MASSAGE THERAPY
Program Outline
Major: MASG / MASF (Fast Track)
Length: 3 Years (MASG)
2 Years (MASF)
Delivery: 6 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall (MASG) (MASF)
Winter (MASF)
Students requesting a Vulnerable Sector Screening Check from the OPP, must complete this Request Form
Description
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the entry-level standards of practice as set out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario through a blend of theoretical and effective treatment instruction. Students will participate in clinics and outreach practice settings that enable them to develop the necessary skills to perform an effective plan of care. This program is offered with both traditional and fast-track deliveries. Students can take the program in either the traditional delivery consisting of 6 semester offered over 3 years with a break during the summers, or elect to fast-track by studying 6 semesters straight over a 2 year period without any breaks.
Career Opportunities
A Massage Therapist is a valued member of the Health Care Team. Graduates will be able to work in a health care profession that supports and promotes the health, well being, and quality of life of their clients. Graduates may give direct client care in the following settings: Chiropractic Clinics, Physiotherapy Clinics, Hospitals, Medical and Health Centres, Private Physicians' Offices, Long Term Care Facilities, Professional and Amateur Sports Teams, Fitness Institutes, Aesthetic and Health Spas, Private Corporations/Industries, Teaching Environments.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- apply critical thinking processes in problem solving and decision-making in client assessment, development of treatment plan, treatment, and on-going care;
- access current and pertinent research to self-reflect, self-direct and create best practices and current outcomes;
- apply generic skills for life-long learning and for personal and professional growth;
- establish professional relationships with Massage Therapy colleagues and members of interdisciplinary and community teams;
- influence the advancement of the Massage Therapy profession;
- practice and promote Massage Therapy within the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice;
- promote and evaluate the benefits of Massage Therapy treatment to the public;
- define professional development strategies that lead to the enhancement of work performance, career opportunities and keep pace with industry and environmental changes;
- maintain professional readiness to ensure quality care;
- apply appropriate business principles to a massage therapy practice;
- recognize and stress the importance of utilizing environmentally friendly products and supplies within the work environment;
- respond to environmental issues related to the Massage Therapy trade and keeps pace with industry and environmental changes.
Program Progression
This program is offered in two delivery formats: Regular 3 year stream and a fast-track option. The fast track option allows for students to complete 6 straight semesters and complete the program in 2 calendar years. Please see the chart below for details.
Regular Stream - Fall Intake (MASG) 2011
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Sem 5 - Fall 2013
Sem 6 - Winter 2014
Fast-Track - Fall Intake (MASF) 2011
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Sem 3 - Summer 2012
Sem 4 - Fall 2012
Sem 5 - Winter 2013
Sem 6 - Summer 2013
Fast-Track - Winter Intake (MASF) 2012
Sem 1 - Winter 2012
Sem 2 - Summer 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Sem 5 - Summer 2013
Sem 6 - Fall 2013
Note: When applying through OCAS for the Fast Track stream, use OCAS
Identifier MASF
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Information can be found on Georgian's website at www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/articulations/.
External Recognition
The graduate of this program will be recommended to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to write the provincial registration examinations. Successful completion of these examinations and compliance with the Regulated Health Professions Act will entitle you to become a Registered Massage Therapist and a member of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Please note: The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) is the body responsible for regulating massage therapy in Ontario and sets entry to practice requirements that massage therapists must meet to become registered in Ontario. The CMTO is dedicated to excellence in protecting the public, serving its members, and promoting the highest possible quality of the practice of massage therapy in a safe and ethical manner.
Admission Requirements
All applicants must have a completed Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) at the college level or equivalent with satisfactory grades in each of the following courses:
* Grade 12 English C or U (ENG4C, ENG4U)
* Grade 11 C or U, or Grade 12 Biology (SBI3U/C, SBI4U) or Grade 12 U Exercise Science (PSE4U)
* Also recommended are Grade 11 or 12 U Chemistry or Grade 12 C Chemistry (SCH3U, SCH4C, SCH4U) OR Grade 11 or 12 U Physics or Grade 12 C Physics (SPH3U, SPH4U, SPH4C).
OR Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE) program with the following
courses:
* Communications and Biology
OR Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate (GED), plus Biology
OR Mature applicant* with standing in the required courses and/or mature student
testing/challenge exams that meet the minimum standards for admission
*Additionally, applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counseling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.
Selection Process
Selection is based on admission requirements and academic grades.
Criminal Reference Check
Field placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to the start of the program. Students should obtain their criminal reference check no sooner than one month prior to the beginning of the school year; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. Students are required to provide these checks prior to program start. NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent the student from completing graduation requirements.
Additional Information
Applicants must have an up-to-date immunization record in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act. Completion and submission of this record is required during registration in order to ensure your placement in clinical and field placement facilities. Students who do not provide this proof of Registration Requirement may be unable to complete clinical and field placements.
A Hepatitis B vaccination is required for your own safety.
