Fleming College: Experience More

Touch is essential to our well-being and health, and the laying-on of hands has been practiced around the world as a means of healing throughout the ages. Massage therapy takes this philosophy and puts it into action, offering an important means of health care as an adjunct to other therapies and medical treatment. If you're interested in helping people achieve their physical potential, along with offering a significant dose of TLC and pain and stress management, then massage therapy may be the career for you.

Program Highlights

The practice of massage therapy is the "assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate, or augment physical function, or relieve pain," according to The Massage Therapy Act of Ontario. Fleming has created a unique opportunity for you with the Massage Therapy program. Should you take up this rewarding challenge, you'll acquire the core knowledge and skills required to succeed as a massage therapist. You will apply theory and practice skills during laboratory and clinical sessions. Individual attention is ensured through limited enrolment and direct interaction with faculty. To round out your skill set, there is complementary training in theory on small business entrepreneurship, computer studies, generic skills, and general study electives.

Why Choose Fleming?

There are very few programs like the one at Fleming College, which is registered by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The Massage Therapy program adheres to the high standards set by the Ministry, and as such, is an excellent preparation for provincial exams and registration to practice in Ontario. Fleming has offered the Massage Therapy program at our Peterborough campus since 1995. The program has acquired a great reputation, with a consistently high overall employment rate of 90%.

Work Experience

The program offers a unique learning environment with hands-on experience and a variety of placement opporunities, including an on-site public clinic at our Peterborough campus. In the course of training, students can expect to work with clients with physical and mental disabilities, various illnesses and the elderly. Field and clinical agencies may require you to submit a current police records check, which is available from your local police department upon payment of a fee. In addition, you may also be required to provide a current Standard First Aid Certificate, a current Basic CPR Certificate (level C) and Proof of Immunization.

What it Takes to Succeed

You will receive and give extensive amounts of massage (several times a week) throughout the program. You will develop and demonstrate maturity with respect to your own touch history and that of your fellow students. You will develop a deep respect for personal boundaries, and exceptional communication skills. You must have a strong desire to improve the lives of your clients through massage and related health education, and excellent interpersonal skills. Other skills/attributes which would be an asset include:

• self-motivation
• self-discipline
• strong organizational skills
• entrepreneurial attitude
• good problem solving skills

Program faculty strongly recommend that entering students receive at least ten professional massages prior to entry to this program, and that students contemplating admission take as much science as possible. You must be prepared to study a minimum of three hours daily outside of classes during the program. Students would benefit by having basic computer skills including e-mail, word processing, file management and internet web browsing.

Career Opportunities

You can find satisfying work as a Massage Therapist in private practice, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospice centres, chiropractic clinics, and health care centres/hospitals providing prenatal care and birthing facilities. Taking a step away from these traditional settings, you could also have an interesting career as a Massage Therapist for a sports team, a spa facility, at a resort, or even with a corporation providing employee care/retention programs. Finding a career in massage therapy upon graduation is reasonably easy, with many grads opening up a private practice. Particularly with the current emphasis on alternative health care/complementary care, and the increase of people over the age of 55, opportunities in the field should be numerous.

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 2 College (C) Science courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12) 

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

 Recommended:

• Grade 11 College Biology
• Kinesiology, Chemistry
• U/C level courses

(Although not required for admission, the above recommendations will help to prepare you for the program.) 

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.

All applicants will be required to achieve course credit in the mandatory sciences, through Secondary School or through Academic Upgrading programs.

Related Programs

If you're interested in other health care careers, you might want to consider the Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant, the Practical Nursing or Trent/Fleming - Bachelor of Science Nursing programs.

Health Requirements

You need to be in good mental health. Independent physical mobility and manual dexterity are essential in the massage therapy profession.

Proof of current, up-to-date immunization record (measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus/diptheria, 2-step tuberculin skin testing) is required prior to the start of classes in order to ensure placement in clinical and field placement facilities.

Vaccination against Hepatitis B and influenza are also strongly recommended prior to clinical and field placement.

For more information, and to print the required immunization form, please see the Immunization Information page.

Additional Costs

You should plan to spend up to $1,500 per year for books and supplies. Students are also required to purchase a massage therapy table (costs range from $500 - $1,500) prior to entering their fourth semester, two massage therapy program shirts, and khaki pants of their choice. You may also need to allocate funds for travel to placements. Students planning to write the provincial College of Massage Therapists of Ontario registration exam will be required to pay the fee set by C.M.T.O.

