Thursday, December 27, 2012

Massage Therapy Program Emphasizes Practical Practice

According to Wikipedia, in Canada three provinces regulate massage therapy: British Columbia, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canadian Massage Therapists Alliance (CMTA) has set a level of 2,200 practice hours in both Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, and 3,000 hours in British Columbia. In Ontario, a respected Massage Therapy program is offered at Centennial College in Toronto.


This undertaking prides itself on offering students three years of knowledge with a major emphasis on practical practice and business savvy. To apply for the Massage Therapy training, students must have completed at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have finished the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent; Biology 11C, M or U, or 12C, M or U or equivalent and one of the following sciences: 11C, M or U, or 12 C, M or U Chemistry or Physics, or Exercise Science or equivalent. After receiving an offer of admission, students will receive a document to be completed by a doctor or a nurse who will confirm that the student meets the health requirements of legislated acts, ministry guidelines and agency policies.
 

Based out of Centennial College’s most technologically advanced location, Morningside Campus, the use of live labs and supervised practice is an essential part of the Massage Therapy program and complements what students learn in class. Speaking of classes, Massage Therapy courses cover both a massage education and business knowledge. For example, students learn the assessment and hands-on treatment of the muscles, fascia and joints of the body to improve or maintain optimal physical health, function and mobility. As a result, they master a variety of techniques including: Swedish massage, facial and rhythmic techniques, trigger point therapy, remedial exercise, stretching techniques, wax baths, whirlpools and steam cabinets. Meanwhile, knowledge of business practices ensures that students of Massage Therapy courses can become self-employed. These courses include: Massage Theory and Practice; Issues & Research Literacy in Massage Therapy; Legislation, Standards and Professionalism; Professional Practice; and Creating an Independent Practice.


Once they finish their Massage Therapy training, students can take the registration examinations, which are administered by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to qualify for Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) designation. Students have shown an excellent success rate at the CMTO entry-to-practice examinations. Upon completion, Massage Therapy training grads enter the industry. These grads may be self-employed or work in multidisciplinary healthcare facilities or hospitals. Sports rehabilitation clinics and health spas represent a growing service sector in North America that will employ graduates. Another emerging market is on-site therapy, typically provided in the workplace by large companies as a health benefit to employees.


Alternatively, students can continue their education by attending a program at the Massage Therapy program’s educational partner, Athabasca University.

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