- we are one of the only three schools in Alberta (currently) that are approved by the Massage Therapy Association of Alberta as a Recognized Massage Therapy Diploma Program, having met and exceeded the requirements of the Inter-Jurisdictional Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile for Massage Therapists, as outlined by the MTAA.
- we offer the lowest cost massage therapy program in Alberta.
- convenient location with easy access to major roadways.
- located in a physiotherapy clinic, interaction with physiotherapists and exposure to a multidisciplinary setting
- well equipped and large (3000sqft) space.
- weekend-based course allows you to work at least part time during the week or meet family/financial obligations and still go to school.
- wide ranging accreditation with NHPC, MTAA, and MTAS means that you will be well-prepared to obtain professional association membership and fulfill malpractice insurance requirements.
- small class sizes, averaging five to seven students per instructor.
Massage therapists assess and treat the muscles and other soft tissue and joints of the body with massage techniques. Massage therapists help to relieve pain and trigger points, and to restore mobility and function.
The job is quite physically demanding and most massage therapists cannot physically handle performing more than 7 full hour massages per day.
Massage therapists can be self-employed working from home. They can also work in spas as relaxation massage therapists. Many massage therapists work as part of an interdisciplinary team in either a physiotherapy or chiropractic clinic.
Massage therapists are in great demand throughout the province of Alberta. We have seen an increased demand specifically in the area of motor vehicle accident injury treatment. Changes to the insurance industry within the last ten years have included massage therapy treatments to be direct billed to insurance companies, making massage therapy treatment more accessible to patients. Demand will only increase as our baby boomer population ages.
Income ranges depend on the type of employment, location and number of clients. Massage therapists may charge from $70 to $90 for a one-hour treatment, and $50 to $70 for a half hour treatment. Some therapists work part time, while a busy therapist might see six to eight clients per day.
Massage therapists on contract to physiotherapy or chiropractic clinics typically receive a commission of between 50%-60% of billings. Typically these therapists are busier as they will get client referrals from the clinic, and can focus on their clients without the administrative aspects of running a business.
Massage therapists who work from home keep all the revenue they generate, but of course, they are also responsible for all phone calls and appointment bookings, taking payments, laundry, and other administrative duties. Typically a home based therapist does not have as large of a caseload as one who is in a clinic, considering all referrals are self-generated or by word-of-mouth, but will build up a list of regular clients over time.
A distance learning program is the choice for you if:
- You need an income while you are studying, you have family, or you have other obligations during the week.
- You live out of Edmonton but you do not wish to relocate.
- You are intrinsically motivated to study and work independently.
Conventional Monday-to-Friday programs may be a better choice if:
- You are fresh out of high school and need the experience of being in school every day and getting to know students your own age.
- You have little experience with working or studying independently.
- You are happier with quite a bit of structure, and don't feel confident about managing your time between classes.
2013 was the first year of enrollment.
Go to the applications page to download/fill out the application form and either scan/email to info@sesmt.ca, fax or mail to our office; ATTN: Trevor Howell, or drop it off in person.
Our directors will review your application and past education transcripts, answer any questions you have about our programs, and then set up an interview with you. If you are accepted to the program, we will need a registration fee/deposit of $300 to hold your place in the program. This deposit will go towards your tuition.
September to June, 8am-6pm Saturday and Sunday usually one weekend per month, dates TBA.
Yes, our school has been approved and licensed through the Private Career Colleges (PCC), previously known as the Private Vocational Training Branch (PVT) of the Alberta Government and has been linked up with being eligible for student loans. You can verify this by visiting the government website: http://alis.alberta.ca/edinfo. Our massage school is also accredited with the NHPC, and MTAA. Accreditation with the CMTCA is underway.
Yes, after the 1000 hour Level I Massage Therapy program, provided you pass all your exams, you will be certified to legally work as a massage therapist in Alberta. However, you will primarily be trained to work in spa settings and will need to take the subsequent 1200 hour course to be adequately trained to work in a therapeutic massage environment.
We have one or two instructors assigned to each level, depending on the number of students enrolled. The primary instructor has extensive experience as a massage therapist and as a teacher, and will deliver most of the lectures. The assistant instructor is also a practicing qualified massage therapist and may assist with lectures and labs.
Small class sizes mean good one-on-one supervision for students. We are projecting between 10 and 14 students per year.
Yes, a large portion of the course is self-directed learning and online assignments and quizzes to be completed between monthly on-site sessions.
The Level 1 course has small one weekend in house practicum, and the Level 2 course has a 330 hour off-site practicum or externship.
Effective September 2022; tuition for Level 1 is $8000 plus books/supplies, and tuition for Level 2 is $9000 per year plus books/supplies.
Yes. You can apply for student loans and grants, both provincial and federal, as our program is considered full-time. You may find more details on how to apply for these loans through the website: http://alis.alberta.ca/edinfo
Yes, students will be issued a tax receipt.
- For Massage Therapy Levels 1 and 2, you must complete written and practical unit exams that are done approximately once per month. There will be a final written and practical exam at the end of the term which will be weighted at 50% of the student’s final grade. A passing grade for this course of 60% overall must be obtained to graduate.
- For Massage Therapy Level 2, you must complete and pass an externship of 330 hours.