The Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
Advanced Diploma in Massage TherapyOttawa, Canada
DEGREE TYPE
Advanced Diploma
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 19,579
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Introduction
Putting knowledge and skills into your own hands.
The Massage Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program provides you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for the profession.
Graduates from this program are able to use their judgment to provide safe, competent, and ethical care as entry-to-practice massage therapists.
In choosing this program, you learn about anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, professional communication, ethics, jurisprudence in healthcare, massage theory, and massage practice skills.
Throughout the program you participate in lab exercises, practicing on your classmates, to learn how to:
- Conduct a clinical assessment
- Formulate a comprehensive clinical impression
- Create a client-centered treatment plan
- Provide and receive safe and ethical massage therapy care
Part of your learning experience also includes working with clients in supervised clinics on campus and in community placement settings.
Graduates of this program are ready to take the next steps in starting their careers. In order to practice as a Massage Therapist in Ontario, you must register with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). The registration process requires the successful completion of professional certification examinations.
Ideal Students
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy solving problems and challenging their mind
- Want to make a difference in people's lives through nurturing touch
- Value compassion and respect when communicating with others
- They like to work with their hands and are physically fit
Admissions
Curriculum
Level 01
- BIO4307A Anatomy I
- BIO4307P Physiology I
- ENL1813S Communications I
- MSS0018 Wellness Fundamentals
- MSS3010 Massage Theory I
- MSS3011 Massage Lab I
- MSS3023 Professional Practice I
Level 02
- BIO4308A Anatomy II
- BIO4308P Physiology II
- ENL5500 Business Writing and Presentation Skills for Massage Therapists
- MSS0022 Massage Therapy Communications I
- MSS3020 Massage Theory II
- MSS3021 Massage Lab II
- Choose one from equivalencies
- GED0915 General Education Elective
- GED0915 General Education Elective
Level 03
- BIO4309 Anatomy and Physiology III
- MSS0033 Massage Therapy Communications II
- MSS3030 Massage Theory III
- MSS3032 Massage Practice I
- MSS3033 Massage Lab III
- Choose one from equivalencies:
- GED0915 General Education Elective
- GED0915 General Education Elective
Level 04
- BIO4311 Pathophysiology I
- MGT0101 Business Fundamentals for Client-Centred Practice
- MSS3040 Massage Theory IV
- MSS3041 Massage Lab IV
- MSS3042 Massage Practice II
- MSS3053 Professional Practice II
Level 05
- BIO4312 Pathophysiology II
- MSS3050 Massage Theory V
- MSS3051 Massage Lab V
- MSS3052A Massage Practice III (Clinic)
- MSS3052C Massage Practice III (Outreach)
Level 06
- BIO4313 Pathophysiology III
- MGT3054 Entrepreneurship
- MSS3062A Massage Practice IV (Clinic)
- MSS3063 Massage Theory VI
- MSS3064 Massage Therapy Integration and Comprehension Review
- MSS3067A Massage Practice IV (Outreach)
- MSS3068 Massage Lab VI
Program Outcome
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Conduct a massage therapy practice within a legal, professional, and ethical framework
- Apply business principles relevant to a massage therapy practice
- Communicate and collaborate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues, and members of the interprofessional team
- Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships to optimize clients` health and wellness
- Collect and assess clients` information to determine their state of health and the treatment goals
- Develop a plan of care according to the client`s condition and the treatment goals
- Implement the plan of care according to the client`s condition and the treatment goals
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care
- Maintain documentation securely, accurately, and in a timely manner
- Develop and implement ongoing effective strategies for personal and professional development to ensure quality care
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment, and environmental stewardship
Career Opportunities
Graduates must hold a credential as a Registered Massage Therapist to practise in Ontario. The process to obtain this registered credential includes taking a two-part Provincial Certification examination. Students apply to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) in the final level of the program to take the exam upon graduation. Successful candidates are then eligible to apply for registration with the CMTO.
Graduates may find employment opportunities in private practice, chiropractic offices, multidisciplinary healthcare organizations, clinics, health clubs, fitness centres, athletic organizations, hotels, resorts, spas and industry.