2 years (6 terms) - PROGRAM SUSPENDED

It is an exciting time to become a registered massage therapist as its professional role in healthcare continues to improve and gain credibility in Alberta. Massage therapists are often self-employed health professionals, using their training and entrepreneurial savvy to manage their careers. Massage therapists can work in a variety of settings including sport and rehabilitation clinics, multi-disciplinary clinics, massage therapy clinics, nursing or long-term care homes, health and fitness clubs, sports organizations, and hospitals.

RDC’s Massage Therapy diploma is a 2 year, 6 term comprehensive clinical program designed to develop well-rounded massage therapists who are able to practice in a wide range of medical and therapeutic environments. Unique to RDC’s program is the comprehensive threading of eastern concepts alongside the western approach to the body, well-being, injuries and rehabilitation through our ‘complementary and alternative therapy’ courses. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of different perspectives of treatment and the appropriate applications of each, all while developing their knowledge through sound, evidence-based practices.

As a massage therapist, there are opportunities to collaborate with many different types of people to improve health and well-being, rehabilitate injuries, and manage complex health conditions. At RDC, we feel that it’s beneficial for the student to learn in an inter-professional context as a massage therapist serves as an active member of the health-care team. Consequently, some courses are offered in an inter-professional context so that the student may understand the concept of rehabilitation from a variety of perspectives.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be eligible for registration (RMT) through the Massage Therapy Association of Alberta, The Remedial Massage Therapists Association and/or the Natural Practitioners Association of Canada. Two tracks of Thai Massage and Sport Massage are studied in this program. After successful completion of this program, a student will have completed Thai Massage, Level I and II and the ‘Sport Injuries’, ‘Sport Massage’ and ‘Sport Physiology’ components of the International Sport Massage Diploma program. Sport massage hours accumulated through this program may be applied to the hours required for certification through the Canadian Sport Massage Therapy Association (CSMTA). For more information regarding these programs, students can contact the CSMTA National Office.

Upon successful completion of this diploma through the following program outcomes, the students will be able to:

1. Recognize the role of massage therapy in health care, sport and rehabilitation
2. Identify and explain the physiology and functions of the human body and its systems using accurate terminology
3. Recognize changes that affect each body system (anatomical, physiological, and pathophysiological) and the effects of these changes
4. Conduct systematic and comprehensive client assessment to determine health status, impairments, functional limitations, and goals of the client) and refer clients appropriately
5. Develop and assess specific treatment plans for a variety of conditions, injuries, and illnesses for a diverse range of clients (children, adults, individuals with disabilities, aging, etc.) including the client's needs and goals
6. Participate as an active member of an interdisciplinary team, or circle of care, to enhance client outcomes
7. Seek feedback from and collaborate with massage therapists and health care professionals in order to provide the best patient care possible
8. Explain and discuss with clients therapeutic exercise options to address flexibility, strength, posture, balance, and cardio-respiratory function
9. Perform safe, competent, and comprehensive massage therapy and/or relaxation techniques and evaluate outcomes
10. Meet legal and ethical obligations to legislative and profession specific guidelines
11. Employ a variety of communication strategies (verbal, nonverbal, written and technological) to effectively and respectfully build positive relationships with a diverse range of clients and their 277 families and also with other healthcare professionals
12. Establish and maintain positive, empathetic, ethical, moral and confidential client-centered relationships
13. Evaluate and synthesize relevant research literature on an ongoing basis in order to explore areas of interest and maintain competency in entry-to-practice skills
14. Evaluate business practices and structures in order to effectively manage client information, plan marketing, and establish proper accounting system.

1. Academic requirements:

A minimum of:

• 60% in ELA 30-1 or 75% in ELA 30-2 or equivalent
• 60% in Biology 30 or equivalent; and
• 50% in a 30 level math course (Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, Math 30 Applied or equivalent) or another 30 level science course

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

2. Non-Academic requirement

• Immunization to be completed prior to program start date

3. Additional requirements

• In addition to the above requirements the applicant must provide evidence of current CPR certification at the Health Care Provider level and Standard First Aid. You must re-certify CPR each year.

Note: While not an admission requirement for the program, applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a Police Information Check (also known as a Criminal Record Check) including a Vulnerable Sector Check to most agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of police information or a criminal record may prevent practicum placement, program completion, professional licensure and therefore affect future employment prospects. It is the decision of each agency or institution to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the police information check.

You must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00