Student Experience

What to Expect

The Massage Therapy program follows a 3-1-3 delivery model for both the fall and winter intakes. 3-1-3 means you will have 3 consecutive semesters followed by a break semester and return for the final 3 consecutive semesters.

Program Highlights

• This program is ahead of industry standards in evidence based learning
• Curriculum is designed to guide students through their knowledge and skill development in a scaffolded fashion
• Extensive variety of outreach opportunities
• Experienced faculty with knowledge in adult education principles
• Large fully equipped labs, with exceptional access to anatomical models
• Library access to relevant research journals and reciprocal arrangements with University of Ottawa and Carleton University for those we don’t subscribe to
• Students will be working with a dynamic team of learners and educators, rich in experience and knowledge

Mission Statement of the Massage Therapy Program at Algonquin College

The mission of The Massage Therapy Program at Algonquin College is to provide high-quality education and exceptional training in massage therapy, fostering the development of skilled, compassionate, and resilient therapists. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages lifelong learning, critical thinking, and continuous professional growth. Our program aims to make a positive impact on the community and advance the massage therapy profession through innovative practices and empathetic care.

What to expect as a student in the Massage Therapy program?

Success Stories and Testimonials

“I chose this program because I have a strong desire to help people, and massage has an immediate impact on the lives of clients. Also, the flexibility this profession has will enhance my work life balance.
Two things that have impressed me about the Massage therapy program, how in depth the program goes into human anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, and realizing how profound an effect of human touch can have on a person’s well being.
This program has hands on learning scheduled as seeing clients in clinic on campus or in various locations doing outreach. Seeing clients in-clinic under the supervision of experienced Registered Massage Therapists has helped build my confidence in my own skills.
After I graduate, I intend to sit for the CMTO registration exam and begin my journey as a mobile Registered Massage Therapist.
This program requires dedication, hard work and you should expect rigorous learning. You’ll be working closely with clients to improve their health and well-being and it will important to have a passion for helping others. There will be a significant amount of theory to absorb, such as understanding human anatomy, learning how various muscle groups work, and studying different treatment techniques. Balance the practical skills with theoretical knowledge—it’s what makes you a competent and confident therapist.”
-Courtney, Student, Massage Therapy

Learn why Meghan chose the Massage Therapy program at AC

“This is my 3rd career. I’m 37 year old Mom of 3 going back to school to carve a better path forward and showing my kids that it’s never too late to do something you love! This being my 3rd career, I was worried that I’d feel out of place or lonely without people my age. Not only have I encountered a few people my age, but it’s been a really great experience getting to know the younger generation.
The professors are incredibly knowledgeable. The lab space is immaculate. Clinic offers a wide variety of clients to work with and I feel increasingly more prepared as the semesters go on to graduate and work confidently once registered as a massage therapist!
The highlights from my experience are the open labs, where we are able to practice and prepare for our exams together, using the library space while not in classes, tutoring services available for help with biology and Starbucks being on campus to get that caffeine fuel.
The experiential learning activities that I’ve really enjoyed are the labs and clinics where we are hands on with the public performing assessments and doing treatments. This has been such an incredible experience because we have our supervisors right with us, who are RMTs themselves, giving us feedback and offering us tips/tricks along the way.
After graduation I hope to work within a multi-disciplinary clinic within Ottawa providing an effective and healing therapeutic massage practice.
If you love anatomy, muscles and helping people – this might be the exact place you need to be! There is never going to be a “perfect” time. Just do it!
If I could describe my experience at Algonquin College in one word it would be: Empowering“
-Stephanie, Student, Massage Therapy

