Practising as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT/MT) in Ontario is a privilege that offers the opportunity to enrich the lives of Ontarians through quality and ethical care.

All RMTs practising in Ontario have received a high-quality education, completed mandatory examinations, and continue to meet professional standards and requirements through CTMO’s annual Quality Assurance Program, called “STRiVE”.

If you or someone you know is considering a career in Massage Therapy, we have outlined a helpful step-by-step process guide below.

Step 1: Meet the educational requirements.

Whether an applicant lives in Ontario, or has moved from a different province or country, there are certain educational criteria that aspiring candidates will have to meet before qualifying for CMTO’s mandatory exams. Our website provides different application paths based on unique situations.

Step 2: Pass CMTO’s certification examinations.

To ensure all new applicants have the required skills and knowledge to enter the Massage Therapy profession, CMTO requires candidates to complete two mandatory certification exams:

• The Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) examination: a computer-based exam consisting of 150 questions; and
• The Objectively Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE): a hands-on clinical exam designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and skill application using clinical scenarios in simulated real-life test stations.

Step 3: Complete CMTO’s Jurisprudence Program.

When the candidates have completed the MCQ and OSCE exams, they will be asked to participate in CMTO’s Jurisprudence Program. The program focuses on the prevention of sexual abuse, Standards of Practice, legislation and expectations on maintaining professional boundaries and ethics. For more information about the program, check out CMTO’s video.

Step 4: Submit an Initial Registration application.

As the final step in the application process, candidates will be asked to complete an application form, which will include the submission of supporting documents and payment of an application and the annual registration fee. Once an applicant is approved and allowed to practise as an RMT, they will be required to maintain their knowledge and understanding of Massage Therapy through their yearly participation in STRiVE and complete the annual registration renewal.

By following the above steps, RMTs can embark on a fulfilling career dedicated to improving and maintaining the health of Ontarians.

For more information on how to apply for registration, please visit CMTO’s website.