Be ready to gain a hands-on education.
Your classroom theory, on how the body works and proper therapeutic techniques, will be perfectly complemented by 700-hours of hands-on practicum experiences. Your learning will take place in our on-campus student massage clinic, at independent businesses and in community settings, allowing you to improve upon your therapeutic massage skills, cultivate client-therapist relationships, and develop essential business acumen.
Looking for the Massage Clinic? Find it here.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Massage Therapy at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Here you’ll experience all aspects of running a successful clinic, from client intake and massage to bookkeeping and doing laundry. You’ll have the opportunity to partake in immersive scenarios through our award-winning Simulation Hub. Our massage program is accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation and led by dedicated, caring and knowledgeable instructors who will guide you as you complete 2,200-hours of required training. You’ll be ready to start your career providing therapy through massage.
700
hours of hands-on practicum experience in our on-campus massage clinic
Accredited
2,200-hour
Massage Therapy program meets provincial and national standards
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
95%
of Massage Therapy grads had a related job less than one year after completing the program
56%
of employers who hire massage therapists have recruited in the last two years
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNew applicants 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 Polytechnic 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.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Massage Therapy diploma.
The Lethbridge Polytechnic Massage Therapy Program meets Alberta requirements for Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) membership. Prospective students who reside outside of Alberta should research their provincial requirements for RMT membership.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) Certification | Outgoing |
Ongoing
Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) CertificationGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's 2,200 hour Massage Therapy Diploma are eligible to work as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in the province of Alberta after applying and joining one of the provincial massage associations. Massage Associations in Alberta include the following: Massage Therapist Association of Alberta, Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association, Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, and Certified Registered Massage Therapist Association. Proof of successful graduation is required for membership. |
| University of Lethbridge | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Science - Public Health | Outgoing |
May 2022 - May 2027
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Science - Public HealthGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Massage Therapy Diploma, with a GPA of 3.00 or higher, are eligible for admission into the University of Lethbridge's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Science - Public Health. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website for more information. |
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements
This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The Polytechnic 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 Polytechnic, 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 Polytechnic 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 Polytechnic'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.
| 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 | |
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$5,547.00
|
$1,547.00
|
$1,500.00
|
| Year 2
|
$5,954.00
|
$1,547.00
|
$800.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$17,922.00
|
$1,547.00
|
$1,500.00
|
| Year 2
|
$19,749.00
|
$1,547.00
|
$800.00
|
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.
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.
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!
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 Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
Featured Graduates
Alana Weber
“I have always been interested in manual therapies and manual healing techniques. I needed a change and took a risk. I had never been to Lethbridge before starting college. Our massage instructors are top notch. They have the personal experience necessary to give perspective and instruction. And student services and the students’ association are always very helpful.”
Kelly Cabera
“My experience as a student in Lethbridge College’s Massage Therapy program was busy, and the courses were in-depth and intense. The science-based approach, labs and clinical experiences prepared me for real life. Today, the most fulfilling part of owning my own massage therapy business is the ability to mentor my staff. We approach massage therapy beyond just the physical body and recognize your health impacts your overall wellbeing."
Raelyn Rutledge
“I chose the Massage Therapy program because I was always interested in helping people. I had a couple massage therapists help me out through my injuries and I wanted to help people get back into doing what they love.”