“My overall experience with the Massage Therapy program at Algonquin College was amazing. The school truly prepares you for success in this career. If you are dedicated and take the time to learn and practice, you will be successful. I chose the Massage Therapy program because I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and helping people feel better, and this career is the perfect mix of both. The program at Algonquin provided me with all the knowledge I needed to pass my provincial exams and helped me improve in every class and exam. It also gave me the confidence to perform and challenged me to give my best every day, showing that language or cultural differences are never a barrier.
The curriculum was very comprehensive, covering all aspects and standards we need to meet as Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs). The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and could speak from experience, having worked in the field themselves. While Algonquin could improve in providing more resources for this career, most of the support we received came from our teachers. The student clinic was a good experience to prepare us for the real world, despite not being able to fully experience it due to COVID.
The learning community and my classmates were one of the best parts of the program. Those who took the career seriously dedicated a lot of time to group studies and practice, and many of them graduated with honors and have been successful. A memorable experience was using our imagination to finish our last year during COVID, practicing on ourselves to prepare for the CMTO provincial exams. Overall, the program prepared me extremely well for my career, although a lot depends on the student’s dedication. Algonquin did provide networking opportunities, but due to COVID, everything was online, and the timing of these events often conflicted with the stress of exit exams, leading to less participation from students.”
-Natalia Gonzales, Graduate, RMT and Talent Acquisition Manager, Massage Addict, Ottawa Region

“I have found that Algonquin graduates are very well-prepared for the professional world of being Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs). Among the many colleges we hire from across the country, Algonquin graduates stand out as some of the best prepared in terms of the skills and knowledge required for their roles. Graduates from Algonquin have made significant contributions to our organization, with many staying with us for years and advancing to new positions with additional roles and responsibilities, showcasing their growth and dedication.
The transition of Algonquin graduates into our work environment is seamless, thanks to the thorough preparation they receive at the college and the support from former graduates who help ease them into their new roles. These RMTs consistently demonstrate professionalism and a positive attitude, accompanied by a strong work ethic. Despite the profession being quite individualistic, Algonquin graduates understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration, recognizing that their individual actions reflect on the team as a whole.
Team members from Algonquin College typically stay with our organization for over three years, further highlighting their commitment and reliability. I would highly recommend hiring graduates from Algonquin due to their exceptional preparation, professionalism, and positive contributions to our team.”
-Kurtis MacDonald, Multi-Clinic Owner, Massage Addict in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta

“We hire graduates from this program because of the quality of training program and the value graduates bring to our client relationships and being a main revenue driver for the business.
It is a pleasure to work with Algonquin College as an employer of RMT graduates. Our input into the program and ability to interact with the students is key to providing a quality employment experience for both the students and the employer.
There is unprecedented demand for Registered Massage Therapists at this time and for the foreseeable future. Massage Therapy is a fantastic career for anyone who is interested in health and wellness as well as supporting clients in their wellness journey. There are many opportunities for RMTs in a variety of settings so take the time to explore them all.
Students would be well-advised to take the time to interact with as many potential employers as possible in order to get a solid understanding of the options available. Take advantage of any chance to visit a facility that comes up or an opportunity to speak to RMTs currently employed with that organization to help you make an informed decision. Look for ongoing training, mentoring and other support to help you enter practice. Your first employment experience is crucial to your long-term success.”
– Christopher Fisher, Owner, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Ottawa, ON

Work Integrated Learning

Students in the Massage therapy program begin developing their hands-on skills in the first week of the program. Working with the diversity of their peers, students begin to hone their skills in palpation and massage. We encourage students to work with as many people as possible in their lab classes to give them a rich understanding of different body presentations. Our labs are inclusive and diverse environments to support learning.

From level three until graduation, students practice on public participants in the on-site full functioning Student Massage Clinic and outreach programs. Working under the supervision of Registered Massage Therapists, students enjoy a rich variety of populations, conditions, and treatment settings to help them refine and develop the knowledge skills, and attitudes expected of entry-to-practice graduates. All massage therapy students will be required to work on all genders and body types.

In the third year, students participate in off-campus outreach opportunities to provide care in settings such as nursing homes, corporations (site visits to employees at work, at their desk or area of work), in a community setting for developmentally or physically challenged individuals, to newborns and their mothers, and some sports events.