This is the practicum handbook for Massage Therapy Students it contains a comprehensive reference for standard operating procedures, policies, rules, and regulations guiding clinic practice and intern requirements.

It is essential for every student at Aquinas College to refer to this handbook throughout their academic journey. By following the guidelines outlined within, students can ensure an effective clinical experience and contribute to the smooth operation of the clinic.

Operational Guidelines

1. The Massage Student Clinic, which caters to the public, is located at C400 – 9705 Horton Road SW, Calgary AB.  Starting from the third week of Massage Theory Practice 1 (MPT 1), Massage Therapy students begin applying massage theory in practice, starting their journey into providing massage therapy services.. 
2. Hours of Operation: The clinic operates seven days a week, with sessions available from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. To schedule clinic hours, students must contact either the clinic supervisor or their designated teacher in advance, with a minimum notice of one week

   Note: The Massage Clinic may be closed on specific school holidays and during special  events.

3. Requirements (Mandatory): Prior to participating in practical exams or commencing clinical   practice, students must   complete the following steps:
   
   1. Standard CPR or First Aid Certificate – All students must obtain and maintain a valid Standard CPR or First Aid certificate from a recognized provider. Certificates must be current and valid throughout the duration of the student’s involvement in practical exams and clinical activities.
   2. Vaccination Record – Students are required to provide a complete and up-to-date vaccination record. This helps mitigate the risk of transmitting infectious diseases within the clinic environment, safeguarding the health of both students and clients.
   3. Police Clearance – Students must undergo a police clearance check to ensure that they have no criminal record that could compromise their suitability for clinical practice
4. Clinic Supervisor and Staff:
   The Clinic Supervisor, a Registered Massage Therapist, assumes the primary responsibility of providing clinical guidance to student massage therapists, overseeing treatments, managing client interactions, and ensuring the overall health and safety of clients. Additionally, the Supervisor supervises the day-to-day operations of the clinic.

   The Academic Administrator is tasked with coordinating the clinic schedule and overseeing the Supervisor’s logistical needs.

   The receptionist handles client bookings and provides logistical support to the Supervisor

5. Clinic Fee Structure and Payments:
   
   1. Our clinic offers a unique fee structure for services provided by student therapists, with fees set at a discounted rate. The standard rates for student therapist massages are $40 for a 60-minute session and $55 for a 90-minute session, subject to occasional promotional changes.
   2. Clients are required to settle payments for services rendered at each session.
   3. Student Therapists have the option to bring their own clients at a discounted rate.
6. Ethical Considerations:
   
   • Professional Behavior – Student therapists are expected to maintain a professional behavior at all times while at the clinic. This includes refraining from unnecessary physical contact such as touching or hugging, as well as avoiding any sexually suggestive language during interactions with clients, co-therapists, and staff. Any sexually suggestive language should be absent from conversation while present at the clinic.  
   • Confidentiality and Client Privacy –  It is essential for student therapists to uphold client confidentiality and privacy. Only clinic supervisors have the authority to access clients’ case information, and any release of client information must be accompanied by authorized consent from the clients.  
   • Clients’ Welfare: All procedures performed on clients should be conducted with their best interests in mind. Student therapists must prioritize the welfare and comfort of their clients throughout the treatment process.
   • Client Rights: It is essential to maintain clear boundaries in the therapist-client relationship. Student therapists should offer recommendations and advice to clients, respecting their right to refuse any procedure without pressure.
   • Student Therapists’ Right:  Student therapists have the right to feel safe and secure during massage sessions. They are entitled to expect client cooperation during appointments, compliance to home instructions, and referral advice. In case of client refusal, student therapists should seek guidance from the clinic supervisor.
   • Misinterpretation: Student therapists must not misrepresent themselves as registered massage therapists. This includes refraining from using professional business cards, email signatures, websites, social media accounts, or verbal representations that may imply professional registration.
7. Behavior and Conduct: The following rules for conduct are set forth to ensure that the principles of ethical therapist client relationship are being followed and ensure the smooth operation of the massage clinic.
   • •  Dress Code: Student Therapists must adhere to the following dress code standards:
   • • • Wear Aquinas scrub suits while on duty in the clinic.
       • Avoid excessive makeup.
       • Tie back hair that is shoulder length or longer.
       • Refrain from using strong perfumes or deodorants.
       • Ensure no odor of cigarette smoke or body odor is present.
       • Avoid wearing loose jewelry, large earrings, rings, bracelets, or watches.
       • Wear ID cards visibly at all times.
       • Wear closed-toed shoes (sneakers) while working in the clinic.
       • Keep fingernails short and trimmed.
       • Student Therapists are also expected to dress appropriately during outreach events, wearing Aquinas scrub suit.
8. Attendance Policy: Aquinas College of Massage Therapy mandates 160 clinic practicum hours for the 1st year and 190 hours for the 2nd year, inclusive of hours accrued from participation in college outreach events. Students must arrive 15 minutes before clinic hours to set up their rooms prior to client appointments.
   • Late arrivals or early departures will result in reduced hours accordingly. 
   • Full attendance is expected for all practicum hours. Late arrivals of 15, 30, or 45 minutes will be considered as being 1 hour late.
   • In case of anticipated absence from the practicum, students must promptly notify their instructor or clinic supervisor via text, email, or phone call. Ideally, notice should be given at least 48 hours in advance. Failure to comply will require additional completion of practicum hours (an additional 3 hours per missed shift).
9. Miscellaneous: All electronic devices must be turned off without exception during clinic shifts. Therapists may provide the college number to their family and friends for emergency purposes.
10. The Intern-Client Relationship: The basic rules are professionalism and mutual   respect. The following guidelines must be followed:
    • Maintenance of Records: All necessary forms and records must be kept current in the client’s file, including the intake form, SOAP notes, service receipts, and any other pertinent documents. If an intake form is older than six months, a new one must be completed. Current intake forms should be placed on top of older ones in the client folders.
    • Confidentiality and Discretion: Absolute discretion and respect for the confidentiality of the student therapist-client relationship must be maintained at all times.
    • Client Privacy: Client privacy must be prioritized. Clients should not be used for demonstrations to other interns unless directed to do so. No one should observe a treatment visit or client evaluation without prior approval from the clinic supervisor.
    • Proper Draping: Clients must be appropriately draped during massage procedures, with ‘Full Conservative’ draping required at all times. Any individual wishing to enter a room where a client is being massaged must knock and wait for acknowledgment from the therapist.
    • Protection of Personal Information: Student Therapists are prohibited from disclosing their personal demographic information to clients for their safety. Instead, they should refer clients to the clinic number for appointment scheduling and always carry their Aquinas College massage business cards for identification.
11. Client Records  
    • No student therapists may leave the clinic until all his/her client records have been properly returned idjwto the client records location and all SOAP notes have been reviewed and signed by the clinic supervisor. 
    • A client’s records are not to be taken from the clinic premises without written permission from the clinic supervisor.

