Do you want to be a registered massage therapist? A successful career as an RMT starts with choosing the right massage therapy program. There are a lot of RMT schools and colleges out there, and not all of them will be the right fit for you. It’s important to do your research, and we’re here to help!
Choosing the best RMT program for you
When evaluating potential RMT school and college programs, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First, check that the school is accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation. Accreditation ensures that the school or college meets RMT industry standards and provides a high-quality education. Not only does it guarantee a comprehensive curriculum, but it also enhances the credibility and recognition of your qualification. The diploma programs offered by Vicars School of Massage Therapy in both Edmonton and Calgary are fully accredited by the CMTCA.
Reputable RMT schools will focus not only on the technical skills but also on the ethical and professional aspects of the profession. They will equip students with the necessary tools and knowledge to build trust with clients, adhere to industry standards, and maintain a high level of professionalism. Making the right choice in selecting a massage therapy school will set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling RMT career.
Graduates from RMT schools that teach the national curriculum standard will be better massage therapists, and be more in demand from clients, employers, and clinic owners. They will be able to treat clients effectively and be prepared for the challenges of a real practice. They will also have the knowledge they need to write an entry-to-practice exam in a regulated province.
Look for a massage therapy school that offers ample opportunities for supervised practical experience. Hands-on training is crucial for developing the skills and techniques you will need when you become a registered massage therapist. At Vicars, you will get hands-on training both in the classroom and during your supervised clinical experience at our popular student clinics.
The expertise and skills of your teachers is also important to your success. Expert instruction is vital for your growth as a massage therapist. You’ll want a school that has experienced and knowledgeable instructors who can provide you with the guidance and mentorship you need to excel in this field.
Another factor to consider when choosing an RMT program is whether the schedule options suit your life. For example, the Vicars program is delivered through blended learning. This flexible and convenient option is the best of both worlds for our students: they get the best RMT training without having to be in the classroom every day.
We know that you care about the quality of the RMT course you take, but you have to consider the cost as well. Compare RMT programs in your area to get an idea of current tuition and fees. Look for a school that publishes its tuition, fees, and expenses right on its website. And be sure to choose a school whose students are eligible for financial aid!
By considering these factors, you can find a massage therapy school that will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to launch a successful career in massage therapy.
Accreditation vs Registration
What’s the difference?
When you need an effective massage, you know to look for an RMT. But what does the term “Registered” really mean? And how is it different from “Accreditation”?
The simplest answer is that registration applies to massage therapists, and that accreditation applies to massage therapy schools.
In this article, “RMT school” and “RMT program” are terms that mean “a school that teaches students what they need to know to become an RMT.” But technically, you don’t become a registered massage therapist until after you’ve graduated. Registration, in health care, is how the health-care professions communicate to the public that a practitioner is fully qualified.
Once you have earned your massage therapy diploma, you apply for registration. In provinces that regulate massage education and the practice of massage therapy, you register through that province’s regulatory body (in BC, that’s the BC College of Massage Therapists). In other provinces you apply to a professional association, such as the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta or the Massage Therapy Association of Saskatchewan.
“Accreditation” of a program is a status that a school, college, or university has to earn through developing a high-quality program. In massage, it means that the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation has confirmed that the school meets the highest national standards for curriculum and student experience, among other criteria. The CMTCA is an independent organization of massage experts from across Canada.
Accreditation and registration are connected, of course: getting a diploma from an accredited school is the best way to make sure that your credentials will be recognized, and that you will be able to qualify as an RMT.
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