This article detailed the massage therapy schools in Ontario for those who are looking for a job that gives a sense of purpose, a job that provides stability, and a paycheck.
Becoming a massage therapist has many appealing benefits. What’s more appealing than a career with job security? The demand for licensed massage therapists is steadily on the rise.
In Ontario, the employment outlook for massage therapists according to jobbank.gc.ca will be fair for the 2021-2023 period.
Some of the contributing factors to this outlook are:
- Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to such things as retirements.
- A small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Read on to see the massage therapy schools in Ontario and the general job outlook for massage therapists in Ontario.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
Most of the massage therapists in Ontario work in private or group practices with other health practitioners such as chiropractic or physiotherapy services, and outpatient care centers.
A smaller number of massage therapists in Ontario work in personal care services such as spas and massage clinics.
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment in Ontario?
- The demand for massage services is expected to increase to meet the needs of a growing and aging population, supporting work in this occupation.
- The growing use of complementary and alternative treatments such as massage therapy to manage conditions such as chronic illnesses and acute pain, as well as support mental health.
- Greater overall focus on physical and mental awareness and illness prevention by the general population.
- Consumer’s ability to pay the full or partial cost of massage therapy services.
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed in Massage Therapy?
- Your registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) is a requirement to practice massage therapy.
- It is important to note that only those registered with the CMTO are allowed to use the titles Registered Massage Therapist or Massage Therapist.
Key Facts About Massage Therapists in the Ontario Region
- Approximately 12, 450 people work in this occupation.
- Massage therapists mainly work in the following sectors:
1. Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 86%
2. Personal and laundry services (NAICS 812): 9%
- The distribution of full-time as well as part-time workers in this occupation is:
1. Full-time workers: 54% compared to 79% for all occupations.
2. Part-time workers: 46% compared to 21% for all occupations.
Furthermore, 58% of massage therapists work all year, while 42% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations.
Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 31 weeks for all occupations.
66% of massage therapists are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
Other Facts About Massage Therapy in Ontario
- Self-employment is common practice in this occupation.
- You must have the ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to meet your client’s needs.
The Reasons to Become a Massage Therapist
- High Demand
- A Career You Can Start Quickly
- Flexible Schedule
- Variety of Work Environments
- Relaxing Environment
High Demand
The first reason why you might have decided to attend the massage therapy schools in Ontario is the high demand for massage therapists.
Massage therapy is in high demand and of course, it is a career with job security.
The demand for licensed massage therapists is steadily on the rise. New massage therapy jobs are constantly being created in places such as nursing homes and office buildings.
A Career You Can Start Quickly
Students who graduate from the massage therapy schools in Ontario graduate with all the skills required to do the job right away.
Massage therapy schools in Ontario involve a lot of hands-on training.
Students are trained in musculature, anatomy, and multiple massage therapy techniques.
By the time they graduate, they have enough practical experience to work at Spas, hospitals, clinics, or even out of their own homes.
Flexible Schedule
Most massage therapists are self-employed. This means you decide to set your own schedule.
You can work full-time or part-time, and it is easy to set schedule appointments around your other obligations as you juggle other professional pursuits.
Variety of Work Environments
The beauty of massage therapy is that there are tons of locations to find clients. From health clinics to the beach.
Massage therapists work in medical settings and spas. Apart from these settings, massage therapists can decide to work at home or travel to clients. Hot tourist spots, resorts, and cruise ships employ massage therapists all over the world.
Relaxing Environment
As a massage therapist, you are guaranteed to find yourself at work in a relaxing environment that is characterized by appealing elements such as soft music, soothing smells, and warm linens.
The peace-invoking atmosphere makes it a relaxing experience not only for the client but for the massage therapist too. Now let’s dive into the massage therapy schools in Ontario.
The List of Massage Therapy Schools in Ontario
In Ontario, diploma programs in Massage Therapy are offered at colleges of applied arts and technology, as well as private career colleges that are registered with and approved by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
The college of Massage Therapists of Ontario(CMTO) does not grant approval to educational institutions or Massage Therapy education programs.
The following educational programs are recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
Successful completion of any of the following educational programs in any of those massage therapy schools in Ontario means you have met the CMTO’s educational requirement.
