National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
Introduction
Hierarchical structure

32201 - Massage therapists

Massage therapists assess soft tissues and joints of the body for treatment and prevention of dysfunction, injury, pain and physical disorders. They work in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • massage therapist (MT)
    • registered massage practitioner
    • registered massage therapist (RMT)

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Medical technologists and technicians (See 3212 Medical technologists and technicians)
    • Other practitioners of natural healing (See 32209 Other practitioners of natural healing)
    • Physiotherapy assistant (See 32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment)
    • Technical occupations in therapy and assessment (See 3210 Technical occupations in therapy and assessment)
    • Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists (See 32200 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists)

  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    • Assess clients by conducting range of motion and muscle tests and propose treatment plans
    • Explain procedures, risks and benefits to clients
    • Administer massage techniques, treating soft tissues and joints of the body through soft tissue manipulation, relaxation techniques, hydrotherapy, trigger point therapy, joint pain and lower grade mobilizations, remedial exercise programs and client self-help programs
    • Suggest home care instructions and provide information about techniques for further postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation and rehabilitative exercises
    • Maintain records of treatments given
    • May consult with other health care professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians and psychologists when developing treatment plans for clients.

    Massage therapists may be trained in various specialized massage techniques.

  • Employment requirements

    • Massage therapists usually require completion of an 18- to 24-month or 18- to 36-month program in massage therapy from an accredited school
      and
      a period of supervised practical training.
    • Registration with a regulatory body is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and British Columbia.
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