General FAQs
Q: How much does Massage Therapy cost?
A: The cost is dependent on the kind and length of treatment you need and the spa or clinic you are visiting. Intensive therapy for a serious injury will take longer and thereby be more expensive, while a gentle relaxation massage will cost less. Most reputable businesses post their rates online or in a brochure, a 60-minute session usually starts about $75-90.
Q: Should I leave a tip to my Massage Therapist?
A: It is customary to leave a tip much in the way you would for a restaurant waiter who provided good service. Many Registered Massage Therapists pay rent or must give a percentage of their sales to the owner of a spa or salon, so a gratuity is usually highly appreciated!
Q: Do you offer memberships to people studying to become a massage therapist?
A: We offer a variety of membership types, including for students. You can find out more here.
Q: I’m an insurance company, how do I find out if a Registered Massage Therapist is a member of CRMTA?
A: Contact us or login to our database and search for the member by clicking the ‘Login’ link at the top of each page.
Q: Who do I contact if I have a question about my RMT or how they handled my treatment?
A: Refer to our complaint section, click HERE.
Q: Is massage therapy covered under Alberta’s provincial health insurance plan?
A: Massage therapy treatments are not covered by Alberta Health, even if they are prescribed by a physician. However, the majority of private health insurance plans in Canada will pay for a limited number of treatments by Registered Massage Therapists, and most do not require a doctor’s note. You will most likely have to pay in advance and submit a receipt from your RMT to your insurer. Your provider can explain your coverage.
Q: How do I become a Registered Massage Therapist?
A: Enroll in an accredited, provincially-recognized training school that provides a minimum of two years of education and 2,200 hours of training. Graduates must register with the College of Massage Therapists of Alberta, a regulatory body that provides certification exams.
Alberta Regulation FAQs
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.