Algonquin College of Applied Arts & Technology – Nepean
The Massage Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program provides you with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide safe, effective, and ethical care at an entry-level practice within the massage therapy profession.
Graduates from this program have the knowledge, skills, and judgment to provide safe, competent, and ethical care as entry-level massage therapists.
In choosing this program, you learn about anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, professional communication, ethics, jurisprudence in healthcare, massage theory, and massage practice skills.
Bryan College of Applied Health and Business Sciences – North York
Bryan College is dedicated to providing you with a unique, hands-on experience from qualified educators, who will help coach and mentor you individually based on your learning style.
You’ll also gain extensive experience in their student massage clinic, and through the Student Outreach program, where you’ll work directly with the public in applying concepts and techniques learned in class.
Once you complete your program, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to transition to the professional work environment confidently.
Cambrian College – Sudbury
Cambrian’s Massage Therapy program will prepare you to work in a health care setting, athletic organization, or wellness center or pursue your own private practice as a Registered Massage Therapist.
Their health-focused program will give you in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and neurology, along with intensive training in massage therapy techniques to provide the best treatment and prevention options for your clients.
You’ll apply your skills in seven clinical placements, with opportunities to practice massage therapy in diverse health care settings on campus and in the community.
Cambrian’s Massage Therapy Program has been granted Preliminary Accreditation by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA).
Canadian College of Health Science and Technology – Windsor
- Program Length: 69 weeks
Their massage therapy program provides students with a detailed study of the musculoskeletal system.
The content builds upon the introductory material learned in Body-Mind-Spirit Connection I.
Selected portions of the body will be studied region-by-region examining: the skeletal features, the muscular attachments, the nervous innervation, and the blood supply.
Concurrent laboratory experience will focus on the identification of landmarks, palpation of the muscle group(s), functional testing of each muscle, and its contribution to the normal range of motion.
CDI College – Business Technology Healthcare – North York
CDI College stands out among massage therapy schools in Ontario for its dedication to its students’ success.
Their Massage Therapy diploma program prepares students to become valued, well-paid members of the healthcare industry in private clinics, medical and rehabilitation Centres, hospitals, spas, fitness facilities, or as self-employed massage therapists.
This diploma program teaches fundamental massage skills such as hydrotherapy, palpation, remedial exercise, and patient assessment.
Students learn different types of massage treatments, along with medical topics including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.
Their massage therapy courses also cover industry ethics and professional communications.
Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology – Scarborough
The Massage Therapy program at Centennial College will provide you with both the fundamental and advanced massage therapy skills to become a successful massage therapist.
This advanced diploma health program will emphasize professionalism and teach an evidence-based approach to assessment, treatment planning, and implementation.
Recognized as a distinctive and rigorous offering within the School of Community and Health Studies, this college health program will balance a combination of theory and practical application through in-class lectures, lab experience, an onsite public clinic, and off-site outreach placements.
You’ll learn the proper assessment tools and techniques to deal with various conditions that involve lymph, muscle, nerve, fascia, and joints of the body and a wellness focus that maintains physical health, function, and mobility, making them a good choice among other massage therapy schools in Ontario.
Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning – Kitchener (Program starts on September 6, 2022)
The Massage Therapy program is geared toward those individuals with an interest in health care and helping people, an aptitude for science and problem solving, and direct hands-on application of skills.
This three-year advanced diploma is designed to meet the educational requirements for certification, through examination, as a Registered Massage Therapist by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
This fully-integrated program covers the basic biological sciences such as anatomy and physiology, massage therapy-specific knowledge and skills, and clinical reasoning and therapeutic decision making.
CTS Canadian Career College – Barrie, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie
Their Massage Therapy program has been developed to meet the established standards of the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA) and prepares you to complete the steps to become a regulated massage therapist in Ontario.
Their program is offered at our Barrie, North Bay and Sault Ste Marie campuses.
D’Arcy Lane Institute – London
This is one of the massage therapy schools in Ontario wherein you can become a fully certified Registered Massage Therapist in less than two years.
Durham College – Oshawa
Do you have the desire to be a health care professional and want to know how to assess and treat physical dysfunction and pain?
In this program that is strongly rooted in anatomy, you will gain the knowledge and skills to be a massage therapist.
