5.6 Program: Massage Therapy Accelerated

Program Fit

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Literacy – Need to be able to read and understand published information; over 50 books are listed as “required” reading on the College of Massage Therapy of Ontario (CMTO) website Some written essay work required.

Math & Science – Have an interest and background in anatomy, chemistry, basic biology and/or exercise science.

Technology – Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Comfortable sharing personal space for extended periods of time
• Able to communicate professionally with a diverse population
• Interested in health and wellness issues
• Critical thinking skills
• Interested in on-going learning; continuing education is required to remain a certified massage therapist
• Excellent listening skills
• Friendly, outgoing personality and caring attitude
• Good time management and organizational skills
• Perform in an ethical manner in working with peers, health care staff, patients and customers
• Able to empathize with others
• Enjoy working with and caring for people
• Able to communicate with people across the lifespan

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Massage therapists may operate private practices or work as part of multidisciplinary health care teams. They usually work with one client at a time.
• Therapists who travel to client offices and homes must lift and move equipment that weighs up to 10 kilograms.
• The work can be strenuous and requires standing for long periods of time.
• Hours of work depend on the work setting and the physical capability of the individual therapist.
• Many massage therapists work evenings and weekends, or part time hours in several different locations. May be required to work shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Conduct client assessments to determine the most appropriate courses of treatment
• Explain procedures, risks and benefits to clients and inform client that they have the right to refuse, stop or alter procedures at any time
• Administer appropriate massage techniques (soft tissue manipulation, relaxation techniques, soft tissue stretching techniques, manual pressure to specific points on the body, hydrotherapy, manual stripping or cross-fibre friction of muscle tissue, trigger point therapy, joint play and mobilizations, lymphatic drainage techniques)
• Suggest appropriate home care and provide information about techniques for postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation and rehabilitative exercises
• Consult with other health care professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians and psychologists to develop treatment plans for clients
• Obtain, maintain and securely store treatment records

Becoming a Massage Therapist

With a strong focus on medical knowledge, you’ll master your massage skills in the ONSITE student-run clinic, where you’ll experiment with many hands-on techniques. You’ll also learn, first-hand, how to assess your clients and their needs, as well as how to maintain, rehabilitate, and augment physical function to relieve pain. You’ll also study massage theory and practice while experimenting with different types of massage techniques such as sport, clinical, therapeutic, and pregnancy

Theory and practice are integral to the program, and students will be exposed to directly learning the skills of a Massage Therapist in the first level. Many adjunct therapies to the Massage Therapist will be studied, including sports massage, clinical massage, pregnancy massage and more.

The Massage Therapy program at Fanshawe College is a 6 term, 74 week Ontario College Advanced Diploma program starting in September each year. The program workload is considered to be MODERATE with:

• Seven courses in your first semester
• One hour of study/assignments on average for each hour in class
• 24 hours of class & labs each week (48 hour/week min commitment)

Upon completion of the program you will meet the ministry standards.

Courses that you would take can be found here: Massage Therapy Accelerated Courses

When you graduate, you’ll be recommended to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) for their entrance exams to the profession. In order to be eligible for accreditation, students must successfully complete all courses in the Massage Therapy program as well as complete a minimum of 330 hours of care to the public (hours are accumulated in Clinical Practice and Outreach Practicum courses).

Opportunities for further development or education:

Course work may be used as a basis of university admission or credits may transfer to a university degree at many different schools: Transfer Agreements

Fanshawe Pathfinder: Massage Therapy © Fanshawe College used with permission, All Rights Reserved