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STRiVE – the Quality Assurance Program for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in Ontario that offers flexibility, opportunity and choice!

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STRiVE - the Quality Assurance Program

Consistent with all regulated health professions, RMTs must complete a Quality Assurance Program. As an extension of an ongoing commitment to professional development, RMTs are required to complete STRiVE annually.

Designed to fit the individual needs of all RMTs, STRiVE has two parts:

  1. Be the Best You Can Be; and
  2. Risk-based Assessment.
* Practice Assessment is only required for a small portion of RMTs.
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Changes to Part 1: Be the Best You Can Be

In 2022, RMTs were invited to share their feedback on STRiVE Part 1: Be The Best You Can Be through a survey and focus groups. In response, the following changes have been made to STRiVE Part 1:

  • Updated the online platform to enhance user experience;
  • Ensured all RMTs will be on the same one-year cycle;
  • Shifted the timeframe from September 1 – October 31;
  • Eliminated the Experiential Learning Exercise; and,
  • Simplified the Self-Assessment (i.e., fewer indicators and a simpler scale).
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Select Standards of Practice and Related Career-span Competencies (CSCs)

Intended to support RMTs with meeting minimum requirements and maintaining competence, the Standards of Practice and Career-span Competencies work together to provide the foundation for STRiVE.

Each year, the select Standards of Practice change for STRiVE Part 2: Risk-based Assessment.

For 2025, the four select Standards of Practice and Regulation, and related Career-Span Competencies, are:

2025 Select Standards of Practice and Regulation

Related CSCs


Guide to Advertising Requirements

  • Regulation – Comply with legal requirements


Standard of Practice: Communication

  • Act with professional integrity
  • Apply the principles of sensitive practice
  • Communicate effectively
  • Comply with legal requirements


Standard of Practice: Draping and Physical Privacy

  • Act with professional integrity
  • Apply the principles of sensitive practice
  • Communicate effectively
  • Comply with legal requirements
  • Function in a client-centred manner
  • Maintain a safe work environment
  • Maintain comprehensive records
  • Practice in a self-reflective manner
  • Treat others respectfully
  • Work within areas of personal knowledge and skills


Standard of Practice: Client-centred Care

  • Act with professional integrity
  • Apply the principles of sensitive practice
  • Communicate effectively
  • Comply with legal requirements
  • Function in a client-centred manner
  • Interact effectively with other professionals
  • Maintain a safe work environment
  • Maintain comprehensive records
  • Maintain personal wellness consistent with the needs of practice Manage time and resources effectively
  • Practice in a self-reflective manner
  • Treat others respectfully
  • Use an evidence-informed approach in your work
  • Work within areas of personal knowledge and skills

See the Standards and Rules
See the full list of CSCs

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2 Parts of STRiVE

Be the Best You Can Be

STRiVE Part 1: Be The Best You Can Be supports RMTs in completing an annual learning plan based on their self-assessed learning needs from the Career-Span Competencies and Standards of Practice.

The three components of Be The Best You Can Be are:

Risk-based Assessment

STRiVE Part 2: Risk-based Assessment supports RMTs in meeting the requirements of the Standards of Practice. Each year, four Standards of Practice are selected as the topics of focus.

The two components of Risk-based Assessment:

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991  requires colleges to have a quality assurance (QA) program that includes:

  • continuing education or professional development;
  • self, peer and practice assessments; and
  • a mechanism for CMTO to monitor RMTs’ participation in, and compliance with, the QA Program.

  • RMTs who hold a General Certificate need to complete STRiVE each year.

  • No. STRiVE is designed to offer flexibility and choice. RMTs are responsible for creating a Learning Plan, and related goals and activities, that best meets their professional development goals.

  • CMTO does not approve training programs offered by continuing professional development providers.

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