FAQs2022-09-27T11:42:51-06:00
Why should I consider joining CMMOTA? What is in it for me?2024-06-21T08:42:30-06:00

For all the information on why you should join our association, please click here to visit our blog.

What is the difference between a Massage Student, Associate, and Full member?2022-05-11T09:57:08-06:00

A Massage Therapy Student member is someone who is currently enrolled in their first year or second year.

An Massage Therapy Associate member is someone who has completed first year and is continuing their education to obtain a minimum of a 2200 hour diploma.

A Full Massage Therapist, Spa Therapist, or Registered Massage Therapist member has completed a 2200 hour program AND submitted all necessary documentation to the CMMOTA required to obtain and maintain their membership with the Association.

What is the three year continuing education submission cycle?2025-01-02T11:57:43-07:00

The current 3 year period is from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. This period is the same for all members. The submission deadline for continuing education credits is December 31, 2027. All members are responsible for completing credits and for submitting proof of same within the required timeline. The courses must have been taken within the current submission cycle. For example courses taken in the year 2024 or prior would not count for credits. The required CE credits are prorated depending on your effective date for becoming a Full member:

Membership Effective Date Credits Required Attend at least 1 AGM by Dec 31/24
Prior to January 1, 2025 30 Required
January 1/25- December 31/25 30 Required
January 1/26- December 31/26 20 Required, unless activation date falls after the AGM
January 1/27- March 31/27 10 Not Required
April 1/27- December 31/27 6 Not Required
How do I update my contact information with the CMMOTA?2022-05-11T10:02:05-06:00

By logging in to your Member Profile and editing your information. There are fields that you will not be able to access that only the CMMOTA can see. Be sure to click “Save” when you are done. The modalities that you specialize in are only reflected if you have sent in a certificate of completion for the corresponding course.

What takes place at an AGM?2024-06-21T08:44:00-06:00

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held virtually, providing a convenient platform for members to engage with board members including the President, and voice their opinions. During the AGM, we discuss proposed changes to policies or bylaws and outline the future direction of the Association.

Remember, attending at least one AGM every three years is mandatory. You will earn 4 credits for each meeting you attend. If your membership type requires attendance and you fail to attend an AGM within the three-year cycle, you will need to pay an AGM-Fee-In Lieu, in accordance with the CMMOTA Fee Schedule, which must be paid prior to membership renewal the following year.

Who can attend the AGM’s?2022-05-11T10:03:03-06:00

In accordance with CMMOTA Bylaws, and CMMOTA Policy, only Members, and special guests invited by motion of the Board of Directors may attend.

Will accepting Manual Osteopathic Therapists into our organization have any affect or hinder our efforts regarding advocating for Massage Therapy Regulation?2024-06-21T09:35:43-06:00

No, it will not have any affect or hindrance on the move towards Massage Therapy Regulation in the province of Alberta or elsewhere. This is because it is its own profession.

As an association, the CMMOTA remains committed to seeing provincial regulation of the profession of Massage Therapy move forward in the remaining 5 Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Quebec. This includes remaining invested in the Transitional Council for the College of Massage Therapy of Alberta, as well as both the Alberta and Saskatchewan Working Groups. Our board strongly believes that by working together with the other associations in each province we will be able to see regulation achieved and as an Association we continue to work towards that end.

What is happening in regard to Regulation of Massage Therapy in Alberta?2022-05-11T10:10:37-06:00

In September of 2020, a revised application for the regulation of Massage Therapy in the Province of Alberta was submitted to the government of Alberta by the Transitional Council for the College of Massage Therapists of Alberta (TC-CMTA).

The Minister of Health responded to that proposal, asking for additional information and revisions.

Currently the TC-CMTA together with the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA), the Certified Registered Massage Therapist Association (CRMTA), the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA) and the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada Association (NHPC) have formed the Working Group for the Regulation of Massage Therapy in Alberta. This group, chaired by the president of the TC-CMTA, and with equal representation from the four associations, is currently working on the revisions to the application that have been requested by the Alberta Minister of Health. As their work progresses, they provide updates through Joint Statements to the members of the four Associations.

