CRMTA often gets questions about the status and details surrounding massage therapy regulation in Alberta.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. You can find out more on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Who is a member of the Alberta Working Group for the Regulation of Massage Therapy?
The Alberta Working Group for The Regulation of Massage Therapy (AWGRMT) formed in 2021.
The Transitional Council for the College of Massage Therapists of Alberta (TC-CMTA) President is the facilitator who chairs the WG.
Each of the following organizations provide three representatives to the AWGRMT:
- Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA)
- Certified Registered Massage Therapist Association (CRMTA)
- Massage Therapist of Alberta Association (MTAA)
- Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
The Alberta Regional Massage Therapy Association (ARMTA) has confirmed their support of the Alberta Working Group for The Regulation of Massage Therapy
What is the role of the TC-CMTA and their role in the AWGRMT?
The Alberta government recognizes the TC-CMTA President as the facilitator who chairs the regular meetings of the AWGRMT and serves as the spokesperson in communication between the AWGRMT and the Government.
How much will it cost to be a part of the future college?
Costs are dependent on many factors including, but not limited to, the number of registrants who join the College, membership retention, the cost for startup and ongoing operations. The costs have yet to be determined.
What is the current status of regulation in Alberta?
Currently the AWGRMT continues to work closely with the government on revisions requested by the Minister of Health to the application for regulation of Massage Therapists in Alberta. As the AWGRMT completes revisions, these are sent to the government for review and comment, and the AWGRMT integrates the feedback on each revision. This process may go back and forth several times before no additional comments are provided by the government, and the revision is considered completed by the AWGRMT for submission to the Minister of Health.
When the requested revisions are completed, the final draft will be sent to the Board of Directors of each Association for their review and endorsement.
Once the Associations have provided written endorsement the updated application will be submitted to the Minister of Health.
At this point the process switches to the Government. The Minister will review the application and make a decision on the path forward. The process for approval and legislation of each regulated health profession is different, and as such the Government provides no timeline for this process.
As we move through this process the AWGRMT will continue to provide updates to the profession through the associations.
How will massage programs and institutions be approved by the College in the future?
Once established the College will determine the standards for the educational institutes and Massage Therapy programs. The future College will have the responsibility to educate and inform educational institutions of requirements. Reasonable notice will be provided to massage programs and institutions to make any necessary changes to meet the required standards.
What if I leave the profession and want to come back after the College is formed?
Those who do not join the College through the transition process must meet the requirements of the College at the time they wish to re-enter the profession.
What can I do to prepare for regulation?
Maintain and meet your Association membership requirements, including maintaining a non-practicing or inactive membership if required so that you continue to receive regular updates regarding regulation. It will be important for those who want to transition into the College to stay current through updates provided by their respective association for any progress made on the status of regulation.