Frequently Asked Questions: Post-graduation: Employment & Continuing Ed
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.
EMPLOYMENT
- Which province may I practice in after graduating?
- Do you find employment for students?
- Do I get to add designating letters after my name?
- Where can I find work as a massage therapist?
- Is there legislation governing massage therapy?
CONTINUING EDUCATION
- What opportunities exist for additional training once I complete the therapist level of training?
- What other supports are available for students and alumni?
EMPLOYMENT
Which province may I practice in after graduating?
The majority of provinces recognize a diploma from Wellington College that allows graduates to sit
for provincial or association exams. To write British Columbia’s board exams, Wellington College
graduates require an additional year of training. The College has made arrangements with two British
Columbia schools to provide this training.
Presently, we have graduates of our courses practising in all parts of Canada and internationally as well.
Do you find employment for students?
Laws governing private vocational institutions prohibit us from working as an employment agency for
students. We are, however, approached often by employers seeking graduating therapists. We also host
an annual Job Fair in June.
Do I get to add designating letters after my name?
The use of letters behind your name can denote your education, your eligibility to practice or the
work you perform. The College will enrol you in the International Society of the London and
Counties Society of Physiologists (LCSP) which accredits our programs. As a result, your final exam
will qualify you to become a member of that society and to use the letters, LCSP (Assoc) behind your
name, if you remain a member. Other individual associations control the use of other terms, and it
varies between provinces.
Where can I find work as a massage therapist?
Many therapists work in private practices, chiropractic offices, health spas, cruise ships, resorts,
fitness facilities, beauty salons, wellness centres or for athletic teams. Currently, statistics show that
the percentage of the population that accesses massage services has greatly increased. Through
promotion and awareness the demand will only grow further. There is also a growing opportunity for
therapists to apply their skills in seniors’ centres and other medical facilities.
Is there legislation governing massage therapy?
Legislation varies from province to province, but currently only British Columbia, Ontario and
Newfoundland have passed legislation. Other provinces continue to work on this issue.
In non-regulated provinces, the regulatory control is that in order for patients to receive
reimbursement for treatment costs, the therapy provider must be a member of a professional
association. The entrance requirement for many associations is a minimum of 2,200 hours of
training.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
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.
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
.