Massage Therapy
Putting knowledge and skills into your own hands.
- On-site practical experience in the Student Massage Clinic learning how to work with clients under the supervision of Registered Massage Therapists
- Through outreach opportunities learn how to provide care to clients with unique health conditions under supervision of a Registered Massage Therapist
- Graduates are eligible to write a provincial certification exam which, once passed, students must register with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to work in Ontario
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Winter 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The Massage Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program provides you with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes required of the profession.
Graduates from this program are able to use their judgement to provide safe, competent and ethical care as entry-to-practice massage therapists.
In choosing this program, you learn about anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, professional communication, ethics, jurisprudence in healthcare, massage theory and massage practice skills....(read more)
Overview
Putting knowledge and skills into your own hands.
The Massage Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program provides you with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes required of the profession.
Graduates from this program are able to use their judgement to provide safe, competent and ethical care as entry-to-practice massage therapists.
In choosing this program, you learn about anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, professional communication, ethics, jurisprudence in healthcare, massage theory and massage practice skills.
Throughout the program you participate in lab exercises, practicing on your classmates, to learn how to:
- Conduct a clinical assessment
- Formulate a comprehensive clinical impression
- Create a client-centred treatment plan
- Provide and receive safe and ethical massage therapy care
Part of your learning experience also includes working with clients in supervised clinics on campus and in community placement settings.
Graduates of this program are ready to take the next steps in starting their career. In order to practice as a Massage Therapist in Ontario, you must register with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). The registration process requires successful completion of professional certification examinations.
Massage Therapists build successful practices in a variety of settings, including:
- private practice
- mobile practice
- chiropractic and/or physiotherapy offices
- healthcare organizations
- fitness centres
- athletic organizations
- hotels, resorts, spas
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy solving problems and challenging their mind.
- Want to make a difference in peoples` lives through nurturing touch.
- Value compassion and respect when communicating with others.
- Like to work with their hands and are physically fit.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
BIO4307A
Course Name:
Anatomy I
Course Description:
Massage therapists require an in-depth understanding of normal body structure, function, human pathologies and conditions encountered in pro... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO4307P
Course Name:
Physiology I
Course Description:
Massage therapists require an in-depth understanding of normal body structure, function,pathologies, and human conditions encountered in pro... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813S
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSS0018
Course Name:
Wellness Fundamentals
Course Description:
Wellness is a core concept in optimal health and an essential part of the practice of massage therapy. Students discuss concepts of optimal... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSS3010
Course Name:
Massage Theory I
Course Description:
To ensure clinical decisions are efficient and that outcomes are met, a number of fundamental approaches to care must be in place. Students... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSS3011
Course Name:
Massage Lab I
Course Description:
Understanding how to create highly structured massage sequences serve as the starting point for all treatment plans. The massage lab provid... + Read More
Hours:
112.0
Code:
MSS3023
Course Name:
Professional Practice I
Course Description:
Massage therapy is a self-regulated profession governed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Students are introduced to j... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
BIO4308A
Course Name:
Anatomy II
Course Description:
Massage therapists require an in-depth understanding of normal body structure, function, pathologies and conditions encountered in professio... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
BIO4308P
Course Name:
Physiology II
Course Description:
Massage therapists require an in-depth understanding of normal body structure, function, pathologies and conditions encountered in professio... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL5500
Course Name:
Business Writing and Presentation Skills for Massage Therapists
Course Description:
Registered massage therapists create and maintain a variety of documentation related to their interactions with colleagues and clients: busi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSS0022
Course Name:
Massage Therapy Communications I
Course Description:
Communication represents a key element in practicing massage therapy because therapists meet their clients in a personal one-on-one setting.... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
MSS3020
Course Name:
Massage Theory II
Course Description:
Students develop a greater awareness of the physiological and psychological effects of massage therapy in the healthy adult. Methods of doc... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSS3021
Course Name:
Massage Lab II
Course Description:
Building on previous massage laboratory experience, students practise basic assessments, basic and advanced massage techniques, and integrat... + Read More
Hours:
112.0
Code:
GED0915
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO4309
Course Name:
Anatomy and Physiology III
Course Description:
