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
Massage Therapist with patient
Massage Therapist with another student

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

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.

Two massage therapists with patient

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.

Program Availability
Domestic Status
International Status
PGWP Eligible
Notes
Fall 2026
Open
Open
Eligible 51.3501

Admissions

Apply Now
Admission Requirements

New 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.

Graduation

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.

Transfers
Partner InstitutionPartner ProgramIncoming/OutgoingEffective Dates and Details
Other Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) Certification Outgoing
Ongoing

Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) Certification

Graduates 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 Health

Graduates 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.

Practicums
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.

Courses
CourseTitleCredits
Year 1
Term I
BIO-1160Anatomy and Physiology I3
CSP-1150Medical Terminology/Anatomy and Physiology3
ENG-1159Writing for the Workplace3
MAS-1122Practicum I1.5
MAS-1140Basic Massage3
MAS-1152Professional Practices Massage Therapy3
 Credits16.5
Term II
ACC-1125Service-Based Accounting1.5
BIO-1146Joints and Soft Tissues3
BIO-1161Anatomy and Physiology II3
MAS-1125Practicum II3
MAS-1130Pathology3
MAS-1157Massage Techniques I3
 Credits16.5
Year 2
Term I
MAS-2250Advanced Massage3
MAS-2253Assessment for Massage Therapists I3
MAS-2254Special Populations I3
MAS-2255Practicum III3
PED-2257Therapeutic Exercise3
 Credits15
Term II
BUS-1124Service-Based Small Business Management3
MAS-2257Massage Techniques II3
MAS-2258Assessment for Massage Therapists II3
MAS-2259Practicum IV3
MAS-2260Special Populations II3
MAS-2262Integrated Practices in Massage Therapy3
 Credits18
 Total Credits66
View course timetables
Tuition and Fees

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!

Budget Wizard

Delivery Formats

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.

Scholarships

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.

Need more information?

MAS.DIP