What is a College of Massage Therapy? Governance under the Health Professions Act2022-05-11T10:12:36-06:00

Under provincial legislation (in Alberta the HPA), health professions are organized into regulatory bodies called “colleges.” These colleges are delegated powers and authorities for self-governance. Regulatory colleges are not post-secondary institutions.

Provincial legislation requires that colleges carry out governance responsibilities in a manner that protects and serves the public interest. Health profession colleges do this by:

· Setting entry requirements (including required education, practical training, and examinations);

· Identifying services provided by regulated members, setting standards for professional practice;

· Setting continuing competency requirements; and

· Investigating complaints about regulated members and imposing disciplinary actions if required.

Regulatory colleges are not professional associations. Professional associations usually operate to represent the interests of their members and to advance the profession.

What is happening in regards to Regulation in other Provinces?2022-05-11T10:13:07-06:00

CMMOTA remains committed to seeing each Province and Territory not currently under regulation for the profession of Massage Therapy, to come under provincial regulation, and see a Regulatory College for Massage Therapy established.

In each province we are working with willing partners to see this accomplished, and as the work progresses, we will continue to provide updates to our membership in those provinces.

How can I pay for my yearly Membership Renewal Fee?2024-06-21T09:03:50-06:00

Both membership and insurance* renewal fees are payable directly to the Association. 

There are several ways that you can pay your annual Membership Renewal Fees.  Here are your options:

eTransfer

  • Send e-transfer to payments@cmmota.com.
  • Set the password to “membership.”
  • Include your full name and Member # in the message (if known; if not, just include your full name).

Credit Card

  • Call our office at (403)356-1160 during regular business hours (M-F, 9 AM to 4 PM Mountain Time) to make a payment by credit card.
  • Please do not email your credit card information for security reasons.

PayPal

  • Send payments via PayPal to payments@cmmota.com.
  • Include your full name and Member #.
  • If you would like to request a PayPal invoice, please call us directly at 403-356-1160 or send us an email to info@cmmota.com.

Cheque or Money Order

  • Mail a cheque or money order to the CMMOTA office at:

#300, 2965 Bremner Ave. Red Deer, AB T4R 1S2

  • If your cheque is post-dated, you may still receive renewal reminders until it is deposited.
  • Please do not send cash through regular post.

It is crucial to ensure the accuracy of your invoice before making any payment to guarantee a smooth renewal process. Double-checking your invoice helps prevent any potential issues or discrepancies.

*If you reside in Quebec – your membership renewal invoice will not include basic professional liability insurance. You are responsible to pay your insurance broker directly for your insurance and provide a copy of your insurance certificate directly to the Association as part of the renewal process.

How many CEC’s do I currently have?2024-06-21T09:15:42-06:00

You can find that information in the Membership Dashboard. If you log into your profile, you can search through to find out how many credits you currently have and how many you will need by the end of the cycle.

To see your CEC’s, you will want to click on “Current CEC’s” in your profile. You can find this button on the menu left-hand of the page on Desktop. To find the menu on Mobile, you need to click the three purple lines on the top left-hand side of the webpage. Once you are on the “My Continuing Education Credits Page”, you will see a breakdown of your current credits. 

The grey box in the middle, labeled “Pending Credits”, will show you if you have any pending credits. (For example; you have submitted a certificate of completion which we have not yet approved and added to your profile.) The grey box on the right-hand side, labeled “Approved Credits”, shows you how many credits you currently have as well as many are required. With this information, you will be able to know how many credits you still need to obtain by the end of this cycle.

As an Associate member, how come my claims are not covered by third party insurance companies?2024-09-26T12:26:11-06:00

As an Associate member some of the smaller insurance companies may cover treatments provided by you, however we cannot guarantee this as they may change their therapist credential requirements at any time.

Most insurance companies require that those providing Massage Therapy services have fulfilled a standard 2200 hour program, or it’s equivalent. As associate members of CMMOTA this requirement has not yet been fulfilled.

With Telus Health, your clients can submit claims, however you are not able to direct bill, you will not have any online billing privileges until you have completed your 2200 hour program and upgraded your membership to Full Massage Therapist or Registered Massage Therapist.