Massage therapists require an in-depth understanding of normal body function, pathologies and conditions encountered in professional practic... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
MSS0033
Course Name:
Massage Therapy Communications II
Course Description:
Massage therapists encounter a myriad of complex interpersonal situations when clients share personal stories of loss, grief and trauma. Par... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
MSS3030
Course Name:
Massage Theory III
Course Description:
Massage therapists formulate plans of care based on skilled observation and assessment. Students focus on taking a complete case history and... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
MSS3032
Course Name:
Massage Practice I
Course Description:
Massage therapists promote and maintain holistic health to their clients. Students practise in a supervised setting. With assistance, studen... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MSS3033
Course Name:
Massage Lab III
Course Description:
Students advance their competency in massage techniques and assessment skills. Case studies help students integrate history taking, general ... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GED0915
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO4311
Course Name:
Pathophysiology I
Course Description:
People with a compromised health status depend on massage therapists to tailor treatment with consideration of current knowledge. Students l... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MGT0101
Course Name:
Business Fundamentals for Client Centred Practice
Course Description:
Financial literacy is essential to the business of massage therapy. Students learn to identify basic financial and accounting concepts as we... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSS3040
Course Name:
Massage Theory IV
Course Description:
Massage therapists use advanced regional orthopedic assessments and specific treatment approaches for clients with common neuromuscular cond... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
MSS3041
Course Name:
Massage Lab IV
Course Description:
Students practice a systematic approach to regional assessments. Through case study work the student therapist uses critical-thinking skills... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MSS3042
Course Name:
Massage Practice II
Course Description:
People often seek massage therapy for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Students further develop case management skills through th... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MSS3053
Course Name:
Professional Practice II
Course Description:
As regulated health professionals, massage therapists must meet the responsibilities and expectations associated with pertinent legislation,... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
BIO4312
Course Name:
Pathophysiology II
Course Description:
People with a compromised health status depend on massage therapists to tailor treatment with consideration of current knowledge. Students d... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
MSS3050
Course Name:
Massage Theory V
Course Description:
Students consider impairments, functional limitations, and desired outcomes for acute, and chronic musculoskeletal and neurological conditio... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MSS3051
Course Name:
Massage Lab V
Course Description:
Students advance their critical-thinking skills in formulating, implementing and evaluating treatment plans for specific client situations. ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSS3052A
Course Name:
Massage Practice III (Clinic)
Course Description:
People often seek massage therapy for treatment of altered neuro-musculo-skeletal systems. Students practise massage therapy in a supervised... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSS3052C
Course Name:
Massage Practice III (Outreach)
Course Description:
Students consolidate previous learning with individuals experiencing environmental, developmental and medical challenges in a variety of com... + Read More
Hours:
63.0
Code:
BIO4313
Course Name:
Pathophysiology III
Course Description:
People with a compromised health status depend on massage therapists to tailor treatment with consideration of current knowledge. Pathologic... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
MGT3054
Course Name:
Entrepreneurship
Course Description:
Entrepreneurship builds on Business Fundamentals for Client Centered Practice by expanding the entrepreneurship mindset. Students gain in-de... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSS3062A
Course Name:
Massage Practice IV (Clinic)
Course Description:
People with a broad spectrum of health concerns seek massage therapy. Students consolidate all their learning in massage therapy practice in... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSS3063
Course Name:
Massage Theory VI
Course Description:
Massage therapists manage cases for individuals with complex medical conditions. Students analyze the potential role(s) massage therapy can ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSS3064
Course Name:
Massage Therapy Integration and Comprehension Review
Course Description:
Students review and integrate the program's accumulated knowledge and application of massage therapy. Students prepare for the Algonquin Col... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MSS3067A
Course Name:
Massage Practice IV (Outreach)
Course Description:
Students consolidate previous learning with individuals experiencing environmental, developmental and medical challenges in a variety of com... + Read More
Hours:
63.0
Code:
MSS3068
Course Name:
Massage Lab VI
Course Description:
Students gain confidence and competency in interactive skills, treatment planning and interventions for clients with systemic medical proble... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates must hold a credential as a Registered Massage Therapist to practise in Ontario. The process to obtain this registered credential includes taking a two-part Provincial Certification examination. Students apply to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) in the final level of the program to take the exam upon graduation. Successful candidates are then eligible to apply for registration with the CMTO.
