Registered Massage Therapist RMT

What is a Registered Massage Therapist?

In British Columbia, Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are medical professionals and are considered the best trained in North America. Registered Massage Therapists must complete a comprehensive 3000 hour medically-based college program. As a point of reference, a four-year University Degree requires 1500 hours of instruction.

On April 1, 2009 the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC) started granting full registration privileges to RMT’s who are active registrants of the profession from Ontario and Newfoundland/ Labrador. This approval has moved the profession of massage therapy from three jurisdictions with different but duplicate processes describing entry-to-practice competency standards to a national standard unifying the profession in its expectations of the individual entering the profession. The purpose of this is to allow full labour mobility in Canada.

In an effort to formalize a National educational competency the CMTBC has outlined a new 2200 hour curriculum that will begin September 2012. The educational requirements are rigorous and include:

Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology
Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Physiology
Fascial Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
Neuronanatomy, Neurophysiology and Neuropathology
Communication
Ethical, Professional and Legal Issues
Kinesiology
Nutrition
Understanding Pain and Stress
Pharmacology
Public Health and Prevention
Applications of Research to Practice
Self Care
Surgery
Business Practices

Registered Massage Therapists are trained to access and treat a variety of neuromuscular problems by manipulating the body’s soft tissue. Massage therapy has been documented as an alternative treatment for a wide range of conditions involving short term and long term pain. In addition to “hands-on-therapy,” RMTs are also trained in the use of a wide variety of healing techniques including hydrotherapy, stretching, strengthening, and postural exercises.

Registered Massage Therapists are required to continually upgrade their skills and knowledge by taking advanced courses and programs in a variety of specialized techniques in the areas of Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Sports Massage, and much more.

All Registered Massage Therapists are governed by the College of Massage Therapists and are Regulated Health Professionals in British Columbia. Massage therapy in BC has been a regulated health care profession since 1946.

For more information about Massage Therapy in BC visit
Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia
The College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia

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