Is there oncology massage certification?

In a word, “No", oncology massage does not fall under a certification framework in Canada or most other countries. There is no national board exam, no regulatory credential, and no governing oncology massage authority that issues formal certification.

Is there certification in oncology massage?

Oncology massage, like many advanced practice areas, exists within:

• continuing education (CE) — not as a separate credential

• as a clinical competency — a way of thinking, assessing, adapting, and working safely and compassionately with people impacted by cancer

  
  

Oncology massage education does not create a new profession – it deepens an existing one with:

• clinical reasoning

• adapting massage to complex medical histories

• making individualized, moment-to-moment decisions

• When was the last time you heard that “Massage is not safe for someone with cancer.”

• Training should reflect current oncology care, treatment side effects, and clinical realities and current research — not outdated contraindication lists.

  
  

High-quality programs offer layered learning, from foundations to advanced clinical adaptations.

When considering oncology massage education consider asking:

• What clinical competencies will I gain?

• Are there hands-on practice sessions?

• How is pathology integrated?

• How is medical complexity handled?

• Is this evidence-informed?

• Is this clinically structured?

• Does this prepare me for real-world oncology clients?

  
  

What can we tell our patients?

We can tell our oncology massage clients that although we are not certified, we have advanced training and will approach all of their massage treatments with knowledge, confidence and a deep respect for what their bodies are going through with cancer treatments.

Did you know?

The Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) reviews oncology massage programs using a clear, well-developed evaluation process and offers a list of approved classes.