Registered Massage Therapy
Current
With 70% of this semester being hands on experience, you begin to learn and practice the “art of touch.” Massage techniques and skills, palpation exercises, hydrotherapy, clinical preparation and clinical assessment protocols are key practical concepts. These are introduced at the beginner level, building the foundation for your subsequent training. As well, you will study anatomy, physiology, and explore the many areas of professionalism required for successful practice. This semester prepares you with the skills, confidence and professional behaviour to begin your clinical internship in semester two.
Building on the foundation of semester one, concepts of pathology and fundamentals of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation principles are introduced. In addition, you will learn and practice various advanced manual skills and techniques for managing trigger points, scar tissue and muscular tension. You will continue your studies in myology (MSAK‐2), physiology, and professional development. Unique to this semester is the official start of Clinical Internship, and the first of five sessions in the gross anatomy field study.
In this semester you are taught to apply the skills acquired in previous semesters. You explore and practice treatment skills for various orthopedic and systemic medical conditions such as sprains, strains, bursitis, contusions, headaches, edema etc. New subject areas introduced in this semester include neuro‐anatomy and pathology, medication awareness, massage therapy in athletics, and joint mobilization techniques.
You are managing client treatments for various types of conditions affecting the spinal, musculoskeletal, and physiological systems. From scoliosis, to carpel tunnel syndrome to women’s health issues and palliative care, you are now rationalizing your decisions for care management and treatment. Critical thinking skills are learned and you are expected to take basic principles into new situations while maintaining client safety. You will be assigned to more advanced clinical and outreach placements.
You continue studies in pathology, research and statistics, integrated care management, and treatment concepts. Unique to this semester is the introduction of several subtle manual modalities including cranial sacral, and myofascial therapy. Clinical placements become more challenging and your board examination review preparations begin in A&P Principles of business practices are studied in detail helping you make decisions about beginning an RMT practice.
BC RMT Registration examinations are coming up soon. Review & preparation is the priority in this final Semester making up more than 330 of semester hours. Review classes in Orthopedics, Neurology, Spinal Orthopedics and Systemic treatments, as well as Anatomy & Physiology, and Pathology. During this semester you will complete a comprehensive clinical case study that you present in class. You will also complete all your clinical internship requirements in preparation for your CCHPBC Registration examinations.
Intro to Massage Therapy Courses
This course is required as a prerequisite for application to the CS Diploma in Registered Massage Therapy Program. Introduction to Massage Therapy courses offered by other RMT Schools in BC, including: similar content and a minimum 12 hours duration may be accepted. Students must submit appropriate documentation to confirm successful completion with their application to the RMT Program.
The Introduction to Massage course must be completed within 18 months of the RMT application submission. Please contact the Program Coordinator if you have questions.
Langara's 2-day Introduction to Massage course has two options to choose from:
- face-to-face (in-person, on-campus) - at our 601 W Broadway campus.
- remotely, on-line - taught in real time (Vancouver, BC time zone) with instructors giving direct feedback while you learn.
Learn and practice giving a basic relaxation massage using Swedish techniques. Learn to properly drape clients and use correct body mechanics. Students have two attempts to complete this course.
REGISTER by calling the CS Registration Office at 604.323.5322.
NOTE: All students must have a laptop or digital device to complete the course. For in-person classes, laptops must be brought to class on both days.
NOTE: This course involves physical activity such as lunges and partial squat positions to maintain proper body mechanics. It may not be suitable for students with physical limitations.
Requirements for the ON-LINE course include the following:
- register a minimum of 4 days before the course start on Saturday. Late registration not accepted
- access to a hands-on practice client for the entire weekend. The client must give verbal video consent.
- reliable continuous internet, and web camera (on smart phone or tablet) with speaker capability in order to view and submit video to instructors
- a computer/tablet or smart phone to access your account through the Langara login page in order to complete the final quiz on an on-line platform
- access the ZOOM video program via your device
Requirements for IN-PERSON, on campus course include the following:
- a computer laptop/tablet or smart phone required to access your account through the Langara login page in order to complete the final quiz on an on-line platform
Please note that the Langara Intro to Massage course covers some of the questions on the RMT Program Admission Questions document.
The Intro to Massage course is one of the mandatory requirements for a complete application package to the RMT Diploma program.
The Intro to Massage course is valid for 18 months. If you apply later for the RMT Program, you can include this course with your application documents within 18 months after completion. After this time the course must be repeated. Langara accepts successful completion of a two-day Intro to Massage course from other BC RMT schools.
Schedule
2 years, full-time. Most classes are 8:30-4:30, Monday - Friday. Class days and times vary from semester to semester - some evening and/or Saturday clinics in Semester 3 - 6. Classes are held in-person in classrooms & Langara student clinic.
Langara does not offer a part-time RMT Program.
