Program Overview

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Massage Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program

Program description

The philosophy and curriculum of this collaborative program incorporates and utilizes evidence-based practice, clinical decision making, and therapeutic relationships as the basis of massage therapy. Students work collaboratively with peers and faculty to develop massage knowledge and skills that meet the Inter-Jurisdictional Practice Competencies and Performance Indicators as set out by the Federation of Massage Therapy Regulatory Authorities of Canada.

In the classroom, students focus on the theoretical frameworks that relate to massage and applied sciences. In the lab and clinic setting, students integrate knowledge from program courses to provide evidence-based, client-centred care. Under the guidance of a Registered Massage Therapist, students both receive and perform treatments. Students engage in diverse practicum experiences by practicing in a variety of clinics and outreaches. Please note that students are required to provide their own transportation to practicum placements.

Mission statement: Through a student-centred environment focused on success, Georgian’s Massage Therapy graduates are competent, professional therapists who are accountable for the standards of the profession, and are responsive to the needs of the consumer.

Flexible progression: Massage Therapy is a fast-track program delivered in six consecutive semesters. There may be flexibility to take a break between semesters. Connect with your program co-ordinator to explore possibilities.

Intake information

• Start date: Fall 2025
• Campus: Barrie
• Start date: Winter 2026
• Campus: Barrie

Tuition and fees

• Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
• You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

• This program includes a clinical placement component where you’ll get clinical experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional.
• Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

Admission requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required)
• It is recommended that a student take one additional science (Physics, Chemistry, Exercise Science or Introductory Kinesiology)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to:

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:

Additional information

Students must complete a Clinical Preparedness Permit (CPP) for participation in the program. Students are responsible for ensuring all CPP requirements are complete at the designated time. Please refer to the Placement Office website for details.

Information about placement requirements

To help you navigate the requirements to complete the clinical placement component(s) of this program (e.g. immunization, First Aid and CPR, criminal record screening and other non-academic requirements), please review the details below.

For more information about placements, visit the Placement Offices webpage.

Career opportunities

A Massage Therapist is a valued member of the Health Care Team. Once registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, graduates are qualified to work as a primary health care provider who supports and promotes the health, well-being, and quality of life of their clients. Graduates may give direct client care in a variety of inter-professional settings including:

• private practice
• massage, chiropractic and physiotherapy clinics
• interdisciplinary clinics
• hospitals
• long term care facilities
• sports teams
• fitness institutes
• private corporations/industries
• teaching environments

Pathways

Upon graduating from Georgian’s Massage Therapy advanced diploma program, consider furthering your studies.

Georgian has several articulation agreements with a number of university programs offering many desirable options for our graduates.

Browse available articulations

Accreditation

The Massage Therapy program at Georgian College is accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA).

“CMTCA’s rigorous standards and comprehensive accreditation process help education programs strengthen and improve the quality of the education they provide. Students of CMTCA-accredited programs can be confident that their training is helping them become qualified, competent, and caring health care professionals.” (Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation)

Georgian’s Massage Therapy program is recognized by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). As a graduate, you’ll be eligible to write the registration examination to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).

“The [CMTO] is the regulatory body that oversees Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs/MTs) working in the province. CMTO receives its authority from the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Massage Therapy Act, 1991. CMTO is not a school or an organization that advocates on behalf of RMTs. CMTO exists to protect the public interest.” (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario)

Massage Therapy students and graduates are eligible to become members of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO).

“The [RMTAO] is a member-driven, not-for-profit professional association for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in Ontario. The RMTAO exists in order to advance the profession of massage therapy in Ontario. The RMTAO advocates on behalf of the profession and provides resources and opportunities to help RMTs improve their knowledge, navigate the latest research and grow their practices.” (Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario)

Course overview

• 26 Program Courses
• 10 Clinical Placements
• 2 Communications Courses
• 3 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Massage Therapy program outline.

• BIOL 1037 – Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapy 1
• MASG 1008 – Professionalism in Massage Therapy 1
• MASG 1010 – Practice Consolidation 1
• MASG 1014 – Clinical Anatomy 1
• MASG 1015 – Massage Theory and Treatment Techniques 1
• Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Learn MORE about program delivery methods

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.