University Transfer Agreements

• Athabasca University
• Laurentian University
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Introduction to Physiology	75.00
Awareness through Exercise I	30.00
College Communications for the Helping Professions	37.00
Concepts in Health Care	15.00
Healthcare Concepts for Massage Therapy	30.00
Introduction to Clinic	15.00
Introduction to Massage	120.00
Introductory Anatomy	60.00
Introductory Computing	45.00
Orientation to Massage Therapy Program	14.00
Semester 2
Awareness through Exercise II	30.00
Communicating at Work for the Helping Professions	45.00
Human Growth and Development	45.00
Massage Practicum I	15.00
Regional Anatomy	120.00
Standards and Legalities for Massage Therapists	30.00
Therapeutic Exercise	30.00
Thermal and Hydrotherapy	75.00
Semester 3
Awareness through Exercise III	30.00
Clinical Experience I	15.00
Massage Practicum II	15.00
Orthopedic Assessment	120.00
Palpation	30.00
Physiology	135.00
General Education Elective
Semester 4
Effective Problem Solving	45.00
Awareness through Exercise IV	30.00
Clinical Experience II	45.00
Clinical Treatment I	150.00
Evidence Based Practice	30.00
Introduction to Pathophysiology	90.00
Semester 5
Clinical Experience III	60.00
Clinical Pathology I	75.00
Clinical Treatment II	105.00
Management Strategies for Small Business	45.00
Psychology of Manual Therapy	30.00
Semester 6
Clinical Case Studies	30.00
Clinical Experience IV	60.00
Clinical Pathology II	75.00
Modalities	45.00
Preparation and Comprehensive Exam	10.00
General Education Elective

Semester 1

Introduction to Physiology

Course Number: SCIE018

In this course, students are introduced to fundamental concepts of homeostasis, cell physiology and the most relevant elements of the structure and function of the basic tissues of the body. Emphasis will be placed on the biology of the components of the musculoskeletal system: cartilage, bone, and muscle. An overview of the nervous system and the physiology of nerve impulse conduction are included.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Awareness through Exercise I

Course Number: HLTH177

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to: Apply techniques of fitness assessment including body composition, muscular strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory abilities, flexibility, and power. Monitor and document changes in all aspects of fitness and wellness levels. Identify major muscle groups and apply exercises to increase their strength, flexibility, and power using a variety of equipment. Understand and apply different strength training principles including isometric, eccentric and concentric contraction techniques using a variety of equipment. Understand and apply different stretching principles including active and reciprocal inhibition techniques. Recognize and apply different techniques to enhance cardiovascular fitness Establish personal fitness and wellness goals following the S.M.A.R.T. principles Recognize barriers to achieving personal goals and implement strategies to overcome them. Understand the importance of a well-balanced fitness and health program to overall health and wellness. Apply basic motivational strategies for fitness and health promotion. Implement components of group fitness including the use of music, choreography, cueing, and monitoring the physical execution of different exercises within a variety of class formats.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

College Communications for the Helping Professions

Course Number: COMM079

Communications for the Helping Professions, a mandatory Communications course, focuses on improving reading and writing skills through a number of assignments related to the helping professions. Students will demonstrate skills in summary and essay writing as well as research techniques, including appropriate documentation of sources. The principles of style, structure, content, and mechanics constitute the overall framework of the course.

Units: 37.00
Hours: 37.00

Concepts in Health Care

Course Number: HLTH065

This introductory course provides an overview of major issues that impact the health care system both in Canada and abroad. Students will examine various federal and provincial legislative regulations and frameworks that health care professionals operate within. The roles of various health care providers will be compared and contrasted. Issues impacting all health care providers such as accountability, interdisciplinary team work, advocacy, documentation, and confidentiality will be examined. This course will provide a fundamental understanding of your selected health care profession, and how it functions within the larger health care system.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Healthcare Concepts for Massage Therapy

Course Number: HLTH242

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Introduction to Clinic

Course Number: FLPL124

This course introduces students to our on-site massage clinic and the operational aspects of running a clinic. Students will have scheduled hours in the clinic and perform clinic duties as assigned.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Introduction to Massage

Course Number: HLTH192

This introductory, foundational course provides students with the fundamental principles, theory and practice of massage therapy needed to practice as a professional massage therapist. Opportunity is provided to develop beginning skills in the practice of massage in a laboratory setting.

Units: 120.00
Hours: 120.00

Introductory Anatomy

Course Number: SCIE022

Introductory Anatomy is an introduction to the study of the anatomy (structure) of the human body. This course includes some microscopic anatomy but focuses primarily on the macroscopic anatomy of all body systems and brief related physiology. Introductory Anatomy is a prerequisite for advancement to semester two in the Massage Therapy and Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist Assistant programs.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software using Microsoft Office 2007. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments. Students will have the opportunity to attain the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Start Certification if they attain 75% or more on each of the four ICDL Start Certification tests.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Orientation to Massage Therapy Program

Course Number: HLTH193

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to have successful college and professional careers. It explores: the course structure; use of student services; learning styles; emotional intelligence; interpersonal relationships; how to manage stress, time and finances; and professionalism.

