Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy (ACMT) Program

Get the skills you need to become a certified massage therapist with MaKami College’s 3,000-hour Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy program in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.

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Why MaKami College Massage Therapy School?

If you are compassionate and enjoy helping others, then earning a massage therapy diploma from MaKami College will give you the hands-on training to master and refine your massage therapy skills and techniques. Our massage therapy courses at our Calgary and Edmonton campuses offer the highest level of massage therapy training in Alberta. This includes plenty of hands-on massage therapy training with potential clientele as well as practicum placements to apply your new skills.

Our iPad-based blended program combines online and in-classroom training, giving you the flexibility to complete the massage therapy theory courses online and then practice and apply your skills in the classroom with an experienced instructor by your side. Eligible ACMT students receive a new iPad loaded with course curriculum, bringing education to your fingertips where and when you want it (terms and conditions apply). To complete your training, learn and apply practical hands-on skills on site in our student massage clinic – gain new clientele that will prepare you for the start of your new career.

With plenty of one-on-one support such as tutoring, ESL, counselling and more, MaKami massage therapy school graduates enter the field with the knowledge and expertise to confidently pursue their professional massage therapy career as a registered massage therapist. We have massage therapy school graduates from our Calgary and Edmonton campuses that enjoy successful careers in Alberta, while others have gone on to work as massage therapists across Canada and around the world.

Have confidence in your skills as you enter the workforce by receiving the highest level of massage therapy courses and immersive training available in Alberta!

Eligibility and Admissions

MaKami College is committed to providing accessible and flexible admission pathways for learners from diverse educational, professional, and cultural backgrounds. Applicants may qualify through standard, mature, transfer or PLAR admission, subject to institutional review.

Certain programs may require elevated academic qualifications, higher levels of English language proficiency, or additional program-specific prerequisites; applicants are expected to consult the relevant program descriptions for complete admission requirements.

Applicants may be considered for standard admission if they meet all of the following criteria:
  1. Minimum 17 years of age at the time of program start
  2. Admission interview with the institution
  3. Completion of one of the following: 
    • Alberta High School Diploma
    • A recognized equivalent

Applicants may be considered for admission and/or advanced standing through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

PLAR recognizes knowledge and skills gained outside of formal education, including but not limited to:

  • Work experience
  • Professional certifications or licenses
  • Military training
  • Volunteer experience
  • Non-credit training or workshops

PLAR assessment methods may include:

  • Portfolio review
  • Skills demonstration
  • Challenge exams
  • Interviews or competency validation

PLAR decisions are made in accordance with institutional policy and may result in:

  • Admission eligibility
  • Course exemptions
  • Advanced standing

If the credentials are from outside Canada, the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) may be accepted to determine equivalencies. 

Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements, including homeschool applicants, may be considered through a mature admission pathway.
Eligibility:
  • Minimum 18 years of age, and
  • Demonstrated readiness for post-secondary study through meeting one or more of the following:
    • Admission interview with the institution
    • Relevant work or volunteer experience
    • Successful completion of a MaKami College approved entrance equivalency exam
    • Completion of post-secondary studies or continuing education, including certificates, diplomas, or degrees.
    • If the credentials are from outside Canada, the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) may be accepted to determine equivalencies.

Additional Considerations:

  • Each application is reviewed holistically, recognizing formal education, experiential learning, and demonstrated competencies.
  • Mature Admission decisions are based on academic readiness, professional experience, and learner potential, not solely on traditional credentials.

All applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Acceptable evidence includes one of the following (subject to institutional approval):

  • IELTS Academic: Overall 5.5 (no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall score 59 or 3.5
  • PTE Academic: Overall score 45–52
  • CAEL: Overall score 50
  • CLB: Level 6 overall
  • CELPIP: Overall score 6
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): Score 95
  • ELL 6 of higher
  • Completion of post-secondary or continuing education, including certificates, diplomas, or degrees, completed in the English Language

Additional Considerations:

  • MaKami College supports multiple entry points and may recommend upgrading, preparatory studies, or conditional admission where appropriate.
  • Official test results must be submitted directly to the institution.
  • English language test results must be valid within two (2) years of the date of testing.

The English language proficiency requirements for the Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy program described herein came into effect for applications submitted on or after January 2026.

Applicants may be eligible for admission and/or advanced standing through a transfer pathway based on prior post-secondary education.

Transfer pathways may include:

  1. Internal Program Transfers
    • Graduates or students from MaKami College programs may transfer into another program or cohort subject to:
      • Program relevance
      • Academic standing
      • Credit transfer eligibility
      • Institutional approval
  2. External Transfer Agreements
  • Applicants who have completed coursework at recognized post-secondary institutions may be considered for admission and/or advanced standing through:
    • Formal articulation or transfer agreements, where applicable.

3. Transfer Alberta

  • Where applicable, transfer credit may be granted in accordance with Transfer Alberta guidelines.
  • Transfer decisions are subject to:
    • Transfer Alberta equivalency listings
    • Institutional policies
    • Program-specific learning outcomes

Transfer credit does not guarantee admission and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants still are required to meet the program admission standards.

Additional Helpful Massage Therapy Program Information

Where is the Massage Therapy Program Offered

MaKami College offers our ACMT massage therapy classes at the following campuses in Calgary and Edmonton.

MaKami College Edmonton campus in Bonnie Doon Mall

MaKami College Edmonton

Located in the Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre

edmonton campus info
MaKami College Calgary NE campus in Marlborough Mall

MaKami College Calgary NE

MaKami’s newest campus is located on the city’s northeast inside Marlborough Mall

calgary campus info
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Scholarships & Financial Assistance

You may be eligible for a grant, bursary, scholarship, award or other financial assistance to help with the cost of the massage therapy program. Find answers to common financial aid questions.

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Student Life

Get hands-on training with professional, highly trained instructors, one-on-one attention with our Student Success Centre and excellent career opportunities after graduation. After completing your first year, you will be able to work as a Licensed  Massage Therapist (RMT) in Alberta.

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Interested in the Massage Therapy Program at MaKami College?

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Student Success Stories

Our students go on to do amazing things! Here’s what some MaKami Alumni are doing with their advanced massage therapy certification training.

Shania: Succeeding through Perseverance and Support

Shania Stevens overcame social anxiety and a learning disability to graduate from MaKami College's Health Care Aide program, proving that with the right support, anything is possible.

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Keisha – From Surviving to Thriving 

Keisha, a Metis student of MaKami College's Medical Office Assistant program, found the support she needed to make her life better.

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Milani – Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Originally from the Philippines with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Milani Amistoso came to Canada and worked as a healthcare aide for several years. She shares how MaKami's massage therapy program allowed

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