Massage Therapy Diploma
Overview
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Department of Allied Health and Human Performance
MacEwan.ca/Massage
The Massage Therapy program offers a unique blend of scientific theory and clinical practice. It offers a comprehensive clinical education that develops well-rounded massage therapists able to practice in a wide range of medical and therapeutic environments. The program teaches soft tissue manipulation techniques for the assessment and treatment of stress, pain and a variety of physical conditions. With challenging courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology and communication, students gain a foundation of knowledge that carries them through dynamic field placement experiences and professional practice at MacEwan University’s public massage clinic.
The program prepares students to become a registered massage therapist (RMT) with a provincial association. With MacEwan University’s reputation as a leader in massage education, graduates may be eligible for registration across Canada and internationally.
Career Potential
Massage therapy is on the leading edge of a vastly expanding market of health-related services. As massage therapy continues to gain recognition in the general population and the health care community, the profession can be seen as having high job potential, particularly with the growing trend toward self-employment. Graduates can specialize in areas that suit their lifestyles, their needs and the needs of their patients. Potential work sites for massage therapists include multi-disciplinary health-care settings, private practice, sports centres, hospitals, long-term care facilities and health spas.
Contact Information
T: 780-497-5221
E: massage@macewan.ca
Teaching Clinic Receptionist
T: 780-497-4121
PROGRAM OFFICE
Robbins Health Learning Centre
Room 9-302, 10910 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-4121
Program Requirements
The following program requirements are needed to complete the credential. Refer to the Student Plan as this plan identifies the usual course schedule.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| MTST 108 | Massage Therapy Foundations 1 | 2 |
| MTST 109 | Palpation Lab 1 | 1 |
| MTST 115 | Functional Survey for Massage Therapists 1 | 1 |
| MTST 120 | Human Anatomy I 1 | 3 |
| MTST 122 | Human Anatomy II 1 | 3 |
| MTST 125 | Physiology I 1 | 3 |
| MTST 126 | Physiology II 1 | 3 |
| MTST 131 | Techniques I 1 | 3 |
| MTST 137 | Developing Therapeutic Relationships 1 | 2 |
| MTST 142 | Techniques II 1 | 3 |
| MTST 143 | Techniques III 1 | 3 |
| MTST 146 | Body Movements 1 | 3 |
| MTST 155 | Assessment for Massage Therapists I 1 | 2 |
| MTST 161 | Clinical Practice I 1 | 1 |
| MTST 162 | Clinical Practice II 1 | 1 |
| Three credits of university English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| HLST 150 | Pathophysiology 1 | 3 |
| HLST 290 | Nutrition/Pharmacological Concepts 1 | 3 |
| MTST 151 | Research Literacy for Massage Therapists 1 | 1 |
| MTST 156 | Assessment for Massage Therapists II 1 | 2 |
| MTST 224 | Techniques IV 1 | 3 |
| MTST 225 | Techniques V 1 | 3 |
| MTST 226 | Techniques VI 1 | 3 |
| MTST 260 | Clinical Practice III 1 | 1 |
| MTST 261 | Clinical Practice IV 1 | 1 |
| MTST 262 | Clinical Practice V 1 | 1 |
| MTST 265 | Business Management for Massage Therapists 1 | 2 |
| MTST 273 | Massage Therapy for Special Populations I 1 | 2 |
| MTST 274 | Massage Therapy for Special Populations II 1 | 2 |
| MTST 281 | Treatments and Planning I 1 | 2 |
| MTST 283 | Treatments and Planning II 1 | 2 |
| MTST 286 | Sport Massage 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 71 | |
| 1 | The minimum passing grade for this course is C-. |
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Program Regulations
Police Information Check
Students must meet the specific police information check (PIC) requirement as set out in the admission criteria for the duration of the program or they may be required to withdraw from the program. Students are responsible for obtaining a PIC at intervals specified by clinical agencies or the program and making these available, upon request, to their clinical agency representative. Students whose PIC status changes following program admission must self-report this change in status; this may compromise the student's ability to complete the program and/or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
Immunization
Current immunization against specified communicable diseases is required as a prerequisite for clinical experiences and thus for continued enrolment in the program. Students must meet the specific immunization requirements prior to the end of the fifth term. Documentation of these requirements must be provided to the program by the end of the fifth term. Failure to meet the specified immunization requirements may result in a student being denied an approved clinical experience and/or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
CPR – Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider (C) or equivalent
Students must meet the specific CPR requirements prior to the end of first term. The certification must be for Health Care Providers and include one and two person rescuers (adult, infant, child), bag-valve masks, and automated external defibrillation (AED). Documentation of these requirements must be provided to the program by the end of the first term. Failure to meet the specified CPR requirements may result in a student being denied an approved clinical experience and/or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
First Aid – Basic
Students must meet the specific First Aid requirements by the end of the first term. Documentation of these requirements must be provided to the program by the end of the first term. Failure to meet the specified First Aid requirements may result in a student being denied an approved clinical experience and/or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
Student Plan
Students must follow the Student Plan (listed below) to complete this credential in the year(s) indicated by the plan. Students must consult with a program Academic Advisor regarding any deviation from the Student Plan, as this may extend the time it takes to complete the program.
| Year 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits | Term 3 | Credits |
| MTST 1081 | 2 | MTST 1221 | 3 | MTST 1431 | 3 |
| MTST 1091 | 1 | MTST 1261 | 3 | MTST 1551 | 2 |
| MTST 1151 | 1 | MTST 1371 | 2 | MTST 1621 | 1 |
| MTST 1201 | 3 | MTST 1421 | 3 | ||
| MTST 1251 | 3 | MTST 1461 | 3 | ||
| MTST 1311 | 3 | MTST 1611 | 1 | ||
| Three credits of university English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | ||||
| 16 | 15 | 6 | |||
| Year 2 | |||||
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits | Term 3 | Credits |
| HLST 1501 | 3 | HLST 2901 | 3 | MTST 2261 | 3 |
| MTST 1511 | 1 | MTST 2251 | 3 | MTST 2621 | 1 |
| MTST 1561 | 2 | MTST 2611 | 1 | MTST 2651 | 2 |
| MTST 2241 | 3 | MTST 2741 | 2 | ||
| MTST 2601 | 1 | MTST 2831 | 2 | ||
| MTST 2731 | 2 | MTST 2861 | 3 | ||
| MTST 2811 | 2 | ||||
| 14 | 14 | 6 | |||
| Total Credits 71 | |||||
| 1 | The minimum passing grade for this course is C-. |
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 60 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- Biology 30
- One subject from Group A, B, C or D
Notes:
- A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g., two 3-credit subjects).
Mature Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 60 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- Biology 30
Previous Post Secondary Work
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer or any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.
Applicants must have successfully completed:
- A minimum of 18 post-secondary credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and must have successfully completed Biology 30.
Additional Admission Criteria
All applicants must meet the following:
1. English Language Proficiency
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to all admission categories
All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.
2. Other Admission Criteria
To be evaluated through the Program
Applicable to All Admission Categories
Applicants offered admission must present a clear Police Information Check (or equivalent from another policing agency) that includes a Vulnerable Sector Search. The Police Information Check must be submitted by the published document deadline and have been issued within three months of the start of the program intake term.