Remedial Massage Therapy - Full-Time Program Profile
A two-year, full-time diploma program dedicated to the study of massage for both relaxation and
therapeutic purposes. Year 1 is dedicated to establishing a foundation in massage, with relaxation
as a focus. Year 2 builds on this groundwork with the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal
dysfunctions.
Upon completing this two-year, full-time program, graduates will have completed 3,057 hours of training, which exceeds the requirement for entrance into most massage associations. This program is intended to provide students with the skills necessary to operate a successful massage therapy practice.
PROGRAM GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Year 1
The goal in Year 1 is to establish a foundation of anatomy, physiology, pathology and basic massage
skills. Students are given knowledge of general Swedish massage techniques with which to perform
relaxation massage.
During the final quarter of the first year students are introduced to advanced therapeutic techniques
and structural analysis. They will also obtain an understanding of fitness concepts and proper use of
equipment.
Year 2
The goal of Year 2 is to build on the knowledge and skills acquired in Year 1. The main focus of the
practical component is training in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
Students will enhance their rehabilitation abilities by developing exercise programs for patients.
They will also establish a sound understanding of business and clinic operations. Graduates of this
program are considered for provincial membership.
Job Market
Graduates of Remedial Massage Therapy will have enhanced opportunities to open their own clinics.
It is important to note that many patients are eligible for reimbursement of treatment fees by their
insurance companies. Grads may also find employment in physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics. As
well, many medical facilities are hiring graduates of this level.
Of Wellington College’s annual graduates, 95% find employment in the field of massage within three
months of graduation.
Program Delivery
The program is delivered over two years through theoretical study and practical experience. Students participate in classes from Monday to Friday, from 8:20 am to 4:40 pm. Students are also required to
attend one evening of clinical observation per week.
The program is composed of 40 weeks per year, averaging a total of 36 hours per week. Classes begin
in mid-August and conclude at the end of June. It is suggested that students be willing to devote two
to three hours per day to studying outside regularly scheduled classes. The College also recommends
that students perform a minimum of three massages a week outside regularly scheduled lasses.
Program hours are based on a 50-minute hour. Each class is 100 minutes in length or the equivalent of two hours. During the day, students have breaks for lunch and mid-morning and mid-afternoon coffee. The average practical, exercise rehabilitation and anatomy classes are set at 25 students. Academic classes will average 50 students. Smaller class sizes allow instructors to provide more personalized instruction.
Program Breaks
In the full-time program, classes are not scheduled on statutory holidays. In addition, there are four
scheduled week-long breaks during the year:
• Fall break – one week following Thanksgiving
• Christmas – two weeks
• Winter – one week in February
• Spring Break – one week in April
Evaluation
Grading in the full-time program is based on many components, including assignments, group
projects, class participation, unit exams, attendance, mid-year exams and final exams. Marks are
accumulated throughout the year according to a formula devised by the College. A breakdown of the
evaluation method for every subject will be provided at the beginning of classes by an instructor.
Written Evaluations
Students are required to attain a passing mark of 70% in all classes and topics to move from Year 1 to
Year 2. A 75% average must be maintained in order to pass the program.
Practical Evaluations
Students are evaluated four times during each year of the program. Students do not receive marks in
their practical application classes. Students are rated on a scale of one to five. Students must achieve a
rating of three or higher in 75% of the areas evaluated to obtain a pass. The scale will be discussed in
detail at orientation.
Year 1
| Course | Description | Theory | Practical | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANAT 100 | Anatomy | 148 | 148 | |
| ANAT 110 | Anatomy/Kinesiology | 12 | 12 | |
| ANAT 120 | Gross Anatomy | 16 | 16 | |
| PHYS 100 | Physiology | 196 | 196 | |
| NEUR 100 | Neurophysiology | 60 | 60 | |
| PATH 100 | Pathology | 80 | 80 | 160 |
| HYDR 100 | Hydrotherapy/Thermal | 32 | 18 | 50 |
| TERM 100 | Terminology | 20 | 20 | |
| CLMA 100 | Clinic Management | 80 | 80 | |
| PSYC 100 | Psychology | 18 | 18 | |
| EXRH 100 | Exercise Concepts | 64 | 60 | 124 |
| PMAS 100 | Practical Application | 122 | 120 | 242 |
| PMAS 110 | General Assessment | 72 | 70 | 142 |
| PMAS 120 | Observed Clinical | 94.5 | 94.5 | |
| PMAS 130 | Observed Outreach | 94.5 | 94.5 | |
| WKSP 100 | Workshop | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Total for year | 928 | 545 | 1,473 |
Year 2
| Course | Description | Theory | Practical | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANAT 200 | Anatomy/Kinesiology | 160 | 60 | |
| ANAT 220 | Gross Anatomy | 16 | 16 | |
| PHYS 200 | Physiology | 132 | 132 | |
| PATH 200 | Pathology | 58 | 50 | 108 |
| HYDR 200 | Hydrotherapy | 32 | 18 | 50 |
| NUTR 200 | Nutrition | 28 | 28 | |
| PRMA 200 | Practice Management | 42 | 42 | |
| PRMA 210 | Employment Preparation | 38 | 38 | |
| EXRH 200 | Exercise Rehabilitation | 70 | 70 | 140 |
| PSYC 200 | Psychology | 45 | 45 | |
| RESR 200 | Research Paper | 40 | 40 | 80 |
| PMAS 200 | Practical Application | 278 | 180 | 458 |
| PMAS 220 | Observed Clinical | 94.5 | 94.5 | |
| PMAS 230 | Observed Outreach | 94.5 | 94.5 | |
| PMAS 240 | Practicum Placement | 90 | 90 | |
| WKSP 100 | Workshop | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Total for Year | 931 | 661 | 1,592 | |
| Total for Course | 1,859 | 1,206 | 3,065 |
