ACCREDITATION & STANDARDS:

In 2002, the Canadian Council of Massage Therapy Schools identified the creation of an independent, autonomous, national accreditation organization as its primary focus in its strategic plan for the growth of Canadian massage therapy colleges and the profession.

As a preliminary step towards the realization of this goal, the Canadian Council of Massage Therapy Schools undertook a feasibility study which included the following steps:

1. The preparation of an environmental trend analysis document examining the larger trends, reality, challenges and opportunities shaping the future landscape for massage therapy educators.

2. Examining our present role in the Canadian healthcare system.

3. Examining the question of diploma versus degree based education.

4. A review and comparative analysis of accreditation organizations and systems in place today in allopathic and complementary medicine in Canada

5. Examining the feasibility of creating a profession-specific national accreditation organization and system for massage therapy in Canada.

6. Developing criteria for creating the above.

7. The creation of a proposal and template for national accreditation.

This work resulted in a presentation and dialogue with Canadian Massage Therapy stakeholders. Although the CCMTS proposal was unacceptable to the stakeholders it was clear that accreditation was important for all.

Subsequently the CCMTS again reviewed all options that would meet present and future accreditation needs of CCMTS and their members. In 2004, the CCMTS board unanimously voted that the Commission On Massage Therapy Accreditation be the recommended accrediting body for CCMTS members. See www.comta.org.

We are presently working with COMTA to make the process as accessible as possible. See COMTA website for other introductory accreditation workshops.