Programs offered at each campus may vary, so be sure to check other campus offerings for the course you are most interested in.
A two-year, full-time program dedicated to the study of massage for both relaxation and therapeutic purposes. Year 1 is dedicated to establishing a foundation in massage, with relaxation as a focus. Year 2 builds on this groundwork with the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
Upon completing this two-year, full-time diploma program, graduates will have completed the 2550 hours of training, which exceeds the requirement for entrance into most massage associations. This program is intended to provide students with the skills necessary to operate a successful massage therapy practice.
Program Goals & Objectives – Year 1
The goal is to establish a foundation of anatomy, physiology, pathology and basic massage skills. To perform relaxation massage, students learn general Swedish massage techniques. During the final quarter of the first year, students are introduced to advanced therapeutic techniques and structural analysis. They will obtain an understanding of fitness concepts and proper use of equipment and experience clinical settings where they will learn basic clinic management skills.
Program Goals & Objectives – Year 2
Building on the knowledge and skills acquired inYear 1, the practical component provides training in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Students will enhance their rehabilitation abilities by developing exercise programs for clients. They will also establish a sound understanding of business and clinic operations. Graduates of this program are considered for provincial membership.
Job Market
Graduates of the Remedial Massage Therapy program will have opportunities to open their own clinics. It is important to note that many clients of massage are eligible for reimbursement of treatment fees by their insurance companies. Grads may also find employment in physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics, as well as medical facilities.
Of Wellington College’s annual graduates, 95% find employment in the field of massage within three months of graduation.
Program Delivery
The two-year program provides both theoretical study and practical experience. Students participate in classes from Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4:20 pm. Students are also required to attend one evening of clinical experience per week. The program is composed of 40 weeks of study per year, averaging a total of 36 hours per week. Classes begin in mid-August and conclude at the end of June. It is suggested that students be willing to devote one to two hours per day to studying outside regularly scheduled classes. The College also recommends that students perform a minimum of three massages a week outside regularly scheduled classes. Program hours are based on a 50-minute hour. Each class is 100 minutes in length or the equivalent of two hours. During the day, students have breaks for lunch and mid-morning and mid-afternoon coffee. The average practical, exercise rehabilitation and anatomy classes are set at 25 students. Academic classes will average 50 students. Smaller class sizes allow instructors to provide more personalized instruction.
Since the early 1980s, Randy’s thirst for knowledge and desire to advance the field of massage has led him on a journey of distinguished achievement. In 1987, Randy took on a teaching role at a time when training manuals were few and far between. His dedication to the art and science of massage spurred him to develop a curriculum that became the educational foundation of his Winnipeg-based school, Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies.
Over the years, Randy has served on many influential boards, including the Canadian National Branch of the London and Counties Society of Physiologists (LCSP), the National Association of Career Colleges and the Canadian Council of Massage Therapy. His dedication to his life’s work also earned him a Fellowship in 1990 from the International Council of the LCSP. He was the youngest and one of only 19 therapists to ever receive this honor during the 20th century.
Most recently he was one of three founders for the Canadian Council for Massage Therapy Accreditation in an attempt to standardize massage therapy education nationally, in hopes that all massage therapists will have a solid foundation for their practice.
Randy Ellingson is a visionary, a true leader, a devoted teacher, compassionate friend, patient grandfather to his three grandchildren and loving father to his daughter and son-in-law.