How Long Does it Take to Become a Massage Therapist?

Deciding to train as a massage therapist is an exciting time, and one of the first questions you’ll be asking is how long it will take before you’re certified. MaKami College’s 3,000-hour massage therapy program is taken over two years, and gives you the highest level of massage therapy training available in Alberta, Canada. This path is ideal for people who have a compassionate nature, who enjoy helping others and have decided to pursue massage therapy as a career.

3,000 hours of training in massage therapy

We know that 3,000 hours sound like a lot of time, which is why our massage therapy program is delivered over two years. The course is delivered across a blended program of online learning via iPad (which you’re provided with at the start of the course), along with practical classroom experience with an instructor to provide you guidance and feedback.

What do I learn in my first year of the massage therapy course?

In the first year, course content is focused on the fundamentals of the human body. This includes:

• Anatomy – the structure of the body
• Physiology – how the human body works
• Pathology – the study of disease
• Neurology – diseases of the nervous system

All of these are important parts in the practice of massage therapy. You’ll also be learning practical skills like: 

• Swedish massage
• Deep tissue massage

Along with this, you will learn assessment methods and manual applications. 

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a two-week clinical placement and work experience in the massage therapy clinic. Read more about the massage therapy course curriculum.

What will I learn in the second year?

You’ll take your learning up a notch and learn about sport massage, injury rehabilitation and orthopedic techniques. 

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to take your steps into a career as a licensed massage therapist. You might be interested to read more about the salaries of massage therapists in different parts of Canada.

When can I start the massage therapy course?

At MaKami College, we have a strong level of demand for our courses. This is why we run an intake every two months, so you’re not having to wait too long for the course to start. 

Course start dates will depend on which campus you’re looking at attending. We offer our licenced massage therapy diploma program in Edmonton, Calgary NE (Marlborough Mall) and Calgary SW (near Macleod Trail and Southland Drive).  

If you’re wanting to get started as soon as possible, contact a student advisor for more information, or take the pre-approval survey today!