FAQ

How many people are accepted into the program?
We take in 60 first-year students in September and 20 first year students in January.
PLEASE NOTE: The fall and winter intakes of the program will follow a 3-1-3 delivery model. 3-1-3 means you will have 3 consecutive semesters followed by a break semester and return for the final 3 consecutive semesters.

What to expect as a student in the Massage Therapy program?
Watch this video for more on what to expect in the program.

Will you have to touch people?
Yes, massage therapy is a “hands on” profession. We begin developing your hands-on skills from the very first week. You will start by learning massage therapy techniques in lab and applying those techniques on your peers/classmates. Later, in level 3, you will work with patients from the public in our student massage clinic. Massage therapists use their hands directly on people’s bodies using lotion/oil. Students are expected to provide direct, hands on care to all body types and genders.

Will you have to touch feet?
Yes, massage therapists also treat feet.

Who should apply for this program?
Individuals interested in: helping people to manage stress and improve wellness, evaluating, treating and supporting clients with health challenges, employing good communication and listening skills, working independently within a variety of clinical settings, learning about health and clinical sciences, practicing as regulated healthcare professionals.

Do you need a science background to succeed?
Although a background in the sciences and particularly in anatomy can help with your success, it is not a requirement. Keeping an open mind and being curious will help you get through the more “science” oriented parts of the program.

Why is Algonquin College’s program three years while private schools are only two?
Community Colleges are required to ensure a more broadly-based education is given to prepare to get you job ready. You receive an advanced diploma as well as preparation to write provincial certification exams, there’s more coursework involved in our programs.

Will I be registered when I graduate?
No, but you qualify to write the provincial examinations to become registered to practice in Ontario.

What placements are included in the program?
Students are given the opportunity to develop their clinical experience in working with clients through supervised practice in both on and off campus settings. Off campus placements include settings such as community health centres, classroom/group settings, hospitals, varsity sport facilities etc.

How do we get 330 hours of direct client care to the public?
To model the expectation that we must treat all patients fairly and without discrimination we treat patients in student clinic in levels 3, 4, 5 and 6. The student clinic offers a variety of patients that would be considered “the general population”. In outreach we treat more specific populations and work with our community partners to gain experience in treatment settings outside of the traditional clinic setting.

What is the average salary earned by graduates of the program?
Since the profession is generally paid hourly, the average depends on the hours worked and the type of job. Those in independent practice average about $41,000 the first few years and can go up from there as their clientele grows.