Future massage therapists will soon be able to gain hands-on experience at Niagara College.

After receiving formal approval from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the College is preparing to launch a Massage Therapy advanced diploma program in September 2021. Forty students will be accepted into the first intake of the new program, which will be based at NC’s Welland Campus.

Dean of Community and Health Studies Carolyn Triemstra noted that this will be the first time NC has offered Massage Therapy – and just in time, as the need for professionals grows. Data on massage therapist employment, from labour market analytics firm Emsi, projects a 22% growth in Ontario from 2018 to 2026 and a 12.6% growth in the Niagara region, specifically.

“We are looking forward to launching a new program within our School of Allied Health which will not only lead students to rewarding careers but will serve a growing need for healthcare professionals,” said Triemstra. “Massage Therapists can play a vital role in serving communities by helping to improve the quality of life of their patients, as well as assisting with the reduction of pain, and the treatment of illness, injury, rehabilitation and disability.”

With a six-term academic delivery, students will be able to complete the program in 24 months. The program will equip students with the knowledge and skills to provide safe, competent and ethical care at an entry-level of practice within the massage therapy profession. Students will gain experience working with clients in supervised placements on campus as well as in community placements.

The program will prepare students for their provincial licensing exam to be written post-graduation (but prior to practice) through the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

For program entry requirements and additional details, visit the program page on the College’s website here. 

Niagara College offers more than 150 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

Photo: Dean of Community and Health Studies Carolyn Triemstra stands at the Applied Health Institute at NC’s Welland Campus as the College prepares to launch a Massage Therapy program in September 2021.