CONESTOGA COLLEGE Massage Therapy program ranked among best in Canada - Education News Canada

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CourseCompare ranked Conestoga third out of 19 post-secondary schools across the country for the college's Massage Therapy program.

Conestoga's comprehensive program covering the basic biological sciences, massage therapy specific knowledge and skills, and clinical reasoning and therapeutic decision making was touted by CourseCompare, Canada's marketplace for education preparing people for the future of work by connecting them to top-rated courses and training programs across the country.

"Students can expect to graduate with the ability to develop and maintain therapeutic relationships to optimize and improve clients' health and wellness and a plan of care according to the client's condition and the treatment goals. What's more, they will become well-versed in the business skills and principles needed to run a massage therapy practice."

Also noted in the ranking is that Conestoga's three-year, full-time Massage Therapy program is designed to meet the educational requirements for certification, through examination, as a Registered Massage Therapist by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).

Allied Health & Life Sciences chair Bela Ferreira said what sets Conestoga's program apart is the depth of experience within the faculty, ranging from roles with the CMTO and accreditation bodies to serving as provincial board members and former registration exam examiners.

"Our Massage Therapy program at Conestoga stands out because of our cohesive and committed faculty team, dedicated to excellence in both education and practice. Our passionate instructors are not only educators but also active practitioners, blending the art and science of massage therapy in the classroom and beyond," Ferreira said.

"Our team works together seamlessly, sharing a deep commitment to student success and the future of the profession. The level of collaboration and support among faculty members creates an environment where students thrive. We view our students as future colleagues, fostering a learning environment that is both shared and collaborative, where faculty and students work together to elevate the profession."

The program's first cohort is set to graduate in April. Students have been gaining invaluable hands-on experience while applying their skills in a professional setting at a public massage clinic at the Kitchener - Doon campus that opened in September 2024, offering both therapeutic and relaxation massages.

The state-of-the-art facility was completely renovated from an administrative building into the Therapeutic Sciences Building (TSB) with the $6.85-million project creating the new massage therapy space, including two clinics equipped with 10 massage tables each, and two labs for the new Pharmacy Technician program launched in fall 2024.

Massage therapy is a growing industry and there's huge demand for graduates across the country. In Ontario, the number of registered massage therapists jumped by 30 per cent from 2013 to 2023, according to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

"The vision of our program is intentionally woven through the curriculum, pushing students beyond industry standards to become forward-thinking contributors to the profession. Our curriculum is interconnected, beginning with a strong foundation and progressively building toward more complex topics. This structure encourages critical thinking, enhances problem-solving skills, and promotes success not only on registration exams, but also in long-term professional practice," Ferreira said.

Conestoga's Massage Therapy program is geared toward people with an interest in health care and helping people, an aptitude for science and problem solving, and direct hands-on application of skills.

The program is delivered by the School of Health & Life Sciences, which has work-integrated learning at the core of many programs. Students gain valuable work experience through the school's many industry and community partners that put training into practice.

Find out more about the broad range of health-care programs, including bachelor's degrees, and delivery options to choose from at conestogac.on.ca/health-and-life-sciences.