FOMTRAC is pleased to provide an update on the Massage Therapy Competency Profile Modernization Project. This national initiative aims to ensure the competency profile supporting massage therapy in Canada remains fit-for-purpose, evidence-informed, and reflective of contemporary professional RMT practice.

Project Work Now Underway

The project has now entered its initial development phase. The Development Committee – composed of Canadian Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) from diverse practice settings – has begun working with the project consultants to explore current contexts of practice and professional competencies.

This phase focuses on gathering and examining information to ensure the modernized competency profile reflects the realities of massage therapy practice across Canada. This includes exploring how RMTs practice in different environments and identifying the competencies that support ethical safe, ethical, and competent practice.

This work is expected to continue through March and early April. If needed, the consultants may also conduct in-field practice observations to deepen understanding of real-world practice.

A Practitioner- and Evidence-Informed Process

The modernization process is designed to ensure that the competency profile reflects both best practice evidence and the experience of professional practicing RMTs.

The Development Committee’s contributions are helping shape a framework that reflects the competencies required for ethical, safe and contemporary massage therapy practice.

Later in the project, broader consultation with the Canadian massage therapy profession is anticipated. This will provide opportunities for practitioners across the country to share perspectives and feedback, ensuring the modernized competency profile reflects the realities of professional practice nationwide.

FOMTRAC would like to thank the RMTs who are contributing their time and expertise to this important work.

National Collaboration

This project has been made possible through the collaborative support and funding of massage therapy organizations from across Canada, including regulatory authorities, professional associations, and accreditation bodies.

This national collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting the professional evolution of massage therapy regulation and professional practice in Canada.

What Comes Next

Over the coming months, the Development Committee and consultants will continue analyzing the information gathered during this phase of the project. Later stages will include expert review and validation activities to ensure the competency profile aligns with both professional practice and public protection. FOMTRAC will continue to share updates as key milestones are reached.

Timeline The timeline outlines the phased approach being used to modernize the massage therapy competency profile in Canada. Each stage of the project is designed to ensure the final profile is evidence and practitioner-informed, and reflective of contemporary professional practice across Canada.