To be eligible for all practicum placements, students must have:
* Level HCP CPR and Standard First Aid on admission to the program. Level HCP CPR must be renewed annually while in the program
* A completed Clinical Preparedness Permit
* A current police record check including a vulnerable sector screen
* A record of mask fit test, renewed every two years (will be done at the college in Semester One)
Proof of two (1 hour) massage therapy treatments by 2 separate RMTs is recommended and must be presented prior to Clinical placement.
Graduation Requirements
27 Mandatory courses
2 Communications Courses
5 General Education Courses
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the overall passing average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade or P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
BIOL1014 The Essential Body
BIOL1005 Pathology 1
BIOL1007 Pathology 2
BIOL1015 Human Physiology
BIOL2002 Pathology 3
BIOL3001 Neuroanatomy
BUSI3007 Business Principles for the Regulated Professional
MASG1001 Therapeutic Relationships
MASG1004 Massage Theory and Practice 1
MASG1005 Clinical Anatomy 1
MASG1006 Massage Theory and Practice 2
MASG1007 Introduction to Clinical Practice
MASG2002 Clinical Anatomy 2
MASG2003 Massage Theory and Practice 3
MASG2004 Clinical Assessment
MASG2005 Clinical Practice 1
MASG2006 Massage Theory and Practice 4
MASG2007 Remedial Exercise
MASG2008 Clinical Practice 2
MASG2009 Outreach 1
MASG3005 Massage Theory and Practice 5
MASG3006 Clinical Practice 3
MASG3007 Outreach 2
MASG3008 Massage Theory and Practice 6
MASG3009 Massage Practice Consolidation
MASG3010 Outreach 3
MASG3011 Clinical Practice 4
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list
(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIOL 1005 Pathology 1 42.0 Hours
This course will introduce the student to the basic principles of the study of disease and dysfunction. Course concepts will focus on the cause, development and progress of disease, and how the body is affected. The integumentary, musculoskeletal, immune, and reproductive systems will be examined.
BIOL1007 Pathology 2 42.0 Hours
This course will introduce the student to the basic principles of the study of disease and dysfunction. Course concepts will focus on the cause, development and progress of disease, and how the body is affected. The pathologies of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and renal systems will be examined.
BIOL1014 The Essential Body 42.0 Hours
This course will provide the student with a foundational overview of human anatomy from a systems perspective including but not limited to the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, integumentary, immune, endocrine and reproductive systems. Focus will be on the inter relationships of these systems as it relates to normal human function.
BIOL1015 Human Physiology 42.0 Hours
This course provides a systems approach to the normal physiological processes of the body to maintain homeostasis. The content will provide the foundation of information which will allow an increased understanding of the changes seen in pathological states studied further throughout the program.
BIOL 2002 Pathology 3 42.0 Hours
This course will introduce the student to the basic principles of the study of disease and dysfunction. Course concepts will focus on the cause, development and progress of disease, and how the body is affected. The pathologies of the endocrine, neurological, and special senses will be examined.
BIOL3001 Neuroanatomy 42.0 Hours
This course introduces the student to the normal structure and function of the nervous system. Course of study continues with neurological pathologies and the associated clinical manifestations. Neurological assessment will be examined in more depth and clinical strategies will be presented.
BUSI3007 Business Principles for the Regulated Professional 42.0 Hours
In today's economic reality, many health care professionals will find themselves either self-employed, or employed on a part-time basis or on a contract by a small business. Students in this course will learn about their rights and responsibilities under various forms of employment. Students will also be exposed to the basic business concepts for establishing and operating a successful small business in their chosen health care field, and under the guidelines provided by the appropriate College and/or regulatory agency.
COMM 1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
MASG 1001 Therapeutic Relationships 42.0 Hours
This course will introduce the student to the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice for massage therapists and to the legislative, regulatory and general healthcare principles required for clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on development of verbal and non-verbal skills for effective communication with clients and other healthcare providers. The principles presented in this course will be reviewed, stressed and built upon throughout the student's three year learning experience.
MASG1004 Massage Theory and Practice 1 84.0 Hours
This course introduces students to massage therapy from ancient origins to present applications. Basic massage therapy techniques and their positive and negative physiological effects will be presented. Students will be able to perform fundamental techniques on the full body to reduce stress. It will provide the student with strategies to prepare for the challenges of the profession including self care and nutrition. In preparation for clinical experiences, the lab setting will enable the student to reinforce theoretical concepts from a foundational level.
MASG1005 Clinical Anatomy 1 84.0 Hours
This is a regional view of anatomy involving the axial skeleton and includes the study of the bones, joints and muscles. The normal physiological processes of the neuromuscular system will be covered. The lab component reinforces the content in the theory class through skills labs which will include but are not limited to palpations.
MASG1006 Massage Theory and Practice 2 84.0 Hours
This course builds upon the basic techniques learned in Massage Theory and Practice 1. The student will learn a variety of more advanced skills including, hydrotherapy, range of motion assessment, interpreting case histories and creating a treatment plan. Pharmacology and its implications with regard to massage will also be discussed.
