Most Common Questions About Becoming a Massage Therapist [Updated for 2026]

We’ve been offering massage therapy training, including our Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy Program, for over 2 decades and we get a LOT of questions from prospective students. Here are the top questions we’ve received this year:

1. How Do I Become A Massage Therapist In Alberta?

Becoming a massage therapist in Alberta involves completing an accredited massage therapy program, gaining hands-on clinical experience, and meeting the certification standards set by professional associations like the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) or the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA).

The general path looks like this:

• Complete a recognized 2,200-hour massage therapy program
• Pass required exams and clinical assessments
• Register with a professional association
• Apply for jobs or start your own practice

For a full breakdown, read our guide: 5 Steps to Become a Massage Therapist in Alberta.

2. How Long Does It Take To Become A Massage Therapist?

Your time is limited but your budget is limited, too. Taking time off work to go back to school might be really scary. Our number 1 question, year over year, is “How long is the massage therapy program going to take?”  

At MaKami College, you can complete the advanced massage therapy program in 2 years. 

There are some shorter programs out there but MaKami College has the only registered massage therapy program in Alberta that meets advanced training requirements, provides in-depth knowledge from expert instructors and real-life hands-on experience, ensuring you develop the skills needed to excel in your career. 

Spending the extra time to be fully prepared to enter the job market IS worth it as you’ll be a better candidate to get the job, you can make more money, and you’re going to have an easier time fitting into your new workplace. 

3. What Does Your Massage Therapy Program Cost?

You would think this would be the #1 question, but it’s not because it doesn’t have to be. If you are worried at all about the cost of becoming a Registered Massage Therapist, please contact our Student Advisors who can give you more info on the financial assistance options available.  

4. How Much Does A Massage Therapist Make​?

Massage therapist earnings vary widely depending on your employment model, hours worked, experience, and location – more so than in many other healthcare careers.

What affects what you actually earn:

Employment model matters most. Most massage therapists work in one of three ways:

• Employed at a clinic or spa (steady income, typically $25-$40/hour
  or commission-based)
• Self-employed/contractor (set your own rates, typically $90-$130+
  per session in Alberta, but cover your own expenses)
• Hybrid (work part-time at a clinic while building your own practice)

Hours worked is critical. Massage therapy is physically demanding – most therapists do 20-30 hands-on treatment hours per week rather than a traditional 40-hour week. This is normal and sustainable, but it means earnings calculations differ from typical office jobs.

Realistic earning ranges in Alberta:

• New graduates: $35,000-$50,000 in the first year while building experience and clientele
• Established therapists (3-5 years): $55,000-$80,000
• Experienced self-employed therapists with full schedules: $80,000-$110,000+
• Specialized clinical roles (sports therapy, rehabilitation): can reach $90,000+

Location also matters, urban centres like Calgary and Edmonton typically offer more opportunities and higher rates than smaller communities.

For context, Job Bank Canada and salary aggregators like talent.com provide additional wage data, though they measure different things – Job Bank reflects declared employment income (often part-time), while talent.com reflects advertised rates and self-reported earnings.

Read more about salary options for massage therapists.

5. Is Massage Therapy Regulated In Alberta?

Not yet, but it’s heading that way. Massage therapy is currently a self-regulated profession in Alberta, with oversight provided by professional associations like the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) and the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA).

However, massage therapy is moving toward becoming a fully regulated health profession in Alberta, similar to how it’s already regulated in British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and PEI.

While regulation rollout details continue to develop, the shift is expected to bring several benefits:

• Easier credential transfer between provinces
• More opportunities to work in hospitals, medical clinics, and multidisciplinary healthcare settings
• Standardized training requirements (typically 2,200 hours)
• Greater recognition from insurance providers and the medical community
• Stronger professional standing alongside other regulated health
  professions

This is why choosing a program that already meets advanced training
standards, like MaKami’s 2,200-hour ACMT program, sets you up well
for the future of the profession.

6. Do I Have To Work In A Spa? What Other Career Options Are There?

There are lots of places to work that are looking for your massage therapy skills.

Massage therapists have a variety of workplace options, including:

• Physiotherapy and chiropractic offices
• Hospitals and medical clinics (a growing area, especially with upcoming regulation changes)
• Long-term care facilities
• Sports and fitness centres
• Wellness and rehabilitation clinics
• Spas and resorts
• Cruise ships and international resorts

Some of our graduates have gone on to work on cruise ships and sail around the world.

Self-Employment Opportunities

The possibility of working for yourself as a business owner or contractor may be the biggest draw if you wish to travel, maintain hobbies or existing careers, or raise a family while earning an income as a massage therapist.

Most massage therapists who work for themselves need to develop a client base after massage therapy school and build slowly while working part-time in another massage therapy role or another job, so keep that in mind if you choose this route.

Read more about the Job Opportunities for Massage Therapists. 

7. Can I Study At My Own Pace? Do You Offer Online Classes?

Not everyone can attend full time classes all of the time, but hands-on learning is important for developing massage therapy skills. We offer multiple learning options to suit your needs and our blended ACMT program at our Calgary and Edmonton campuses offers online massage therapy courses with in-person clinicals in a hands-on environment.

The best way to understand the in-person vs online and self-paced studies is to talk to a Student Advisor. They can ensure that you start your program at the right time to maximize your options. 

Still Have Questions About Becoming A Massage Therapist?

Every career path is different, and you might have specific questions about your situation: financial aid, transferring credits, balancing school with work, or program start dates. Our Student Advisors are here to help.

Please contact us and we’ll get back to you shortly!