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Ministry-approved title: Massage Therapy
The Massage Therapy program prepares students with an interest in assessing and treating physical dysfunction and pain for a career as healthcare professionals. Firmly rooted in anatomy, the program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to become massage therapists. Students gain real-world opportunities to apply their skills at the DC Spa and through field placements in the community and are prepared at graduation to take the examinations required to become Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario. Massage Therapy is a rewarding, engaging and fun career.
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Students may qualify for advanced standing through the following transfer pathway:
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The Massage Therapy program is designed to equip students with the comprehensive skills and knowledge needed to succeed as Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in Ontario. The program emphasizes the technical and therapeutic aspects of massage therapy and the ethical, legal, and professional standards required for a successful career in this growing healthcare field. With a balance of theoretical learning and practical, hands-on experience, students will graduate well-prepared to meet the demands of this rewarding profession. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in clinical settings, corporate settings, spas or private practice.
In the massage therapist program, students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to provide safe, effective and ethical care at the entry-level of practice within the massage therapy profession. This includes developing a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology, which is essential for assessing clients and applying appropriate therapeutic techniques. Students will also learn about common musculoskeletal conditions and how massage therapy can aid in recovery, pain management, and overall wellness. Courses will also cover topics such as therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy, and other complementary modalities that enhance the effectiveness of massage therapy treatments.
Major emphasis is placed on the foundation of anatomy, which is then applied through hands-on techniques in clinical settings. Students will spend significant time practicing these techniques in supervised clinics, simulating real-world scenarios where they assess clients' needs and create customized treatment plans. Students practice and develop effective communication skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities to meet legal and ethical obligations according to legislative and profession-specific guidelines.
Self-care techniques, entrepreneurial knowledge and assessment skills are also emphasized. This combination of clinical expertise and business acumen ensures that graduates are well-prepared to join an established clinic or successfully launch their own practice.
The foundation for the massage therapy program in Ontario is based on the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics identified by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and the Inter-jurisdictional Practice Competencies and Performance Indicators identified by the Federation of Massage Therapy Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FOMTRAC).
Upon graduation, students will be eligible to attempt CMTO OSCE and MCQ registration exams to become a Registered Massage Therapist
Graduates will leave our massage therapy school with a deep understanding of the technical skills and professional expectations required in massage therapy. This holistic approach prepares them to provide high-quality care while adhering to the highest ethical standards, making them trusted healthcare providers in a variety of clinical environments. Whether working alongside chiropractors, physiotherapists, or other healthcare professionals, graduates with a massage therapy diploma will be well-positioned to deliver effective treatments.
The Massage Therapy Program at Durham College has been granted Preliminary Accreditation, the first step in the CMTCA accreditation process. Following a site visit to verify compliance with the standards, CMTCA will issue a final accreditation decision. www.cmtca.ca.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
In the Massage Therapy program, students use the knowledge and skills they have developed to provide care to patients in the community. Students act as massage therapy student practitioners under the supervision of Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) placement instructors.
To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 330 direct clinical placement hours, which are achieved through a combination of supervised on‑campus clinical experiences at the Durham College Spa and off‑campus clinical placements. These mandatory professional practicum experiences support the development of entry‑to‑practice competencies and follow the guidelines established by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA).
Please note: There are costs associated with Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV), immunizations, lab tests and certifications. Students should keep all receipts for income tax purposes. These costs include:
It is required that students have completed the ERV with Verified to be eligible for the field placement component of the massage therapy program in Ontario. Students must (at their expense) provide:
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Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk.
Explore the spaces at our massage therapy school where you’ll refine your techniques, collaborate with peers, and prepare for a successful career when you become a massage therapist. Our learning environments are designed to simulate real-world settings, ensuring you gain hands-on experience in a supportive and professional atmosphere.
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