9. The Student Therapists Relationship: Collaboration among student therapists is essential for clinic operations, particularly when sharing facilities and equipment. Management expects and requires a willingness to collaborate for the benefit of both clients and the clinic.

10. The Student Therapist-Massage Instructor Relationship

• • Any issues related to the clinic or clients must be promptly reported to the Clinic Supervisor/Massage Instructor. It is the responsibility of student therapists to communicate problems to the clinic faculty. If satisfaction is not attained, student therapists may escalate the matter to the Academic Administrator.
  • Clinic Supervisors reserve the right to enter treatment rooms for observation and evaluation at any time. They will either knock before entering or enter quietly. Student therapists should inform clients of this possibility and refrain from leaving the room to inquire about the Supervisor’s visit.
  • During the practicum, the Clinic Supervisor on duty holds final authority in all situations involving clients, therapists, or interactions between them. Respect for the supervising instructor is mandatory, and any disrespect may result in disciplinary action.

11. Facility Care

• • Equipment and treatment rooms must be used efficiently and left in an organized and ready-to-use condition. This includes properly redressing the tables for the next therapist using the massage room.
  • All laundry used by students during massage sessions must be promptly deposited into designated laundry room bins. If any linens are found with stains or faults, students should promptly report them to the front desk.
  • Tables must be thoroughly sanitized using the provided cleaner at the end of each day to maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards.
  • All clinic facilities, including equipment and furnishings, must be treated with respect. Any damage caused by students will result in disciplinary action.
  • Students are responsible for promptly notifying the Clinic Supervisor of any equipment issues or malfunctions for timely resolution.
  • Students should maintain cleanliness and tidiness in all areas of the clinic, including treatment rooms, waiting areas, and common spaces.
  • Personal belongings should be stored in designated areas and not left unattended in treatment rooms or common areas.

12. Academic Requirement for Clinic

1. • Student Therapists must fulfill 160 clinic practicum hours in the 1st year and 190 hours in the 2nd year, which includes participation in college outreach events.Upon completion of the required clinical hours for both the 1st and 2nd years. 
   • The Clinic Supervisor will conduct a practicum evaluation to assess the therapist’s performance.
   • Student Therapists are expected to maintain accurate records of their clinic hours and submit them to the Clinic Supervisor for verification.

Related Topics:

• Practicum for Recreation Therapy
• Practicum for Office Administration
• Practicum for Massage Therapy
• Recreation Therapy Diploma Program
• Office Administration Diploma Program
• Massage Therapy Diploma Program
• Career Counselling
• Admission
• Student Services