Massage Therapy Diploma

Massage Therapy
  • Program Type: Post-Secondary Program
  • Program Length 2,228 hours or 51 weeks & 48 weeks = total 99 weeks
  • Program Delivery Onsite - Full Time
  • Program Delivery: Online - Synchronous /Blended.

Your Journey As A Professional Massage Therapist Begins Here

Embark on a fulfilling career with a Diploma in Massage Therapy at our high qualitymassage therapy school. Accessible with student aid including student loans and scholarships, and supported by expert instructors.

This program offers a well-rounded -education, hands-on training in mastering therapeutic techniques and opening opportunities for practicum and employment in diverse settings such as spas, wellness centers, sports clinics, and private practice.

At our massage therapy college, we offer over 2,200 hours of engaging lectures, practical lab sessions, and hands-on experience in real-life settings to prepare you for a successful career as a certified massage practitioner.

We start new admission every month, ensuring flexible opportunities for your educational journey. For the most up-to-date scheduling information please check our program calendar and visit our How to Apply page for detailed guidance on starting your journey with us.

Upon graduation, you will be fully equipped to manage a variety of conditions that impact mobility and health, making you a valuable asset to any healthcare or wellness team as a certified massage therapist.

Why Study Massage Therapy?

 

Surges in Job Opportunities

According to ALIS In Alberta, massage therapists on average earn $38.11 per hour, with an annual salary of about $46,971, based on a 25.4-hour workweek and 12 months of employment per year. The top earners in this profession can reach up to $65 per hour, showcasing the financial growth potential within this career path. This data highlights the lucrative opportunities for skilled therapists in the region.

According to Job Bank licensed Massage therapists typically earn between CAD$32,000 to CAD$63,000 annually, Additionally, in private practice, private therapists can earn up to CAD$120 per hour, with numerous part-time opportunities providing significant flexibility for professionals to balance their careers and personal pursuits.

This sector is rapidly expanding within the health industry. According to clinicsense, job growth for licensed massage therapists is expected to increase by 20% 2021-2031. The rising demand has led to an increasing number of medical massage clinics annually.

Taking Charge of Your Career

Given the abundance of job and growth opportunities, establishing massage therapy clinics and operating your own business becomes feasible. Serving clients in their homes or offices through contractual agreements allows for part-time work on flexible schedules.

Working In Exciting Locations

As a certified massage therapist, you could work in diverse and appealing environments such as hotels, spas, wellness clubs, sports events, public venues, beach resorts, and cruise ships. These venues may offer positions for resident therapists or engage you for guest-requested sessions.

Supporting Others

As a massage therapy certificate holder, you can facilitate access to numerous health benefits for individuals, such as pain relief, accelerated healing and recovery, improved sleep quality, enhanced immunity, better cardiovascular health, and overall wellness improvement.

Diverse Career Paths for Certified Massage Therapists

As a registered massage therapist you can start a career in one of the following areas:

  • Health Clinics and Hospitals
  • Health Clubs and Gyms
  • Nursing Homes and Adult Care Programs
  • Hotels Spas and Relaxation Spots
  • Sports Events
  • On Site Massage

Your career as a licensed massage therapist include

Employment

Employment as a licensed massage therapist can be either part-time or full-time, offering compensation through an hourly wage or a monthly salary, along with job benefits.

Contracts

A contract allows for more flexible service terms, enabling charging by service, session, or hour. However, this flexibility also includes self-employment drawbacks such as the absence of guaranteed benefits and the responsibility for taxes.

Instructing 

Alternatively, you may teach and oversee the implementation of massage plans, requiring several years of practical experience to advance to a massage therapy instructor role.

Self-Employed

Assume entrepreneurship by establishing a spa, salon, or health center, or by offering on-site services.

 

Admission Requirements:

 

Standard Admission

  1. Alberta High School Diploma with English 30-1 and a passing grade of 65% or higher, verified by transcript, or non-Alberta equivalent OR
  2. General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D)
  3. A successful interview with school administration is required

Mature Admission

  1. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, except in British Columbia where the minimum age is 19.
  2. Successful result on the Wonderlic test with a passing score of 20
  3. English Language Proficiency
  4. Successful Interview with school administration is required

More Rules Apply read more

Program Curriculum

The curriculum begins with an exploration of human anatomy, teaching you about the functions and relationships between muscles, nervous system, joints, and the lymphatic system, while introducing you to essential massage techniques such as Swedish massage and myofascial release. As the course progresses, you will explore more advanced topics, including deep tissue palpation, advanced anatomy, nutrition, and the business skills needed to thrive in a massage therapy career.

First Year, Total 1,158 hours (51 Weeks)

Medical Terminology & Pathology (80 Hours)

This is an extensive introduction to the field of medical science. Learn the different body organs and their functions, key medical definitions, medical lingos, and standard for speaking and writing like a medical expert. Sessions cover topics on anatomy, physiology, pathology, and common interventions.

