Frequently Asked Questions: The Courses, Materials & Student Support
The following questions are often asked by our applicants. We trust the answers will provide you with information and inspiration. If you have a question not covered in this section, or you require more information, please contact Wellington College directly.
THE COURSES
- How difficult is the course to learn?
- Can I reduce the course load?
- May I practice as a therapist at the end of the first year?
- If my studies are interrupted, may I continue them at a later date?
- Is the Distance Education curriculum different from Full-time?
- Is distance education easier than full-time?
- Who is distance education best suited for?
- Is there a difference in the quality of education between distance education and full-time?
- What opportunities exist for additional training once I complete the therapist level of training?
MATERIALS
- Texts & Supplies
- Supplementary Manuals
- Additional Materials
- Do I need to purchase expensive equipment?
- Where can I purchase creams, containers or massage-related magazines and books?
STUDENT SUPPORT
- Does the college provide an avenue for students to raise concerns?
- Will I receive more information about College policies?
- What other supports are available for students and alumni?
- How do students receive guidance and feedback?
How difficult is the course to learn?
Upon enrolment, the College provides texts that simplify study and provide a valuable primary source of reference. During your studies, we will also supply lessons and supplementary notes that include illustrations of massage techniques and descriptions of treatments.
We understand that individuals learn at different rates. Some students find studying and reading easy
while others may excel in practical hands-on areas. Our instructors, through years of experience,
have become aware that students fall into one of two categories, students who follow the guidelines of
the College and those who try to find shortcuts to learning. In our estimation, those who follow the
guidelines are more successful.
If you follow our guidelines, we believe that two to three hours of study per day is required outside
class time. An overall average of 75% is required in all classes.
We know that Wellington College produces students with the highest calibre of knowledge,
professionalism and success. Having an exceptionally challenging program maintains this standard
for the College and we make no apology for it. Success comes from hard work and dedication.
Can I reduce the course load?
Yes, you can decrease the course load in any of the programs to allow you an opportunity to focus
your study in more specific areas. The College will discuss your options and tailor the program to
meet your specific needs.
May I practice as a therapist at the end of the first year?
It is the position of the College that at the end of the first year you are trained in relaxation massage
only. It is not until completion of the Remedial Massage Therapy Course that you are qualified as a
therapist. However, local associations control licensing. The association you join will decide if you are
eligible to practice as a therapist practitioner. Students wishing to practice in the United States are eligible to sit for the National Board Exam at the
completion of their first year.
Should you choose to begin working at the end of Year 1, you will not be recognized by many insurance companies. As a result, your patients may not be reimbursed for treatment. However, you will have the skills necessary to work in spas or as an assistant in some chiropractic offices.
If my studies are interrupted, may I continue them at a later date?
If for some reason you stop your studies, you can recommence them the following year, provided you
have a passing grade at the time of stopping. If you choose to return to your studies more than a year
after stopping, you are required to take a placement exam to assure your retention of information is
adequate to continue.
Another option students may consider is decreasing their class load. While this extends the duration
of training, it has offered success to some students who otherwise would not have been able to
complete the training.
Is the Distance Education curriculum different from Full-time?
When you have completed the Advanced Remedial Massage Therapy course, you will have obtained
all the information that is covered in the full-time course. Therefore, a diploma in Advanced
Remedial Massage Therapy is recognized as equal to the Remedial Massage Therapy diploma.
Is distance education easier than full-time?
We do not wish to mislead you in any way; the distance education program is extremely demanding
and requires dedication and hard work. While classroom attendance is not required every day, success
comes when you make the course a priority in your life.
Wellington College offers two courses through distance education. Basic Remedial Massage may be completed in one year, however, we recommend that you complete it over two years. Advanced Remedial Massage Therapy is an additional two-year course.
Who is distance education best suited for?
The distance education courses have been developed for individuals who may wish to enhance their
present careers or plan a change in their present work but find that taking time from their present job
is not possible. The courses are also ideal for people living in rural areas who cannot afford to drive to
school each day.
The majority of course requirements occur on or around the College’s seminar weekends. Clinic and outreach requirements can be arranged to be completed in the vicinity of a student’s home. We understand that each student’s time will vary and the distance course may be too demanding for their schedule. Altering the course load can address this, although training will take place over a longer period. The distance learner must be organized and dedicated. It is the student’s responsibility to assure that they complete assignments on time and stay motivated to prepare for exams and seminar weekends.
Is there a difference in the quality of education between distance education and full-time?
Should you choose to train by way of distance education, you can be assured of receiving the same
high standard of education as that offered to full-time students. Upon completion of the two distance
education courses, you would be considered for entrance into provincial associations.