Blue Cross, Greenshield, Manulife, Great West Life, Equitable and Sunlife have formally stated that they will not cover you until you have completely finished your second year of massage training.

As a Associate Massage Therapist it is your responsibility to let your clients know this information prior to providing treatment.

After I graduate from second year how do I upgrade to a Full member?2024-09-26T12:31:08-06:00

Once you have completed your 2200+ hours from an approved Massage Therapy program the CMMOTA requires the following documents to upgrade your membership:

  1. A copy of your 2nd year diploma (a letter from your educational institution stating that you have successfully completed your program if convocation is held later)
  2. A copy of your 2nd year transcript
  3. A copy of your valid Intermediate First Aid (SFA) and Level C CPR certificate. We do not accept full online courses, however, blended courses are accepted (if not currently on file)
  4. A copy of your current Vulnerable Sector Check obtained by your local RCMP detachment or Police Services within the last 90 days. Online third party checks are not accepted (if not currently on file)

You have 60 days from the date that your program was completed to submit the required documents and advise the CMMOTA of your intentions. Failure to do so will result in your membership being suspended.

How do I upgrade when I will not receive my official documents until Convocation?2022-05-11T10:24:22-06:00

It is recognized that some schools hold their convocation some months after your last day of classes. In these cases, your diploma and transcripts can temporarily be replaced by a completion letter from your school confirming that you did in fact attend and complete your second year. Once you have received your diploma and official transcripts, please forward them to the CMMOTA asap

Which First Aid and CPR does CMMOTA require me to take for active membership?2024-06-21T09:19:39-06:00

Standard/Intermediate First Aid and Level C CPR are the minimum requirements. More advanced courses are acceptable, however the member needs to be aware that some advanced courses have a shorter certificate expiry date, and may require more frequent re-certification. It is highly recommended that you take these courses through an approved First Aid Training Agency in your province. Courses delivered solely online and/or via live video conference courses are NOT acceptable. Acceptable courses must include an in person practical portion.

Please Note: There have been some name changes to First Aid courses. Standard First Aid with Level C CPR may now be Intermediate First Aid Level C CPR or CSA Intermediate, depending on the course provider. 

If you have any questions regarding whether or not your course is sufficient, please email the office!

When are Membership Renewal fees due every year?2024-06-21T09:20:33-06:00

Membership and insurance renewal fees are due by December 31 each year.

Both membership and insurance renewal fees are payable directly to the Association.* 

*If you reside in Quebec – your membership renewal invoice will not include basic professional liability insurance. You are responsible to pay your insurance broker directly for your insurance and provide a copy of your insurance certificate directly to the Association as part of the renewal process.

 

How do I find out how many continuing education credits (CEC’s) a course is worth?2024-12-05T11:29:41-07:00

You can refer to the “Credit Guidelines” on the website, if you are a member fill out an Appendix 22 – Member CEC Course Evaluation Form and submit it, or if you are course developer fill out an Appendix 23 – Course Developer CEC Course Evaluation Form and submit it.

If you have questions about whether a course has been previously approved please inquire by email to info@cmmota.com. If the course has not been approved, we may ask for additional information in order to evaluate it.

What fees are associated with becoming a Student member?2023-10-03T14:32:33-06:00

The Student membership (currently attending the first year or second year of your 2 year massage therapy program) is complimentary; however, if you require insurance to perform your practicum, there is an additional cost for insurance which can be found in the CMMOTA Fee Schedule.

What fees are associated with becoming a member?2023-10-03T14:31:07-06:00

Please visit the CMMOTA Fee Schedule to find our current fees

Who is a member of the Alberta Working Group for the Regulation of Massage Therapy?2024-04-30T10:10:58-06:00

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?2024-04-30T10:12:21-06:00

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?2024-04-30T10:12:47-06:00

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?2024-04-30T10:13:15-06:00

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?2024-04-30T10:13:36-06:00

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?2024-04-30T10:14:00-06:00

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?2024-04-30T10:14:24-06:00

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.