Anatomy and Physiology (200 Hours)

Delving deeper into the components of various systems in the body, this course discusses cellular biology, basic organic chemistry, and the functional relationships between different systems. It also dissects the disease process, explaining physiological factors in play and how the body adapts to it. 

Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Palpation (200 Hours)

This course x-rays the musculoskeletal system, exploring components like bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and neurovascular structures. Students will be able to identify specific anatomical components and structures around the head, neck, trunk, and other regions of the body. They’ll also gain a good grasp of key concepts of functional anatomy such as the insertion, action, and innervations of muscles. 

Massage Theory & Practice 1 – Massage and the Spa (80 Hours)

With a historical approach, this course explores massage theories and techniques. Students will also learn the physiological effects (both positive and negative) of various massage techniques. Topics covered include Swedish massage techniques and principles, non-specific joint mobilization techniques, and stretching techniques. 

Massage Theory & Practice 2 – Techniques & Body Mechanics (80 Hours)

This course is designed to help enhance your career prospects by providing more tools and techniques to promote health through body mechanics. It covers advanced massage techniques and principles like static compression techniques, tissue approximation, myofascial techniques, manual lymphatic drainage techniques, trigger point release, and deep 

Massage Theory & Practice 3 – Neuromuscular Therapy (80 Hours)

Focusing on neuromuscular pain, this course explores massage techniques and practices designed specifically to relieve pain. It delves into pain from conditions like trauma, injury, neuromuscular disorders, etc. 

Massage Therapy Communication (40 Hours)

Cultivate excellent interpersonal skills in this course. Major topics include emotional connection, effective written and oral communication, active listening, non-verbal communication, and conflict resolution.

Ethics and Professionalism (40 Hours)

This course discusses issues relating to practicing as a Massage Therapist in Canada. It examines ethical regulations in Alberta and other provinces, equipping students to meet requirements for practice set by regulatory bodies in the healthcare field.  

Clinical Assessment 1 (80 Hours)

This is a guide on techniques for clinical soft-tissue diagnosis and assessment. Students will learn how to probe a medical history and administer a physical exam.

Therapeutic Exercise (60 Hours)

Gain a firm understanding of therapeutic exercise techniques that you’ll need to generate great results as a certified massage therapist. It takes students through the fundamental concepts and science of therapeutic exercises.

Hydrotherapy (20 hours)

Learn how to use water in various states (ice, water, steam) at different temperatures when applying certain therapeutic techniques to treat specific conditions.

Outreach (50 Hours)

This is where you’ll practice your skills and techniques in real-life settings with clients.

Sanitary Practice (25 Hours)

This is a comprehensive guide on massage therapy sanitary and hygiene standards.

Clinical Practice 1 (110 Hours)

Designed to further enrich your learning experience, this course puts you through your paces in an actual massage clinic under the supervision of a clinical instructor. It’ll help strengthen you in areas like communication, assessment, goal-setting, and treatment planning.

First Aid CPR Level C (8 Hours)

This is a guide on basic first aid.

Career Talks (5 Hours)

Meet successful massage therapists and compare notes to broaden your perspective.

Second Year (Total 1,070 hours or 48 Weeks)

System Anatomy (160 Hours)

Further exploring human anatomy, the course helps students better connect their knowledge of various systems of the body with massage therapy techniques. 

Pathology (100 Hours)

This course explores human pathology and how to treat them with massage therapy. It discusses the concepts of adaptation, tissue injury, and inflammatory response.

Neuro Anatomy (100 Hours)

Explore the anatomy and functions of the nervous system and how massage therapy relates to parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. The course covers the pathways, innervations, and pathologies of nerve structures in regions like the cervices, brachia, and sacral plexuses.

Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Palpation 2 (50 Hours)

Sequel to the same topic in Part 1 of the program, the course is designed to further refine your palpitation skills. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of how the body works while assessing and implementing massage therapy treatments. 

Nutrition (50 Hours)

Learn how to incorporate nutrition plans into your massage therapies. 

Advance Clinical Theory and Practice (260 Hours)

Equipping you with more advanced techniques and treatment options, this course prepares you to handle a wider range of diseases and conditions.

 

Clinical Assessment 2 – Orthopedic Assessment (80 Hours)

Improve your orthopedic assessment skills.

Integrated Studies (60 Hours)

This course features a review of the study year, revising everything you’ve learned about becoming a certified massage therapist (both in theory and practice).

 

Clinical Practice 2 (150 Hours)

This course is designed to further strengthen the skills needed to practice in real life. You’ll get to practice in the school massage clinic under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist.

Outreach (40 Hours)

Students will also get to apply their skills out there in the community with real clients. 

Business in Massage Therapy (20 Hours)

Explore the business side of massage therapy practice. The course discusses practice laws and regulations in Canada, business structures, contracts, marketing, business planning, and accounting.

Massage Therapy Diploma

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