Give new meaning to hands-on work with a diploma in Massage Therapy. Our 2,200-hour Massage Therapy program will immerse you in the field, focusing on the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for success as a registered massage therapist. It’s a field that demands considerable personal commitment, professionalism, and physical and emotional stamina – but it’s immensely rewarding.

Your classroom theory on how the body works and proper therapeutic techniques will be perfectly complemented by 700 hours of hands-on practicum experiences. In our on-campus student massage clinic, at independent businesses and in community settings, you’ll put into practice and improve upon your therapeutic massage skills, cultivate client-therapist relationships and develop essential business acumen.

Apply Now Grab and Go Information

Career Opportunities

You will be prepared to work as a massage therapist in a growing number of fields, including:

  • Massage Clinics and Spas
  • Private Health Care Providers
  • Sports Medicine Clinics
  • Chiropractic Clinics
  • Independent Practitioners
  • Long-Term Care Facilities

Visit ALIS website for more career information.

700 hours

of hands-on practicum experience in our on-campus massage clinic

2,200-hour

Massage Therapy program meets provincial and national standards

At-a-Glance

Starts-in

September

Credential / Accreditation

Diploma

Duration

2 years

Application Deadlines

Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.

Program Availability

View the program availability for the upcoming intakes.

Admissions

New students are accepted into the Massage Therapy two-year diploma program in the Fall (September) term. All prospective candidates will normally be expected to attend a one-day program orientation prior to program commencement.

General Admissions Requirements

All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.

Academic Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):

  • Grade 12 biology

It is also recommended that students have working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database software.

Supplies

Supplies such as linens and oils will be specified in class, and students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining them. Students are also required to purchase uniforms to be worn at all work-integrated learning experiences.

Transfers
Thompson Rivers University

Lethbridge College's Massage Therapy diploma graduates are eligible to receive up to 54 transfer credits into the Bachelor of Health Science or up to 60 transfer credits into the Bachelor of General Studies at Thompson Rivers University.

University of Lethbridge (pending renewal)

Graduates of Lethbridge College's Massage Therapy diploma program with a minimum 3.00 GPA are eligible to apply to the University of Lethbridge's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Sciences program for completion of their Bachelor of Health Sciences degree. Once admitted, students will be third-year degree level students at the University of Lethbridge in its Faculty of Health Sciences in all respects. 

Practicums
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements

This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The College dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.

Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).

Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student.  Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage.  In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta).  These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.

Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge College preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.

In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge College and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge College's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.

WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals.   WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.

Take a Viewbook

Need more information about Lethbridge College? Browse our viewbook for more details about programs, awards and scholarships, student life and more!

Download viewbook
Student in field with tablet

Apply Now!

Ready to take the next step? Apply online.

Apply
Students walking

Delivery Formats

The Massage Therapy program is available through the following delivery methods.

On Campus

This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge College campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.

Courses

View all courses
Course Title Credits
Year 1
Term I
BIO-1160 Anatomy and Physiology I 3
CSP-1150 Medical Terminology/Anatomy and Physiology 3
ENG-1159 Writing for the Workplace 3
MAS-1122 Practicum I 1.5
MAS-1140 Basic Massage 3
MAS-1152 Professional Practices Massage Therapy 3
  Credits 16.5
Term II
ACC-1125 Service-Based Accounting 1.5
BIO-1146 Joints and Soft Tissues 3
BIO-1161 Anatomy and Physiology II 3
MAS-1125 Practicum II 3
MAS-1130 Pathology 3
MAS-1157 Massage Techniques I 3
  Credits 16.5
Year 2
Term I
MAS-2250 Advanced Massage 3
MAS-2253 Assessment for Massage Therapists I 3
MAS-2254 Special Populations I 3
MAS-2255 Practicum III 3
PED-2257 Therapeutic Exercise 3
  Credits 15
Term II
BUS-1124 Service-Based Small Business Management 3
MAS-2257 Massage Techniques II 3
MAS-2258 Assessment for Massage Therapists II 3
MAS-2259 Practicum IV 3
MAS-2260 Special Populations II 3
MAS-2262 Integrated Practices in Massage Therapy 3
  Credits 18
  Total Credits 66
View course timetables

Tuition and Fees

Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 1
$5,161.00
$1,299.00
$1,730.00
Year 2
$5,717.00
$1,299.00
$1,050.00
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 1
$15,061.00
$1,299.00
$1,730.00
Year 2
$16,189.00
$1,299.00
$1,050.00
Notes

Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.

Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.

As part of the program requirements, students are expected to book a massage with a registered massage therapist prior to entering the program. This can cost anywhere from $40 - $100.

Budget Wizard

Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!

Budget Wizard

Need more information?

Scholarships

With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge College awards and scholarships for which you qualify, including these featured scholarships:

MAS.DIP