Massage therapists provide safe, effective and ethical care, supporting the wellness of others through techniques that can help alleviate pain, reduce stress and promote relaxation. Through experiential learning, gain the skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and evaluate safe and effective treatment plans for a range of clients with unique treatment goals.
Prepare for a rewarding career working in a range of health and wellness industries:
Chiropractic offices
Long-term care facilities
Multidisciplinary health care organizations
Health clubs
Fitness centres
Athletics organizations
Tourism industry, including hotels and resorts
Spas
Private practice
In order to practise as a Massage Therapist in Ontario, graduates will be required to register with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). The registration process requires successful completion of professional certification examinations.
Experiential Learning
Gain the knowledge and hands-on skills for a rewarding career in the massage therapy profession during this comprehensive program that includes on-campus and clinical placements under the supervision of registered massage therapists.
Learn what is required to conduct a massage therapy practice within a legal, professional and ethical framework.
Gain experience developing, implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of a plan of care according to the client’s condition and treatment goals.
Acquire strategies for developing and maintaining therapeutic relationships to optimize clients’ health and wellness.
Explore business principles relevant to massage therapy practice, and learn how to communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, colleagues and member of an interprofessional team.
Courses
Courses for this program are currently under review. Please check back to this page regularly for updates.
First Year - Semester One
ANAT1012 Anatomy 1
Anatomy is a foundational aspect of massage therapy; it will be pivotal in the development and future careers of these health professionals. In this course, students learn anatomical terminology and organization within the human body. They focus on upper and lower extremity, and explore nerve pathways, muscle attachments and actions.
Co-requisite: MAST 1008
COMM1048 College Writing Skills
This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.
MAST1007 Massage Therapy Assessment and Skills 1
Theoretical fundamentals of assessment and treatment techniques and protocol are necessary for safe and effective practical execution. Students learn fundamental massage therapy and assessment techniques. Within a clinical decision-making model, students learn how subjective and objective assessment skills prepare a massage therapist to form a clinical impression and develop a safe and effective treatment plan. Students use critical thinking skills, with an evidence-based approach, to select and sequence massage techniques for regional treatments.
Co-requisite: MAST 1008
MAST1008 Massage Therapy Assessment and Skills Lab 1
Practical assessment, treatment and rehabilitation skills of the soft tissue and joints of the body are fundamental to the scope of the practice of massage therapy. Students learn, develop, and practise fundamental massage assessment and treatment skills. They select and sequence assessment and massage techniques to provide safe and effective massage therapy treatments according to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario’s (CMTO) Standards of Practice. Students reinforce their anatomical curriculum through description and in-depth palpation of structures of the upper limb and back. They analyze clinical case examples, strengthen critical thinking skills, and apply their knowledge to simulated situations.
Co-requisite: MAST 1007
MAST1006 Physiology 1
Physiology is fundamental in the development and future careers of health professionals. In this course, students learn about physiological systems within the human body. They focus on the integumentary, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Students explore the processes by which these systems work and how they maintain homeostasis within the body.
MAST1009 Professionalism and Ethical Practice
Students explore the concepts related to professional identity, ethical decision making, as well as the legislation and Standards of Practice requirements of massage therapists in this course.They construct the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to make professional judgements and form an understanding of the role of the massage therapist in professional practice. Students actively develop their professional identity using case studies, discussion and self-reflection and relate its importance to effective professional practice.
First Year - Semester Two
ANAT1014 Anatomy 2
This course continues to introduce anatomical terminology. The primary focus is the anatomical structure and organization of the head, neck and lower limb. Laboratory classes provide opportunity to identify the muscle groups and palpate.
Prerequisite: ANAT 1012
MAST1011 Massage Therapy Assessment and Skills 2
Prerequisite: MAST 1007
Co-requisite: MAST 1013
MAST1013 Massage Therapy Assessment and Skills Lab 2
Prerequisite: MAST 1008
Co-requisite: MAST 1011
MAST1010 Physiology 2
Prerequisite: MAST 1006
MAST1012 Therapeutic and Professional Relationships
Prerequisite: MAST 1009
GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker
This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.
Second Year - Semester Three
MAST2011 Care of Special Populations 1
Care of Special Populations 1 is designed to prepare students for work-integrated learning, community placements and their future as a regulated health care professional. In this course, students discover lifespan development and explore how to care for the special populations of pregnant and post-partum people, infants and children. Students investigate topics such as changes during lifespan development, as well as assessment and treatment modifications during pregnancy, labour and delivery, postpartum, infancy and childhood. Students will apply their knowledge through the analysis of evidence-informed research, self- reflection, interprofessional collaboration, simulated patient cases and real patient experiences.
Prerequisite: MAST 1011, MAST 1012
MAST2007 Pathophysiology 1
In this course, students explore conditions associated with a number of the body systems fundamental to the study of massage therapy. Conditions relate to the immunological, dermatological, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. Students review important concepts of infection control and pharmacology.
