Why Your Mississauga Clinic’s Physiotherapist or RMT Certifications Matter
When you own a clinic that offers physiotherapy and massage therapy services, you know how much time and care it takes to get your business off the ground.
But, even though your intent and focus are on helping people heal and improve their overall health, your clinic is still a business.
With that comes certain considerations when it comes to getting patients to trust that you are qualified to perform the specified duties required by the therapy you are offering.
This is why certifications are important when it comes to being a physiotherapist or registered massage therapist – you want to ensure the world that you can perform beneficial therapies in ways that are safe and effective.
At the end of the day, when patients are paying you for your services, you want them to leave with the satisfaction of knowing that your knowledge and care will make a difference.
Here is some information on what it takes to become a physiotherapist or registered massage therapist in the province of Ontario as well as why your Mississauga Ontario clinic’s certifications matter:
The Required Certifications to be a Physiotherapist in Ontario
To become a physiotherapist in Ontario, you must complete a Master’s degree in Canada. If you receive your education outside of Canada, it must be reviewed by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) to ensure it is equivalent to the Canadian physiotherapy program.
Once your education is completed, you are then eligible to write the national Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) – this is a requirement in Ontario (and most provinces) in order to register and work as a physiotherapist.
After you pass the written exam, you can then apply for a provisional practice certificate or an independent practice certificate.
Provisional practice certification will allow you to work under supervision while you wait to complete the clinical component of the PCE exam.
An independent practice certificate can be obtained once you have completed both the written and clinical components of the PCE exam. This certification allows you to practice independently as a physiotherapist in Ontario.
The Required Certifications to be a Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario
To become a registered massage therapist in Ontario, you must obtain a Certificate of Registration from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).
Only then can you use the titles “Registered Massage Therapist” (RMT) or “Massage Therapist” (MT). Both titles are equivalent and basically mean the same thing.
In order to receive this certificate in Ontario, you must successfully complete a recognized Massage Therapy diploma program within three years of applying for the certificate. Otherwise, you will have to complete a refresher course through the CMTO.
After successfully completing the CMTO’s certifications exams, and meeting other requirements, you can then practice massage therapy.
Licensing Versus Certification
Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, it’s important to distinguish the difference between the two.
A certification verifies that an individual has completed a course and has met a certain set of criteria for a skill or job as assessed by a third party. In the case of physiotherapy and massage therapy, the third party would be each industry’s respective College.
On the other hand, a license is a form of verification by a government agency that an individual is permitted to perform a particular occupation in a particular location, such as the province of Ontario.
Why Do Your Clinic’s Certifications Matter?
As you can see, there are some stringent processes involved when it comes to obtaining certification as a physiotherapist and massage therapist.
Massage therapy and physiotherapy are personal and intimate forms of therapy and require expert knowledge and qualifications to ensure that therapists practice safely and effectively in order to provide quality care to patients.
Here are four other reasons as to why your clinic’s certifications are important:
1. Professional Standards
Patients may not know the ins and outs of achieving certification, or the rules and standards that must be followed by clinics, but having the proper certifications promotes a high level of professional standard.
As much as a patient may require the therapy you provide, they will still consider the bottom line. If you are expecting your patients to pay for their care, you need to demonstrate expertise and professionalism.
2. Professional Reputation
While many physiotherapists and massage therapists enter the field with a passion for helping others, there is an underlying motivation that involves making money.
Your clinic is a business and you need to present yourself as an authority in the field by demonstrating your expertise in dealing with a variety of conditions and patients.
Physiotherapy and massage therapy are quickly becoming a serious industry so it’s important to cultivate a good reputation.
3. Expert Treatment
Did you know that some provinces allow unlicensed individuals to perform relaxation massages? No certifications or formal education are required to do so.
This is great for places such as spas or health clubs that simply want to offer this service purely for pleasure and relaxation but, when you are running a professional clinic, you want to ensure your therapists are licensed and certified to carry out medically related procedures.
When it comes to physiotherapy, there is no service that can be provided unlicensed. This can be an intense form of therapy and must be carried out correctly to avoid injury.
4. Patient Comfort and Confidence
Patients want to make sure that their safety, health and well-being is guaranteed by physiotherapist and massage therapists.
Having the proper certifications will ensure your patients that you take their health needs very seriously.
It will also give patients peace of mind knowing that an ethical and well-trained therapist is going to protect their interests and provide the proper form of therapy for their unique condition.
What Are the Rules and Standards for Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy in Ontario?
Apart from having specific certifications to ensure the professionalism and expertise of the practitioner, physiotherapy and massage therapy clinics in Ontario are also expected to maintain a standard when it comes to following rules and guidelines:
Physiotherapists
In Canada, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) maintains the Core Standards of Practice for Physiotherapists.
These documents outline codes of ethics, position statements and practice guidelines that direction physiotherapists to provide quality care.
However, each regulatory organization in Canada has its own set of standards and code of ethics across the country.
In Ontario, the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario provides a comprehensive list of rules and standards that govern the practice of physiotherapists in this province.
Physiotherapists in Ontario are expected to follow these standards which include boundaries and sexual abuse, conflict of interest, fees and billing, privacy and reporting obligations.
Registered Massage Therapists
When it comes to registered massage therapists, they are expected to follow more or less the same rules and standards, except they are governed by different bodies.
The Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance has developed a National Standards of Practice document that provides an overall guide and standard for registered massage therapists across Canada.
Just like physiotherapists, however, Ontario has its own overseeing body – the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Their documentation outlines expected standards of practice including the preparation of the treatment area, treatment plans, performance of treatment techniques and consent.
Ensure Your Therapy is Exceptional
By obtaining the proper certifications for physiotherapy and registered massage therapy, you can ensure that your clinic is providing the best in high-quality and professional care.
If you’re looking for physiotherapy, Grey Method is an exception clinic located in Mississauga that provides Physio services. You can read more about their clinic’s physiotherapy services, check out their clinic’s credentials, and read more about their wonderful staff of professional therapists!
