CMTO - Updated Registration Regulation in Effect as of July 1, 2024

he College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)’s updated Registration Regulation under the Massage Therapy Act has been published by the Ontario government and will come into force on July 1, 2024. Below is a summary of key changes.

Massage Therapy Education Required for Registration

The updated regulation is an important development in Massage Therapy regulation as it allows CMTO to ensure that graduates applying to be registered as Massage Therapists have the quality education needed to provide safe and effective client care.

CMTO has long been a supporter of the accreditation standards and process of the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA). On January 1, 2027, accreditation with CMTCA will be required for a program’s graduates to be eligible to apply for registration with CMTO.

Practice Hours for Maintaining a General Certificate

Previously, to maintain their General Certificate, RMTs were required to provide a minimum of 500 hours of direct client care in the previous three years. Now, RMTs will require 500 hours of practising the profession, which includes time spent teaching in an approved Massage Therapy program. This change will make it easier for educators to maintain their General Certificate.

Place of Practice in Ontario

RMTs with a General Certificate will no longer be required to maintain a practice location in Ontario, facilitating labour mobility across jurisdictions.

Registering as Inactive

First time registrants with CMTO will now be able to register in the Inactive class of registration (e.g. if they meet all requirements but have not secured employment as an RMT yet). Before they begin practising they will be required to move to the General class of registration.

There are additional administrative changes in the updates to the Registration Regulation. If you have questions about the updated Registration Regulations requirements, please reach out to us at registrationservices@cmto.com.