Graduates may find employment opportunities in private practice, chiropractic offices, multidisciplinary healthcare organizations, clinics, health clubs, fitness centres, athletic organizations, hotels, resorts, spas and industry.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Conduct a massage therapy practice within a legal, professional and ethical framework.
- Apply business principles relevant to a massage therapy practice.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues and members of the interprofessional team.
- Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships to optimize clients` health and wellness.
- Collect and assess clients` information to determine their state of health and the treatment goals.
- Develop a plan of care according to the client`s condition and the treatment goals.
- Implement the plan of care according to the client`s condition and the treatment goals.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care.
- Maintain documentation securely, accurately and in a timely manner.
- Develop and implement ongoing effective strategies for personal and professional development to ensure quality care.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books, supplies and clinical uniform costs throughout the duration of the program are approximately $2,400.
Upon graduation from the program, candidates will be responsible for paying costs associated with completing the certification examinations and initial registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). The approximate costs for the certification examinations is $1,400 plus travel expenses to the exam locations. Initial registration costs are approximately $300 to $600, depending on the date of registration.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Biology, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade 65% or higher.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/
International Applicants
International applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4-months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.
Please click this link for more information: https://www.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/ICHS/
ACCEPTED APPLICANTS:
In order to be eligible to participate in clinical placements at the start of second year, students are required to complete important health and safety training (WHMIS, Standard First Aid and CPR Level C), obtain a Police Records. Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) and provide proof of vaccination/immunization status to Paramed. Paramed is a third party service provider that collects and retains this information on behalf of Algonquin College.
Clinical placement requirements are due by the end of Level 02.
In order to be eligible to participate in field placements at the start of the third year in the program, students are required to update health and safety training (WHMIS, CPR Level C Re-Certification), obtain an updated Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) and complete a Tuberculosis screening test. Students who wish to attend field placements in hospital settings will also be required to obtain influenza vaccination prior to attending placement.
Any student who has not completed the eligibility requirements for Clinical and Field Placement, or registered completion of the requirements with Paramed in accordance with program timelines will not be permitted to participate in student clinic or community placement activities.
Application Information
MASSAGE THERAPY
Program Code 0915X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
The Massage Therapy Program at Algonquin College has been granted three-year accreditation by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation.Â
Massage Therapy is a regulated health profession and this program is designed to meet the entry requirements for certification with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. The training and practice requirements of Massage Therapy are both physically and emotionally demanding and require students to be able to manage their personal responses to stress in order to be successful.
As of November 2022, the Massage Therapy Program at Algonquin College has been granted full CMTCA accreditation.
It is recommended that applicants spend time with a Registered Massage Therapist before entering the Massage Therapy Program to ensure a thorough understanding of the safe, ethical touch-based therapy. Applicants are advised that they practice giving and receiving therapeutic massage techniques on their classmates starting in level one.
Students in the Massage Therapy Program receive on-site clinical experience in the Student Massage Clinic where they practice their skills on real clients under the supervision of a Registered Massage Therapist, starting in Level 03 through the rest of the program. In Levels five and six, students participate in on and off-campus outreach opportunities to provide care in settings such as long-term care homes, sports clinics and in other community settings, working with specified populations to further advance their skills.