What is Manual Osteopathic Therapy?2024-06-21T09:38:27-06:00

Manual Osteopathic Therapy is a gentle non-invasive hands-on therapy that focuses on bringing the body’s structure and function back to a state of whole-body optimal health. Through extensive intake notes and various hands-on assessments dysfunctional patterns are recognized that reside in the body causing structural and functional disruptions that may present as pain or dis-ease in the body. These disruptions are treated through various techniques. These may include Muscle Energy Techniques to balance musculoskeletal restrictions (skeletal and muscle), joint and fascial mobilizations aiding in releasing “stuck joints” by engaging with soft tissues and fascial manipulation that help increase range of motion along with Myofascial remodeling that allows the release of fascial restriction/adhesion to increase circulation. Lymphatic techniques aid to enhancing fluid flow releasing congested toxic areas to improve immunity and Cranial Sacral techniques to improve the Primary Respiratory Mechanism which includes mobility of cranial bones, skeletal structures, meninges (connective tissues), central nervous system and circulation of all fluids. Visceral techniques aid in increasing mobility and motility (function) of the organs of the body.

The goal of Manual Osteopathic Therapy is to restore health and balance by assessing and treating the imbalances that reside within the structures and functions of the body having an appreciation that the body works as a single unit, the body has an innate ability to heal itself, the musculoskeletal structures impacts function and the body has self-governing means.

Read Blog about MOT. Click Here

 

What are the educational requirements for Manual Osteopathic Therapists that CMMOTA accepts for Membership?2024-09-26T12:19:37-06:00

The benchmark for training in Manual Osteopathic Therapy has already been set by The World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241599665 and is the standard which CMMOTA holds to.

In specific regard to our organization’s acceptance of Manual Osteopathic Therapists, all MOT members must have either completed a Type 1 program with a minimum of 4200 hours of instruction including 1000 hours of supervised practicum training from an approved school OR have completed a Type 2 program with a minimum of 1000 hours of instruction at an approved school. Additionally for those graduates of a Type 2 program, the Association requires a completed PLAR (prior learning assessment and recognition) to ensure that the therapist meets or exceeds the educational requirements to be considered at the same competency level as that of a Type 1 graduate.

To enquire whether an institution is an approved MOT program recognized by CMMOTA please contact the association at info@cmmota.com

 

What is the difference between an Osteopath and Manual Osteopathic Therapist or Osteopathic Manual Therapist?2024-09-26T12:10:19-06:00

This depends on the specific province/territory in which a therapist is practicing.

In the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario the term “Osteopath” is a protected title and refers to a Medical Doctor that has specialized training in Osteopath Therapy. In these 4 provinces the title is protected by their respective College of Physicians and Surgeons. There are currently no schools in Canada that provide this specialized training, rather most of these Medical Osteopaths are trained in the United States. In these provinces those trained in osteopathic manual therapy are referred to as Manual Osteopathic Therapists, Osteopathic Manual Therapists, or Osteopathic Manual Practitioners. These therapists are non-physicians who have been trained in a specialized school of Manual Osteopathic Therapy.

In the remaining provinces and territories in Canada, the terms Osteopath, Manual Osteopathic Therapist, Osteopathic Manual Therapist or Osteopathic Manual practitioners are interchangeable, as no title protection exists. Those who are Medical (Physician) Osteopaths will often use this language to describe themselves, leaving the other titles listed above to those who have been trained in the classic osteopathic manual therapy, either here in Canada or elsewhere around the globe.

In this respect, in accordance with the World Health Organization’s Benchmarks for Training in Osteopathy there are 2 different pathways to obtaining training to become a Manual Osteopathic Therapist.

The first training program – which is referred to as Type 1 – is “aimed at those with little or no prior health-care training, but who have completed high school education or equivalent. These programs typically are four-year, full-time programs. A typical type 1 program would take 4200 hours, including at least 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice and training.”

The second training program – which is referred to as Type 2 – is “aimed at those with prior training as health-care professionals. Type 2 programs have the same aims and content as the Type 1 programs, but the course content and length may be modified depending on the prior experience and training of individual applicants.” This program is typically around 1000 hours in length and is adapted depending on the individual’s prior training and knowledge.

Either pathway leads to the therapist having the same set of professional competencies. In that respect there is no difference between a Type 1 or Type 2 therapist.

You can view the entire World Health Organization Document – Benchmarks for Training in Osteopathy by visiting here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241599665

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