COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first semester, students begin their journey with a strong foundation in anatomy, communication, and clinical skills and techniques. They are introduced to the ethical responsibilities of massage therapy through a course on ethics and the code of conduct, and they learn about general health and wellness practices. The semester also includes an introductory course in assessment to begin building diagnostic and treatment planning skills. In the second semester, students continue to deepen their understanding of anatomy, with a focus on its application to massage therapy, and expand into anatomy and physiology. Communication skills are tailored specifically for clinical practice, while clinical techniques evolve with more advanced applications. This term also includes an elective focused on Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, as well as continued training in assessment and interpersonal relationships, helping students refine their professional interactions. During the third semester, students further their clinical training with advanced techniques and begin applying their skills in an on-campus clinic setting. They explore massage theory for special populations, delve into pathophysiology to better understand disease processes, and begin focusing on professional growth and development. The addition of therapeutic exercise introduces movement-based strategies to support client health. A general education elective complements their studies with broader academic learning. In the fourth semester, students begin clinical placement in real-world environments, expanding their hands-on experience. They continue to refine their techniques, study massage theory for additional specialized populations, and deepen their knowledge of neurology. Another round of on-campus clinic practice supports their development, while research concepts are introduced to build evidence-informed practice. A general education elective rounds out the academic workload. The fifth semester emphasizes business management and further clinical placements, preparing students for the operational side of the profession. Their clinical skills are advanced even further, and they continue learning massage therapy techniques for specific populations. Additional on-campus clinic time, combined with a second part of pathophysiology, ensures they are clinically prepared and confident in handling complex cases. In the final semester, students complete their last clinical placement and the most advanced level of clinical skills training. They also take a course in entrepreneurship to support future independent practice. A comprehensive review and OSCE preparation course ensures they are ready for licensing exams. Final on-campus clinic hours, combined with the completion of a research project, mark the culmination of their academic and clinical training, fully preparing them for professional practice.