What We Do
About the College
Pour de l’assistance ou des renseignements en français, veuillez contacter cmto@cmto.com
Overview
The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) is the regulatory body that oversees Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs/MTs) working in the province. CMTO receives its authority from the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Massage Therapy Act, 1991. CMTO is not a school or an organization that advocates on behalf of RMTs. CMTO exists to protect the public interest.
CMTO regulates RMTs and protects the public by:
- Setting the requirements for becoming an RMT so that only qualified individuals are allowed to practise and use the protected titles “Massage Therapist” (“MT”) and “Registered Massage Therapist” (“RMT”).
- Maintaining an up-to-date feature on its website, known as the public register, to help Ontarians verify whether the person they are visiting for Massage Therapy treatment is registered and qualified to practise.
- Developing and enforcing rules and guidelines for RMTs’ practice and conduct, including a Code of Ethics.
- Running a Quality Assurance Program to help ensure RMTs keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date
- Receiving and investigating complaints from the public about Massage Therapy care and taking disciplinary action when necessary.
CMTO is overseen by a Board, similar to a board of directors. Learn more about CMTO’s Board.
History of the Profession
Massage Therapy came into increased prominence during World War I, at the time when Canada helped care for its soldiers overseas. Orthopaedical centres, devoted to conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, were among the many makeshift hospitals set up during this time. These centers began offering hydrotherapy and massage to injured soldiers. Throughout World War I, nearly 2,000 soldiers were treated daily with massage, establishing Massage Therapy as a necessary and valued form of healthcare. CMTO has been regulating Massage Therapy in Ontario since 1919. Learn more about how regulation protects the client.
CMTO’s Vision and Mission
Our Vision
Regulatory excellence, promoting public trust, and safe, quality Massage Therapy.
Our Mission
CMTO is dedicated to excellence in protecting the public interest, guiding registrants and promoting the highest possible quality of the practice of Massage Therapy.
CMTO Activities
- Develops, establishes and maintains requirements for individuals who are registered with CMTO.
- Approves and assigns classes of registration for RMTs registered with CMTO.
- Learn more about Registration Services.
- Promotes continuing competency and improvement among RMTs through STRiVE;
- Addresses changes in practice settings;
- Develops and maintains CMTO’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics; and
- Guides RMTs and provides practice advice.
- Learn more about Professional Practice.
- Provides funding for therapy and counselling if a client is abused by an RMT.
- Investigates complaints and concerns about RMTs;
- Conducts discipline hearings and takes disciplinary action when an RMT is found to have committed professional misconduct or an act of incompetence;
- Investigates mandatory reports of abuse; and
- Informs the public about illegal practitioners.
- Learn more about Professional Conduct.