Units: 14.00
Hours: 14.00

Semester 2

Awareness through Exercise II

Course Number: HLTH178

This course will build on the knowledge gained from Awareness Through Exercise 1 in all aspects of exercise, including the practical application of cardiovascular conditioning, resistance exercises, stretching, range of motion, and relaxation techniques. Students will also perform fitness assessments, demonstrate motivational and leadership strategies, lead group fitness classes, and prescribe exercise. Students will also be required to monitor and assess their own personal levels of fitness and wellness.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Communicating at Work for the Helping Professions

Course Number: COMM146

In this course you will continue to develop your communication skills, with specialized focus on how communication and the written word works in community, education and health based professions. This course is designed to help you better understand the communication demands of your eventual career employment. You will continue to reinforce speaking, writing, reading, and listening techniques common to the expectations demanded by the work place of your career choice by applying, at a more sophisticated level, principles of style, structure, mechanics and techniques (for orals).

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Human Growth and Development

Course Number: SOCI025

This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the normal patterns of growth and development at various stages within the life cycle from infancy through to old age. The major theories of development will be examined to enhance understanding of this field of study.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Massage Practicum I

Course Number: HLTH197

Under the supervision of a technologist, the students will give and receive massage. This course will allow the students to continue to develop the massage therapy techniques they acquired in Introduction to Massage and Ethics.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Regional Anatomy

Course Number: SCIE125

This course examines the anatomy of the vertebral column, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, upper limb, lower limb, head and neck. The study of the structures of the musculoskeletal system (bones, ligaments, joints and muscles) and the peripheral nervous system are emphasized. The description of each region is completed with an outline of its arteries, veins and lymph drainage.

Units: 120.00
Hours: 120.00

Standards and Legalities for Massage Therapists

Course Number: HLTH196

Standards and Legalities for Massage Therapists is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to understand ethics, law, and documentation as they currently apply to a Massage Therapy practice in Ontario. This 30-hour course is offered in a 15-week semester. One 2-hour class is scheduled each week for 15 weeks, with the exception of Week 8 (Independent Learning Week).

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Therapeutic Exercise

Course Number: HLTH195

This course will provide the massage therapy student with the principles, techniques, and application of therapeutic exercise as it applies to the practice of massage therapy.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Thermal and Hydrotherapy

Course Number: HLTH194

This course will provide the massage therapy student with the principles, techniques, and application of hydrotherapy as it applies to the practice of massage therapy.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Semester 3

Awareness through Exercise III

Course Number: HLTH179

This course will introduce the learner to all aspects of exercise including the practical and theoretical knowledge of cardiovascular conditioning, resistance exercises, stretching, range of motion, and relaxation techniques.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Clinical Experience I

Course Number: FLPL125

This Clinical Experience provides the student with a clinical placement to apply the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes presented in semesters 1 through 3. Students will be guided and evaluated by a clinical instructor.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Massage Practicum II

Course Number: HLTH198

Under the supervision of a technologist, the students will give and receive massage. This course will allow the students to continue to develop the massage therapy techniques they acquired in Introduction to Massage and Ethics and Massage Practicum I.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Orthopedic Assessment

Course Number: HLTH199

This course will provide the massage therapy student with the knowledge, skills, and professional attitude needed to complete a musculoskeletal assessment of a client. The differential diagnosis process involves the analysis of clinical signs and symptoms and the results of gross observation, postural scan, ROM testing, orthopedic tests, muscle strength/length testing, reflexes, dermatomal testing, myotomal testing, joint accessory movement testing, and palpation. Common patterns of results for regional examinations will be related to common clinical conditions.

Units: 120.00
Hours: 120.00

Palpation

Course Number: HLTH200

In this course students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes needed to palpate superficial and deep structures of the human body: bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, joints, nerves, fascia, and blood vessels.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Physiology

Course Number: SCIE001

This course encompasses the study of the physiologic functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, lymphatic, neurological, endocrine and reproductive systems. Each system is described and analyzed with emphasis upon the mechanisms involved in maintaining homeostasis. The interconnectedness of these systems will be explored and discussed.