Massage Therapy is a career that is rewarding, engaging, and fun!
Elegance College of Healthcare Services and Cosmetology – Cornwall
The Massage Therapy Diploma Program at Elegance College of Healthcare Services and Cosmetology will qualify the successful student to apply for the Certification Examinations at the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).
Please refer to CMTO for more information about the requirements and process for becoming a Registered Massage Therapist (R.M.T) in Ontario.
Once registered the Massage Therapist will have the opportunity to join the health care professionals and open their own clinic as an R.M.T. or find employment in existing clinics, sports facilities, healthcare institutions, and spas.
Fanshawe College – London
Massage Therapy (Accelerated) is a three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program offered in an accelerated format over two years.
Students will learn to maintain, rehabilitate, and augment physical function to relieve pain. Students will be able to master their skills within the student-run clinic.
Graduates will feel confident entering the workforce by having a strong understanding of massage theory and practice.
Georgian College – Barrie
Through a blend of theoretical and hands-on experiences, students gain the knowledge, skills, beliefs and values necessary to meet the Inter-Jurisdictional Practice Competencies and Performance Indicators as set out by the Federation of Massage Therapy Regulatory Authorities of Canada.
Students also participate in our public clinic and off-site agencies, which allows students to assess and treat a diverse patient population.
Other massage therapy schools in Ontario are listed below:
- Kikkawa College – Toronto
- Lambton College of Applied Arts & Technology – Sarnia (until August 2024)
- Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology – Belleville
- Medix School – Brampton, Kitchener, London, Scarborough, Toronto (Career College Group)
- National Institute – Brampton
- Ontario College of Health & Technology – Stoney Creek
- Oxford College – Burlington, Mississauga, Peterborough, Toronto, Barrie
- Pharma-Medical Science College of Canada – North York
- Protégé School – Scarborough
- Sir Sandford Fleming College of Applied Arts & Technology – Peterborough
- Sutherland-Chan School – Toronto
- Trillium College – Kingston, Oshawa, Sudbury, St. Catharines
- triOS College– Hamilton, London, Mississauga, Windsor, Kitchener, Toronto
- Westervelt College – London, Kitchener, Brantford, Windsor
- Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy – Cambridge, Toronto (Program no longer operating as of May 20, 2020)
- Collège Boreal – Sudbury
Career-relevant Skills and Modalities:
- Swedish Massage
- Sports Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
- Therapeutic Rehabilitation
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Myofascial and Superficial Fascial
- Friction Therapy
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Joint Play
- Hydrotherapy
- Client Home-Care Plans
- Remedial Exercises for Rehabilitation
- Client Assessment
- Orthopedic Assessments
- Therapeutic Relations
- Clinical Therapy
- which is open to the public
- Anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
- Spa operations, merchandising, and sales
Attractive Career Opportunities
Massage Therapists work in a variety of settings such as:
- Health & Wellness Spas and Resorts
- Medical Spas
- Fitness Clubs
- Cruise Ships
- Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Clinics
- Health and Wellness Centers
- Rehabilitation/Pain Management Centers
- Nursing Homes/Hospices
- Sports Teams & Athletes
- Self Employment
How long does it take to become a massage therapist in Ontario?
To become a massage therapist, completion of an 18-to-24 month or 18-to-36-month program in massage therapy is required and of course, it must be from an accredited school, and also a period of supervised practical training is required.
How much does massage therapy school cost in Ontario?
Most massage therapy programs in Canada have tuition that ranges from $15,000 – $35,000 and that does not include the cost of books and supplies.
How much do massage therapists make in Ontario?
According to a recent survey, the average income for a registered massage therapist in Ontario was $42,771 before taxes including full-time and part-time workers.
Most full-time massage therapists earn about $60,000 to $72,000, while part-timers earn $12,000 to $17,000.23.
How much does a massage therapist make an hour in Ontario?
The average salary for a massage therapist is $58.46 per hour in Ontario.
In conclusion, massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. To get skilled in this art, attending the massage therapy schools in Ontario is a great step toward this career path.
What are your thoughts about these massage therapy schools in Ontario? Please leave a comment below.
Editor’s Pick
Footnote:https://www.cmto.com/become-an-rmt/education-in-ontario/