MASG1007 Introduction to Clinical Practice 42.0 Hours
Students will acquire the skills necessary to be successful in a clinical setting. Including both a theoretical and practical component, the student will learn conflict resolution, computer-based booking software, time management and application of the standards of practice. The skills of intake interview, case history review and appropriate record-keeping will also be emphasized.
MASG2002 Clinical Anatomy 2 84.0 Hours
This course continues the study of human anatomy with emphasis on the appendicular skeleton. It will include osteology, syndesmology and myology. The lab component reinforces the content in the theory class through skills labs which will include but are not limited to palpations.
MASG2003 Massage Theory and Practice 3 84.0 Hours
This course introduces the student to the treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies that may be presented in a massage therapy practice. It will include postural dysfunctions, repetitive strain injuries and pathologies which require treatment modifications. The lab component will incorporate the material and concepts presented in anatomy, physiology, pathology and previous massage theory courses. This will reinforce the student's ability to perform a safe and effective massage treatment.
MASG2004 Clinical Assessment 42.0 Hours
This course will introduce the student to a systematic outcome based approach to assessing and reassessing a client to develop outcome measures. Through both theory and lab setting the student will be able to perform a variety of assessments which will include orthopedic testing, gait analysis, neurological testing and on-field assessment.
MASG2005 Clinical Practice 1 42.0 Hours
This course is the student's first experience treating clients in the public clinic. Students will have to meet certain competencies related to previous and current courses. Emphasis will be placed on the fundamentals of critical thinking through treatment planning. Students will work in the public clinic once per week for the entire semester.
MASG2006 Massage Theory and Practice 4 84.0 Hours
This course introduces the student to the treatment of cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory and gastrointestinal pathologies in a massage therapy practice. The role of massage therapy in palliative care will be studied. The lab component will incorporate the material and concepts presented in anatomy, physiology, pathology and previous massage theory courses. This will reinforce the student's ability to perform a safe and effective treatment.
MASG2007 Remedial Exercise 42.0 Hours
The students will learn the principles behind stretching, strengthening, mobilization, and aerobic activity in order to effectively incorporate remedial exercise prescription into their treatments. This course studies the use of exercise for prevention and rehabilitation of injury, including structure and progression of range of motion exercise, stretches and strength building.
MASG2008 Clinical Practice 2 42.0 Hours
This course continues with the student's experience in the public clinic. Students will have to meet certain competencies related to previous and current courses. Emphasis will be placed on further developing the critical thinking skills of the clinicians through the creation of treatment plans, exercise prescription and client self-care. Students will work in the public clinic once per week for the entire semester.
MASG2009 Outreach 1 42.0 Hours
This course introduces the student to treatment experiences outside of the public clinic. The student will perform treatments specific to the group or institution involved. This may take place either on-campus or within the community.
MASG3005 Massage Theory and Practice 5 84.0 Hours
This course introduces the student to the treatment of neurological conditions and arthritic pathologies that may be presented in a massage therapy practice. The lab component will incorporate the material and concepts presented in anatomy, physiology, pathology and previous massage theory courses. This will reinforce the student's ability to perform a safe and effective treatment. Students will consolidate theory and treatment applications relevant to the clinical presentations discussed.
MASG3006 Clinical Practice 3 42.0 Hours
This course continues with the student's experience in the public clinic. Students will have to meet certain competencies related to previous and current courses. Emphasis will be placed on further developing the critical thinking skills of the clinicians through the creation of treatment plans, exercise prescription, client self-care and the implementation of the treatment plan. Students will work in the public clinic once per week for the entire semester.
MASG3007 Outreach 2 42.0 Hours
This course continues with the student's treatment experiences outside of the public clinic. The student will perform treatments specific to the group or institution involved. This may take place either on-campus or within the community.
MASG3008 Massage Theory and Practice 6 84.0 Hours
Building on massage theory and Practice 5, this course will again combine theory and practice to have students apply more advanced techniques to more complex disorders. The lab component is a continuation of the course and provides the student with the opportunity to practice and consolidate material both newly learned and previously acquired skills.
MASG3009 Massage Practice Consolidation 42.0 Hours
This course will enable the student to consolidate all previous and current theoretical and practical content. Students will be able to identify their strengths through comprehensive evaluations and oral practical exams. Through self reflection, the student will determine areas of required review. The role of research literacy and its influence on best practice philosophy will be demonstrated through the understanding of quantitative and qualitative results.
MASG3010 Outreach 3 42.0 Hours
This course continues with the student's treatment experiences outside of the public clinic. The student will perform treatments specific to the group or institution involved. This may take place either on-campus or within the community.
MASG3011 Clinical Practice 4 42.0 Hours
This course continues the student's experience in the public clinic. Students will have to acquire certain competencies related to previous courses. Emphasis will be placed on further developing the critical thinking skills of the clinicians through the creation of treatment plans, exercise prescription, client self-care and the implementation of the treatment plan. Students will be required to work in the public clinic once per week for the entire semester.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: March 08, 2012.
