Registered Massage Therapy Program

YES! Massage therapy is an in-demand profession in British Columbia, and is part of many people’s wellness and self-care routines!

You can see for yourself by going to a website where you might commonly go to look for job postings and see how many opportunities there are for massage therapists.

Massage therapists first have to receive their diploma from an accredited massage therapy program, like the one offered here at WCC.

Once you have completed your program and received your diploma, you will need to start the process of registration and take the registration exams. This program has extensive preparation for these exams to give you the best chance to passing these exams.

Click here for more information about the regulatory body, registration examinations, the registration process and associated fees: https://cchpbc.ca/for-professions/registered-massage-therapists/

It is important that you demonstrate knowledge and understanding for the massage therapy profession. Understand what massage therapy is, and is not. Massage Therapy is primarily rehabilitation focused, and most importantly, is a regulated healthcare profession that works with the vulnerable public, and therefore is held to a very high professional and ethical standard.

Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, experience, and skills related to the job. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready explain why you want to be a massage therapist. It’s also important to demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the role.

This depends on whether the massage therapist is self-employed or an employee. Employee’s make less per hour but are likely to have more stability in their income. Self employed therapists are likely to charge more per hour, but are responsible for their business expenses.

Working as a Massage Therapist can be demanding on the body, as the process of massage is physical and requires endurance. In school you will learn how to keep your body safe while you provide treatments. Massage Therapists usually work in calm, low-stress environments, baring in mind that being responsible for someone’s physical rehabilitation is technical and requires a high degree of skill. Many massage therapists find the job to be rewarding and fulfilling, as they are able to make a positive impact on the lives of their patients.

Massage tables range greatly in price, and there is no need to get an expensive one for school. Here are some tips while you are looking for your table:

• Make sure the table can accommodate your height – it should be able to be the same height as the middle 1/3 of your thigh.
• Make sure the able has an appropriate width for your size – a table that is too wide may be difficult for you to maintain proper biomechanics while you’re reaching to the middle, and a table too narrow may not comfortable fit your patients. A table that is 26-30 inches is usually a good fit.
• Check the weight limit. It should be able to hold at least 450lbs.
• Ensure you can carry your table – check the weight!
• A minimum of 2.5 – 3 inches of foam is recommended for comfort.
• You will need an adjustable face rest (also known as a face cradle).

You may want a carrying case (optional). Some carrying cases come with wheels, and if not, you may want to purchase a massage table cart.

Western Community College is regulated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the government www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca

The massage therapy program at WCC is regulated by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA). www.CMTCA.ca

Massage Therapists are regulated by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

www.cchpbc.ca