Below you'll find a list of the most commonly asked questions, and links to various resources to assist you in making the right decision.
If you can't find the answer to the question you're looking for, please give us a call or send us an email and we'll get you the answer you're looking for!
Yes, or give us a call (1-800-701-8863) to set up a visit. We would be happy to give you a tour of the college, drop into classes, answer your questions, and set up a free massage in the student clinic (when in operation). Alternatively, you could be a Student-for-a day and attend a variety of classes and talk with students. We look forward to hearing from you. note: Covid restrictions may limit student tours, but we would be happy to send you a virtual tour!
Our program is two years. Our registered massage therapy program meets the requirements in British Columbia to write the College of Massage Therapy of BC Board exams to become a Registered Massage Therapist. The 2 year diploma can be applied to a Bachelor of Health Science Degree at TRU, or toward the BTSM through our New Zealand partner SIT. For more information, visit our Program section.
Yes, the sooner the better. As long as your prerequisites are completed prior to your start date, you are encouraged to apply.
We offer the Introduction to Massage Workshop which is a prerequisite to the program, and the Human Science and College Preparation Course. The Human Science and Preparation course is an excellent way to prepare for the academic science content and learn time management and study skills. While encouraged for those without a BSc or recent Anatomy/Biology study, it is not mandatory for enrollment.
Yes. Our Massage Therapy Program is in full compliance with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), Canadian Massage Therapy council for Accreditation (CMTCA), and the Private Training Institutes Branch (PTIB) curriculum guidelines and accreditation requirements. We are the first school in the country to be designated under the new CMTCA national accreditation standards.
Yes. StudentAid BC helps eligible students with the cost of their post-secondary education through loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships and special programs. It also has programs for borrowers who need help repaying their loans. Most StudentAid BC programs are based on need, providing financial assistance where students and their immediate families do not have the resources to meet the costs of post-secondary education and basic living expenses. StudentAid BC also offers scholarships based on merit. StudentAid BC administers programs on behalf of the Government of Canada including Canada student loans and Canada student grants. For information or to apply, please visit http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc/. Students may also be eligible for funding through Employment Insurance programs.
Grants within Student Aid BC Loans:
Graduation Requirements
Registered Massage Therapy Program diplomas are awarded at a formal graduation ceremony, upon completion of the following:
We post many rental options for students and accepted students on our site under Student life or check out the accommodations section of the student board on campus.
Students usually rent apartments, suites or houses. Many share accommodations to help cut down costs. This also has the benefit of a built-in study partner. The average apartment & suite rental rates in Vernon are:
We have two intakes each year - September and January.
Please see Tuition
The program is considered a heavy load requiring a number of hours outside of classes each day for study, assignments or practice. Classes start at 8:30 and run to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Morning class and afternoon classes are 3 or 3 1/4 hours, with breaks part way through each class and an hour or more for lunch. Student clinic begins in Year 1, term 2 with a 4 hour evening or weekend shift once per week (in addition to classes) for approx. 18 weeks. In year 2, one or two days per week are devoted to outreach practicum. Students must expect to be available for practicum hours on some evenings and weekends.
Yes. An essential component of massage therapy education is clinical practicum, working on patients with a diverse range of conditions. Our clinical practicum experience ensures that each student sees patients in all condition categories applicable to massage therapists. You will see patients in our onsite clinical facilities AND offsite, such as at care homes, work places, sport and community events, etc. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from offsite clinical experience. Locations are generally in the Vernon or Kelowna area.
We recommend that you plan on spending a few hours each day pre-reading, reviewing, practicing or completing assignments. Learning is more successful with frequent repetition than occasional long periods known as cramming. For many students, studying part of the time with fellow classmates can be an efficient and enjoyable alternative to studying alone. Students say that on average they spent 3 hours/day doing homework. Yes you will need a computer. Some 2nd year classes are online. Additional resources, and communication with instructors is though our learning platform, Moodle. Many phones does not allow for full functions to be applied to download necessary files.
We recommend that if at all possible students do not work while attending full time. The answers above will give you an idea of how busy you will be as a student. However, some students are able to work and still manage to be successful in the program. Being organized and diligent in your studies leads to overall success, and may make working a more reasonable option. Some students start their studies while working with the idea that they will leave their job if it becomes too much to handle in conjunction with their school load.
Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some start right after high school, while others have started or completed post secondary college or university programs or degrees. Many of our students are changing careers or retraining. Our students may be single, married, with children, or even grandparents. We attract men and women from Canadian provinces and some international students. OV considers all applicants without discrimination regarding age, gender, sexual orientation, race, creed, religion or marital status.
Massage Therapy is an excellent complement to previous education and training in kinesiology and human science. Many kinesiology graduates have come through the program, and without a doubt a kinesiology background is an asset as a Massage Therapy student. Kinesiology graduates may be eligible for course credits through our Advanced Track program A number of the OV faculty have Kinesiology degrees as well as their Massage Therapy Diploma.
Registered Massage Therapist enjoy a high rate of employability. A wide range of options are available to RMTs, including the ability to travel and be self-employed. Registered Massage Therapist’s may work as a sole practitioners or in multi-disciplinary clinics with other Massage Therapists, Physiotherapist, Chiropractors, ND's and Acupuncturists. RMTs may also work in Athletic and Sport facilities or with Sports Teams, Spa’s, Cruise Ships, Hotels, or in other health care settings. Some RMTs operate a private practice from an in-home office. The majority of our graduates are self-employed with a lesser amount working as employees. A Bachelor of Health Science (available with credit through TRU) opens up other career avenues in health care or academia.
We feel class size is an important aspect of our program. A class that is too large can impede learning, but so can a class that is too small by limiting learning opportunities in the classroom. Our classes have a maximum of 42 students. Class sizes vary according to intake with September intakes approximately 38-42, and January intakes approximately 25-30. Each practical class has an instructor and a teaching assistant to ensure students get support and feedback as needed.
At OV we believe that expertise and experience matter. Our team of instructors have exceptional teaching and clinical experience. We have team members that have been with us for more than 20 years, and continue to shape the profession of massage therapy today. Instructors are diverse professionals with MD, PhD RMT, PT. and DC as well as experience in adult education
We encourage diversity in both our student body and our teaching team. Cultural diversity enriches the learning environment and reflects the patient diversity of the RMT profession. OV's Liaison Support Coordinator is available to assist students in finding faith, ethnic or social connections in our community.
Office hours are 8:00am-4:30pm. Monday to Friday
Retail store hours 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday
Campus hours are 8:00am-8:00pm* Monday -Thursday, 8:00am-4:30pm Friday.
* after 4:30pm for student study only when clinic is in operation