Prerequisite: MAST 1010
MAST2010 Remedial Exercise
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of therapeutic exercise as it pertains to Massage Therapy care in a clinical setting. They apply exercise principles and establish a program for their client/patient based on their unique needs assessment through simulation. Students explain exercise prescription and when to apply exercises and stretching within a treatment plan.
Prerequisite: MAST 1011, MAST 1013
MAST2016 Treatment Planning for Postural and Musculoskeletal Conditions
Students will apply fundamental skills acquired in prior courses to plan assessments and treatments for postural and musculoskeletal conditions. They learn about common presentations of these conditions to create assessment and treatment plans.
Prerequisite: MAST 1011, MAST 1013
MAST2017 Treatment of Postural and Musculoskeletal Conditions
Students sequence and perform assessments and massage therapy treatments for postural & MSK conditions. They apply knowledge of postural & MSK conditions to develop, and practice fundamental massage assessment, positioning, techniques, and sequencing skills as they pertain to postural & MSK conditions.
Prerequisite: MAST 1011, MAST 1013
WKPL2078 Work Integrated Learning 1
In this course, students use their knowledge and skills to provide massage therapy care to the public in a clinical environment. Students assess the patient/client and create and implement a treatment plan under the supervision of a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). Students focus on developing professional patient-therapist relationships and boundaries, performing comprehensive patient evaluation, and creating detailed patient records.
Prerequisite: ANAT 1014, MAST 1010, MAST 1011, MAST 1012, MAST 1013
MAST2008 Treatment Planning for Orthopedic Conditions
Students will apply these skills acquired in prior courses to plan assessments and treatments for orthopedic conditions. They learn about common presentations of these conditions to create assessment and treatment plans. Students learn the biomechanics of joint play and the application of joint mobilization.
Prerequisite: MAST 1011, MAST 1013
Co-requisite: MAST 2009
MAST2009 Treatment of Orthopedic Conditions
Students sequence and perform assessments and massage therapy treatments for orthopedic conditions. They apply knowledge of orthopedic conditions to develop, and practise fundamental massage assessment, positioning, techniques, and sequencing skills as they pertain to orthopedic conditions. Students learn foundational joint play assessment and mobilization skills and they integrate these as a component of the massage therapy treatment.
Prerequisite: MAST 1011, MAST 1013, MAST 1010
Co-requisite: MAST 2008
In this course, students use their knowledge and skills to provide massage therapy care to patients in the community through a community placement. Students assess the patient/client and create and implement a treatment plan under the supervision of a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). This community placement focuses on and allows students to treat the following populations: mental health and substance use.
Prerequisite: MAST 2012, MAST 2013, MAST 2014, MAST 2015, MAST 2015, WKPL 2079, WKPL 2080
MAST3008 Pathophysiology 3
In this course, students explore conditions associated with the nervous system fundamental to the study of massage therapy. Conditions associated with the renal-urinary system, reproductive system, and oncology will also be covered.
Prerequisite: MAST 2012
MAST2013 Treatment Planning for Neurological Conditions
Prerequisite: MAST 2008
Co-requisite: MAST 2014
MAST2014 Treatment of Neurological Conditions
Prerequisite: MAST 2009
Co-requisite: MAST 2013
WKPL3023 Work Integrated Learning 3
In this course, students use their knowledge and skills to provide massage therapy case to the public in a clinical environment. Students assess the patient/client and create and implement a treatment plan under the supervision of a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). Students focus on neurological assessments and evidence informed decision making.
Prerequisite: MAST 2012, MAST 2013, MAST 2014, MAST 2015, WKPL 2079, WKPL 2080
Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.
*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.
Bursaries and financial assistance
Loyalist has a number of scholarships, bursaries and academic awards available to students. Our Financial Aid Office can help you explore your options, or assist you with a student loan.
Admission requirements
Required academic preparation
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD/OSSGD) or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level with Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C) or (U), AND
A formal, confidential personal health history and up-to-date immunization against certain communicable diseases are required as part of the registration process.
Standard First Aid and CPR HCP certification prior to semester two.
Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Applicants with work experiences or other types of non-credentialed learning may be eligible for credits at Loyalist. Graded credits (as opposed to exemptions) are granted. Click here for more information about our assessment and credit challenge process.
Campus News
LOYALIST COLLEGE LAUNCHES MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM
Belleville, Ontario, January 19, 2021 – Loyalist College’s new three-year Massage Therapy Ontario college advanced diploma program, offered through the College’s Belleville campus, is now accept... Read More
Belleville, Ontario, January 19, 2021 – Loyalist College’s new three-year Massage Therapy Ontario college advanced diploma program, offered through the College’s Belleville campus, is now accept... 