   

4. The practical hands-on training will include 300 hours of in-clinic practice.
5. Each candidate must pass the CMTO's mandatory MCQ and OSCE exams.
6. Completed CPR and First Aid certifications.
7. Provide documented proof of police record check.
8. Provide an updated professional practice liability insurance policy.

Annually, the College requires an RMT to maintain and upgrade knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education programs, STRIVE, the CMTO's quality assurance program, to ensure the highest quality of care and practice standards in the massage therapy practice.

In Ontario, if a practitioner is not registered with CMTO, one is prohibited from holding oneself as a massage therapist, or as a practitioner of massage therapy, and/or using the RMT designation.

Additionally, an RMT is required to have professional practice liability insurance.