Contact
Dave Eibner
Program Coordinator
Room A102
A graduate of Kikkawa College in 1996, Dave has been teaching massage theory and lab as well as supervising in the student massage clinic at Algonquin since 2001. He maintains his currency in a small private practice at Renaissance Therapy in Ottawa. His background includes over fourteen years of clinical practice in settings from spa to rehabilitative centers, and has knowledge of muscle energy technique and advanced fascial manipulation. He is a member of the Ontario Massage Therapist Association.
Lauri Keogh
Program Coordinator
Room A102
With a combined educational background and deep love of the biological sciences, and Health Professions Education and over twenty years’ experience as a practicing Massage Therapist in a sports medicine focus. Lauri has been teaching with Algonquin College since January 2002. Although her truest passion lies with bringing physiology and pathology to life, Lauri has found it both professionally and personally rewarding to guide in the learning journey of students in various levels of the program. Lauri looks forward to further developing evidence-based curriculum, deepen student learning and knowledge with formative assessments and competency-based education models as national accreditation for Massage Therapy becomes the mainstay for education programs in Canada.
Marvin Mohring
Professor
Room A102
Marvin currently teaches throughout the program. He entered the profession in 1994 (CCMH) after working as a Kinesiologist (U. of Waterloo) in Northwestern Ontario. He practised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, prior to joining Algonquin College in 1999. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Massage Therapist Association from 1994 – 2005, including serving as President for 5 years. He enjoys exploring massage as a therapy and as an experience.
Fadi Ayoub
Professor
Room A102
Fadi teaches Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology in the Massage Therapy Program. Born and raised in Ottawa, he left for Montreal in 1989 to attend McGill University. After receiving his B.Sc., he returned to Ottawa to pursue a Master’s degree in Neurobiology at the University of Ottawa. His teaching career began in the University of Ottawa cadaver lab, helping medical and nursing students understand the complexities of the human body.
Fadi joined the massage therapy team at Algonquin College in 2001. His spare time is filled with flying frisbees and playing poker.
Basil Phillips
Professor
Basil is a graduate of the massage program here at Algonquin College. He was a member of the initial class that started the program and became a part of the initial graduating class in 2000. An RMT with now 20 years experience, Basil took his love of sports and his love of helping people and merged them into his career as a RMT who has a focus on athletes of all levels. He also took that same love and used it to fill a void in the massage program creating the Sports Outreach placement which he continues to teach presently. 18 years of teaching experience in the Algonquin Massage Program, as well as time spent teaching and coordinating in a private College, has seen him teach in all levels and take on many different responsibilities. This has led him to his current responsibility as Academic Program Coordinator.
Anna Bacic
Professor
Anna graduated from the Massage Therapy Program at Algonquin College (AC) in 2005. She has been a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) for over 18 years and continues to work in a multidisciplinary practice. In 2002, she completed a BSc. in Human Kinetics from Ottawa University and in 2022, completed a Masters in Health Professions Education.
Anna has been a part time faculty member at Algonquin College since 2012, teaching in clinic, labs, professional practice and massage theory courses (in levels 3 & 4). Anna hopes to use her knowledge, experience and passion for massage therapy and teaching to help students become successful graduates and future Registered Massage Therapists.
Karyn Hughes
Professor
Owner and operator since 2007 of Kneaded Touch Massage Therapy, with multiple locations across Ottawa that have been recognized by multiple awards, including the Consumer’s Choice and Top Choice awards. Karyn graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2000 and from Algonquin’s Massage Therapy program in 2001 and earned her IBCLC designation in 2020. Having over 20 years of experience, Karyn’s practice focusses on therapeutic, prenatal and pediatric massage. She joined the teaching team in September 2005 as a clinic supervisor and has since created the Prenatal placement in the Outreach program and has taught in various levels of Massage Lab, Theory, DC Kids Outreach, and Foundations of Wellness.
Karyn brings her passion for entrepreneurship, therapeutic massage and teaching together to help her students thrive both in the program and post-graduation.