Program Overview

The Massage and Hydrotherapy program is two full years in length (2200 hours), with program start dates offered twice a year. Our curriculum is designed with the intention of giving each student an opportunity to establish a solid understanding of the human body while building a concurrent knowledge and skill level base in the clinical application of massage therapy. Over the two year program, students integrate the academic and practical subjects through case conferences, class discussion/practice and by participating in clinical internships, outreaches and field placement.

Ultimately, it is through these diverse experiences that students gain skill and confidence to practice successfully as professional massage therapists. Our teaching faculty are dedicated to fostering a humanistic, interactive and positive school environment which enriches the quality of learning experiences for all.

Faculty

Our faculty is comprised of instructors from diverse professional and educational backgrounds which have included: massage therapy, chiropractic care, allopathic medicine, research science, social work, exercise science, holistic practitioners, vocational rehabilitation and body alignment. Our instructional staff is comprised of a core senior staff and several part-time instructors who balance their love of teaching with their current massage therapy practices.Guest faculty are invited on a term-to-term basis to facilitate advanced technique workshops as part of course curriculum or for continuing education credits (optional).

Course Outline

Year 1

  • Gross Anatomy (lab)
  • Systems Anatomy/Physiology (lab)
  • Introduction to Pathology
  • Massage Theory, Principles and Techniques
  • Clinical Assessment
  • Introduction to Remedial Exercise
  • Clinical Management/Conferences I
  • Basic Body Awareness
  • Professional Development: Communication
    & Therapeutic Relationships
  • Manual Muscle Testing/First Aid-CPR
  • Clinical Internship I
  • Study Skills/Human Relations/Resources
  • Ethical Standards of Practice

Teaching Clinic

Our teaching clinic is open to the public and provides an on-site opportunity for students to practice as intern massage therapists in a clinical setting under the supervision of a registered massage therapist. Students are also required to assist the clinic manager in general management duties related to the operation of a clinic such as: reception, booking appointments, filing, inventory, bookkeeping and laundry. The management expertise gained by students is essential for the establishment of a successful massage therapy practice/business.

Professional Development Curriculum

First Year

  • Study Skills/Exam Writing Strategies
  • Ethical Principles
  • Standards of Practice
  • Therapeutic Relationships
  • Boundaries
  • Communication
  • Special Populations
  • Ethical Practice Management

Second Year

  • Professionalism as a Concept
  • Event Coordination/Presentation Skills
  • Business Communication
  • Résumes/Job Search/Interviewing Skills
  • Report Writing
  • Business/Client Development
  • Professional Memberships
  • Year Two Comprehensive Exams
massage therapy

Field Placement & Research

In the last quarter of training, students have two field placements. The first is one morning a week for ten weeks at the Sherbrooke Community Centre. Each student will have the opportunity to work with the residents of Sherbrooke, addressing their concerns and performing massage.

Our second field placement is a community partnership with SARBI (Saskatchewan Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured) in which students will work with SARBI’s clients for three once-a-week visits bringing compassionate touch into the lives of those with mild to severe acquired brain injuries. As part of our research portion we have partnered with the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine to create quantifiable proof of the efficacy of Massage Therapy.