What opportunities exist for additional training once I complete the therapist level of training?
Wellington College offers the following additional streams of training to further advance your knowledge:
- Sports Massage Therapy* – a one-year, part-time program devoted to the needs of athletes
- Continued Education* – additional seminars at all levels of training. These seminars vary in length from one to four days, depending on the topic
* these programs are dependent on demand and availability of lecturers. A list of programs is published in the College’s newsletter.
Course Texts
- Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (G. Tortora and B. Derrickson)
- Pathology A to Z: A Handbook for Massage Therapists (K. Premkumar)
- Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations & Techniques (C. Kisner)
- Anatomy of Movement (B. Calais-Germain)
- Basic Clinical Massage Therapy (J. Clay and D. Pounds)
- Management of Common Musculoskeletal Dysfunctions: Physical Therapy Principles and Methods (D. Hertling)
- Physical Examination of the Spine & Extremities (S. Hoppenfeld)
- Orthopaedic Assessment (D. Magee)
- Massage for Orthopedic Conditions (T. Hendrickson)
- Medical Terminology: A Short Course (D.E. Chabner)
Supplementary Manuals
Wellington College provides manuals in each of the topics studied. These manuals provide guidance and clarification of information covered in course texts.
In Year 1 of the full-time and basic remedial massage programs, students will receive linens for performing massage, lotions and creams, scrub uniforms for use in practical environments and a 33- inch skeleton to enhance anatomical learning. Additional linens, scrubs and lotions are provided to students entering Year 2 of the full-time program and also to those entering the Advanced Remedial Massage Therapy program.
Do I need to purchase expensive equipment?
Additional equipment is not a necessity. We do, however, suggest that you make or obtain a massage table for practice at home. Prices of tables can vary greatly, ranging from $500 to $3,000. Low cost, high quality massage tables are available through the College.
Should you find that you would like to purchase additional equipment or materials, the College will work hard to ensure that you can obtain them at a reasonable cost.
Although not required, if you have a laptop computer, our wireless access throughout the College will enable you to incorporate it as a valuable learning tool.
Where can I purchase creams, containers or massage-related magazines and books?
The College carries an excellent selection of massage-related materials, from anatomy charts to sweat shirts. In addition, information from product suppliers is provided by the College.
Does the college provide an avenue for students to raise concerns?
Our College has a very active student council. A role of the student council is to attend meetings with students or address specific student concerns. The College meets with the council monthly to address any concerns that may arise.
The College also has suggestion boxes in which students can anonymously submit concerns. These are collected and regularly responded to.
The College also has an ethics committee that deals with student concerns. This committee is composed of alumni and operates independently of the College.
Will I receive more information about College policies?
Once your application is received and you have completed the interview process and been accepted by the College, you will receive a detailed College handbook. This handbook outlines the College’s policies and procedures in great detail.
What other supports are available for students and alumni?
- Student Counsellor – the College recognizes that stress associated with training can place increased demands on students. At times like these, a student may feel the need to speak with the College’s student counsellor
- Wellington Journal – all students and alumni receive the College’s quarterly newsletter. An electronic version is available online
- Continued Education Seminars/Workshops – the College organizes speaker-sessions to address topics of interest to students and alumni. Some of these workshops carry a nominal fee
- CPR/First-aid Re-certification – offered to alumni at a low cost
- Gross Anatomy Workshops – alumni have access to these workshops which are registered for continued education credits with provincial associations
- Alumni Upgrading – alumni may attend any seminar weekend to upgrade their treatment skills. These workshops are registered with provincial associations for continued education credits
- Borrowing Privileges – access to on-loan massage tables, massage chairs and back-drop displays are available to students
- Internet Access – use of computers and Internet for study purposes only
- Library – use of books and videos for study purposes
- Social Events – opportunities for networking at College events, such as annual Christmas dances and Wine and Cheese evenings
How do students receive guidance and feedback?
The College provides several avenues for feedback:
- in-class, practical feedback by instructors
- following practical evaluations, a written report is provided to each student along with guidance about how they might improve
- tutors are available should you find the need in a specific topic area
- student study groups meet regularly. If held at the College, an instructor is usually available to answer questions
- students can attend study hall to obtain additional guidance in any topic
- the College provides additional workshops on anatomy, physiology and other topics. A fee is charged to cover the expense of instructors and any material required
- students may make appointments during office hours to discuss their progress with instructors. As well, the Principal is also available to answer any questions students may have
- students are welcome and encouraged to use the College facilities at any time. Facilities must be booked through the receptionist
.