Most Registered Massage Therapists (MTs) in Ontario are self-employed health professionals. MTs work in a variety of settings, most often in Massage Therapy clinics and multidisciplinary health clinics. Other workplaces include private practices, rehabilitation centers, health and fitness clubs, nursing homes, community health clinics, hospitals/hospices, health spas. Massage Therapists play an important role as health care professionals and practitioners.
Massage therapists use hands-on manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, specifically the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints, to optimize a client’s health. Massage Therapists assess and treat physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints of the body, mostly by hands-on manipulation. Assessment and treatment can include orthopedic and neurological testing, soft tissue manipulation (Swedish massage is the most commonly used technique), hydrotherapy, remedial exercise programs, and client education programs.
Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained, and improved through massage therapy. Physical dysfunction, pain, and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented through the use of Massage Therapy.
Potential Career Paths After Completing the Program
Massage Therapists can make on average $54.98 – $94.22 per hour.
*(source: ca.indeed.com 2020)
Candidates must submit a copy of their Secondary School Diploma (OSSD, GED, or better), if this is not available they will be required to pass the Scholastic Level Exam (SLE).
Candidates must also submit a Pre-Admission Medical Report and Immunizations may be required for practicum.
This module provides students with a detailed study of the musculoskeletal system. The content builds upon the introductory material learned in Body-Mind-Spirit Connection I. Selected portions of the body will be studied region-by-region examining: the skeletal features, the muscular attachments, the nervous innervation and the blood supply. Concurrent laboratory experience will focus upon identification of landmarks, palpation of the muscle group(s), functional testing of each muscle and it’s contribution to normal range of motion.
This module provides students with the fundamentals to examine physiological effects of massage therapy. Students will learn how to develop the most safe and effective treatment plans and will develop skills in referral and consultation with other health practitioners.
This module provides students with an understanding of the physiological effects of hot and cold. Students will learn the effects, uses and contraindications of a variety of local and general of hot and cold applications.
This module provides students with an understanding of the normal functions of the body systems with emphasis on neuromusculoskeletal function and cardiovascular system. Students will gain knowledge of the interrelationship of the body systems and the nature of homeostatic mechanisms.
This module provides students with the fundamentals to prepare for their “Clinic” shift. Students learn how to keep a proper client file, complete a proper medical history, and how to take blood pressure. At the end of this module students will walk through an entire massage appointment, from greeting a new client to ending the massage.
This module provides students with a in-depth ability to formulate treatment objectives, treatment plans, and encourage appropriate client self care. Students will also learn to treat various conditions with massage.
This module provides students with the fundamentals of how the body works at the level of cells, basic tissues, and organs. Students will learn an extension of this investigation to examine the ways in which body tissues become diseased or dysfunctional.
This module provides students with an in-depth understanding of the entire nervous system and the central nervous system. Students will learn the peripheral nervous system, concentrating on the cranial nerves and various nerve plexuses of the body.
This module provides students with an understanding of exercise for prevention and rehabilitation of injury. Students will also learn the structure and progression of range of motion exercise, stretches, strength-building exercise, and stress reduction techniques.
This module provides students with the opportunities for investigation of clinical findings in everyday practice and for cooperation in larger research projects in the future.
This module provides students with the ability to define a logical structured approach to determining the etiology of a client’s orthopaedic complaints and how they can relate to the function of related tissues and structures. Students will become skilled in assessment findings for common musculoskeletal disorders in preparation for clinical treatments courses.
This module provides students with an opportunity to expand their repertoire of massage therapy techniques and explore additional therapies within the scope of massage. Using a case study approach, students will develop critical thinking and decision making skills at an advanced level and demonstrate the competencies required for entry-to-practice in Ontario.
This module provides students with the fundamentals to become familiar with basic business principles. Students will learn how to keep in good standing with the CMTO, how to keep track of HST, and how to run a business. Students will develop a working knowledge of the profession’s Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and a process for ethical decision making.
This module provides students the preparation skills for their final term and a review session before taking their board exams. Students will have the opportunity to review and be tested on the Theory and Practical courses they have taken throughout the program. At the end of the course, students will feel confident in taking their board exams.
Clinic allows the students to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world. When students begin their clinic they will work on clients that attend the Canadian College’s public Massage Clinic. From here, students begin clinic after completing Term 1 and will continue until they graduate. Outreaches provide students opportunities to practice what they have learned in clinic in various community settings via organizations, corporations and local events.