Frequently Asked Questions: General
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.
- What is massage?
- Is Wellington College considered a medical school?
- What prerequisites are required for acceptance?
- Is there a waiting list?
- What does a therapist need to learn to be successful?
- Do I need a background in science?
- How difficult is the course to learn?
- Can I reduce the course load?
- Is your College recognized or accredited by any organizations?
What is massage?
In simple terms, massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body.
One of the oldest forms of healing, massage was evident as a therapy during the Greek and Roman
eras and was also employed by the Chinese, thousands of years before the birth of Christ.
Hippocrates, the ancient medical practitioner, preached that, “hard rubbing binds, much rubbing
causes parts to waste and moderate rubbing makes them grow... and rubbing can bind a joint that is
too loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid.”
Early in the 19th century, Swedish professor Peter Henry Ling established a school for massage in Stockholm. For many years, the term Swedish massage paid tribute to Ling’s work. Today, the term remedial, or medical, massage distinguishes the therapeutic application of massage from general, or body massage which is utilized for its toning effects following a Turkish steam bath, sauna, or other spa treatment.
Today more than 200 different forms of massage exist. They vary from very light applications to extremely vigorous. All forms have some benefit, provided the operator is knowledgeable and professional. Performed by a competent operator, massage is both a skill and an art. To be considered competent, the therapist requires considerable education from knowledgeable teachers, constant practice and extensive hands-on experience.
Is Wellington College considered a medical school?
No, Wellington College should not be mistaken for a medical college. It is our intent to teach only the
scientific application of massage and its related fields. We do not teach theories which have not been
found to have a proven benefit, nor do we teach the diagnosis of specific diseases.
What prerequisites are required for acceptance?
To qualify, applicants must possess a grade 12 (senior 4) or equivalent level of education (minimum
GED). In some cases, the College may consider experiences and background as equivalency. The
minimum age requirement for those not holding a grade 12 is 19. Applicants must provide proof of
reading comprehension levels adequate to understanding course texts and materials.
Applicants must be physically able to perform the work of therapist. Therefore, it is essential that applicants be free of any physical impairment that would prevent their involvement in out-reach/ off-site requirements or prohibit their ability to stand for two hours while performing massage techniques. Students must complete a learning skills evaluation form, which is used to indicate individual learning styles. It is not our intent to deter individuals from participating in massage therapy training but we feel it is our responsibility to help students understand both the physical and academic demands of their training at Wellington College.
Applicants will be asked to attend an interview with a College representative. The representative will also be looking for characteristics of caring and compassion. Maturity is also a factor in the success of a therapist. As vital members of a medical support team, therapists are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
Our application form can be found here.
Is there a waiting list?
Each year, the College receives numerous applications for a limited number of spaces. We do not
have a waiting list, so unsuccessful candidates must reapply. However, reapplicants are given first
consideration the following year.
What does a therapist need to learn to be successful?
To be successful as a therapist, students must have skilled hands, a caring heart and possess an
extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology. It is only from an in-depth understanding of these
subjects that a therapist can appreciate the real effect that massage therapy has on the systems of the
body.
Equally important, a therapist must understand those conditions where massage would definitely
be inadvisable. Pathology, therefore, is a major subject and will provide a greater understanding of
problems that can occur in the body. Personal hygiene, sanitation, safety precautions, first-aid and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are also important topics of pathology and will be covered
extensively.
Our College believes that giving patients the tools necessary to maintain results obtained through treatment is important. To meet this need, the College incorporates training in exercise rehabilitation for all students. Not all conditions can be addressed through massage or exercise. For a practice to be successful, we also feel that therapists need to understand diet and nutrition.
Even competent therapists find that operating a practice requires the ability to make difficult business decisions. Therefore, it is important that our students have a foundation in business administration. Therapists require guidelines to help them manage a successful practice. These guidelines are presented to students in our code of conduct and ethics, a component of psychology classes.
Do I need a background in science?
Unless otherwise stated, we take it for granted that you have no previous education in the sciences.
Your studies, therefore, will commence at the most elementary stage. At the end of each lesson, you
will be asked to answer examination questions to enable instructors to evaluate your retention of
material studied. Responses are reviewed by the examiner and any comments that may be helpful to
you are provided.
You will become more proficient as you move step-by-step through the course. After completing the
course lessons, your success on the final examination will be well within your grasp.
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.
Is your College recognized or accredited by any organizations?
The College tries to assure that students have professional opportunities upon graduating. We believe
that membership in many organizations that evaluate massage programs helps us achieve that goal.
The following are the organizations that recognize our College and its programs:
- Manitoba/Saskatchewan/Alberta Associations of Massage Therapists – consider our graduates for
entrance into their associations
- Association of Massage Therapists and Wholistic Practitioners – recognizes our grads for entrance
into their association
- College of Massage Therapists of Ontario – recognizes our students as eligible to sit for licensing
exams
- British Registry of LCSP – accredits Wellington College’s programs. The College annually submits
its course content and exams to the group for review and approval. In addition, the organization
approves all practical instructors prior to instructing. Colleges meeting these requirements ensure
that students may enter directly into the society’s membership
- National Board Exams (USA) – registration ensures that students are eligible to sit for national
examinations
- Canadian Council of Massage Therapy Schools – Wellington College has been a member of this
national organization of massage therapy schools since the organization’s inception
- Council of Schools (USA) – membership ensures that the needs of American students are addressed
- Manitoba Association of Career Colleges (MACC) – organization of private schools dedicated to
professional and accountable education
- Manitoba Education and Training – government agency that oversees private schools in Manitoba.
Wellington College has been registered since 1988
- Canadian Education and Training Accreditation Commission – organization that performs independent audits of the College’s programs, policies and operations
.