Units: 135.00
Hours: 135.00

Semester 4

Effective Problem Solving

Course Number: MGMT002

This is an advanced course in problem-solving techniques. Personal factors and group characteristics will be examined as they relate to the problem-solving and decision-making process. A range of strategies and techniques will be explored and students will have opportunities to employ these strategies in addressing 'real' problems.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Awareness through Exercise IV

Course Number: HLTH180

This course will introduce the learner to all aspects of exercise including the practical and theoretical knowledge of cardiovascular conditioning, resistance exercises, stretching, range of motion, and relaxation techniques.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Clinical Experience II

Course Number: FLPL126

This Clinical Experience provides the student with a clinical placement to apply the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes presented in semesters 1 through 4. Students will be guided and evaluated by a clinical instructor.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Clinical Treatment I

Course Number: HLTH201

This course provides the basis for the student to create, apply, and evaluate the effectiveness of a plan of care. It examines the clinical decision making process, strategies for treating common impairments, and how to select and achieve goals related to impairments and activities for a variety of clients. Within the course, in a dedicated lab, it introduces students to knowledge and skills needed to use joint play as a treatment modality. Also within the course, in a dedicated lecture, it introduces content about classes of drugs, their effects, side-effects, and potential treatment interactions with massage therapy.

Units: 150.00
Hours: 150.00

Evidence Based Practice

Course Number: HLTH203

This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes needed to find and evaluate research evidence, and to apply it to a clinical practice.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Introduction to Pathophysiology

Course Number: SCIE025

This course builds upon previous knowledge of systemic physiology and extends this onto the basis of disease processes. Basic pathological principles including injury, inflammation and healing processes of various tissue types: common immune-mediated disorders: infections, genetic disorders, cancer as well as stress and pain are explored. The term concludes with an in depth examination of bone pathology. Biological problem-solving, critical analysis and research skills are emphasized.

Units: 90.00
Hours: 90.00

Semester 5

Clinical Experience III

Course Number: FLPL127

This Clinical Experience provides the student with a clinical placement to apply the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes presented in semesters 1 through 5. Students will be guided and evaluated by a clinical instructor.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Clinical Pathology I

Course Number: SCIE133

This is a systemic pathology course that examines the major diseases affecting joints, skeletal muscles and skin, the cardiovascular systems, blood and the central nervous system. The etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of the various disorders are emphasized, as well as their relevance in massage therapy.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Clinical Treatment II

Course Number: HLTH202

This course continues the aims of Clinical Treatment I by expanding on the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes needed to create, apply, and evaluate a plan of care. It describes the clinical thinking process and applies it to clients with orthopaedic and systemic conditions. Conditions and clinical cases will be examined with respect to: signs and symptoms, structures involved, impairments and activity limitations, contraindications and/or precautions, evidence for treatment options, related home-care, progression of treatment, and prognosis.

Units: 105.00
Hours: 105.00

Management Strategies for Small Business

Course Number: BUSN016

This course presents a fundamental approach to managing a small firm in the Canadian business environment. It is designed to develop an understanding of planning the start-up of a business, its ongoing management and strategies for growth. Students develop an understanding of the legal forms of business ownership, the importance of financial analysis as a success indicator for the business and appropriate marketing tactics for promoting small business. The student progresses to the development of an actual Business Plan for their own business idea.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Psychology of Manual Therapy

Course Number: HLTH204

This course introduces concepts of psychology that are relevant for the practice of massage therapy, including: muscular responses to trauma and abuse, altered body image, armouring and body structure, emotional release, psychology of degenerative disease and the dying process, and issues relating to clients with psychopathological conditions, including when to refer.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Semester 6

Clinical Case Studies

Course Number: HLTH205

In this case-study course students will explore medium-to-high complexity clinical cases drawn from the field. Each case studied will present multiple challenges related to business, ethics, inter-professional communication, and treatment. Students will be required to integrate and apply all previous course material in a format which requires thorough preparation, group study and participation.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Clinical Experience IV

Course Number: FLPL128

This Clinical Experience provides the student with a clinical placement to apply the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes presented in semesters 1 through 6. Students will be guided and evaluated by a clinical instructor.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Clinical Pathology II

Course Number: SCIE134

This is a systemic pathology course that examines the major diseases affecting respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems. The etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of the various disorders are emphasized, as well as their relevance in massage therapy.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Modalities

Course Number: HLTH206

This course allows students to choose 2 electives (from 4 modalities) that are commonly studied by RMTs for continuing education credits. Each elective provides the equivalent of a weekend introductory course.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Preparation and Comprehensive Exam

Course Number: HLTH207

This course prepares students to take the comprehensive Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Students must pass each in order to graduate from the Massage Therapy Program. These examinations mirror the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario's registration exams. These examinations contain detailed material from all three years of the program.

Units: 10.00
Hours: 10.00