Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Program
What sets ACMT apart from other schools?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy has been providing inspired flexible learning for over 22 years. ACMT has eight campuses in six major Alberta cities, and offers evening and weekend schedules to accommodate all lifestyles. ACMT strives to provide the highest quality of education and is proud to support the continued success of its students. Smaller class sizes with lower student-to-instructor ratios to encourage hands-on interactive learning.
ACMT offers a flexible program unlike anything else – students can train for their new Massage Therapy careers without putting their lives on hold.
What is the difference between the Spa Massage Practitioner Certificate and the Massage Therapy Diploma?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy offers two individual single-year programs that provide massage therapy training. When combined, the programs accredit students with the 2200 hours of required training to become a Registered Massage Therapist.
The first-year Spa Massage Practitioner Certificate is 8 months (30 weeks) in length and accredits students with 1000 hours of massage therapy training. This program develops the foundational knowledge of massage therapy and focuses on relaxation techniques and treatments. The first-year Spa Massage Practitioner Certificate program is the pre-requisite for the second-year Massage Therapy Diploma program. Graduates of this program can work in spas, resorts, and on cruise ships.
The second-year Massage Therapy Diploma is 10 months (44 weeks) in length and accredits students with 1200 hours of massage therapy training. This program expands on the foundational knowledge of massage therapy by introducing advanced techniques and special condition treatments. Graduates of this program can become Registered Massage Therapists by joining an association and can then bill clients and provide therapeutic treatment.
What can I expect from the first year program?
Take a look at the incredible areas you’ll study as a student at ACMT:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy Theory & Practical
- Conditions & Contraindications
- Massage Techniques
- Manual Skills
- Hydrotherapy
- Self care
- Ethics
- Business Marketing & Communication
- Demonstrations of Alternative Techniques
What can I expect from the second year program?
The Massage Therapy Diploma Program is 1200 hours over 44 weeks. Hands-on training, experienced instruction & clinical practice will ensure a successful career in massage therapy. ACMT’s comprehensive program guides you through a curriculum that integrates theory and practice. Classroom experience is complemented with the best hands-on training available in the industry. The ACMT student clinics ensure graduates enter their new careers with confidence.
Areas of Study:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Neurology
- Pain and Stress Management
- Manual Skills
- Clinical Assessment
- Hydrotherapy
- Athletic Treatments
- Remedial Exercise’s
- Kinesiology
- Joint Play
- General Orthopedic Treatment
- Nutrition
- Alternative Skills & Techniques
- Client Case Studies
Students will have a profound understanding in orthopaedic assessment and treatment and may challenge provincial certification exams in regulated provinces.
What is directed home-study?
Students who attend Alberta College of Massage Therapy will complete the majority of their preparations, assignments, written exams, etc. at home online. This provides the flexibility that most students require in order to maintain their current lifestyles. This structure also allows for the in-class time to be more constructive and hands-on.
ACMT students are provided with the resources required for success. Students have access to an online learning management system that supports their independent learning. The online student portal provides access to lecture videos, practice exams, and many other resources. Additionally, students are supplied with a binder, modules, textbooks, massage table, linens, professional attire, etc.
What can I expect from a typical in-class session?
Each in-class weekend or evening class begins with a written exam on the home study material. Following the exam, new material is covered using diverse teaching methods such as presentations, videos, group activities and hands-on palpation. ACMT’s main focus is on exceptional hands-on techniques, which is why students practice hands-on skills as much as possible. Marks are based on professionalism, homework assignments, exams, and practical skills.
Who are the ACMT instructors/clinic supervisors?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy is proud to declare that all in-class instructors and teaching assistants, as well as student clinic supervisors, are Registered Massage Therapists in good standing. Instructors have a minimum five years of experience in the massage therapy industry, and teaching assistants, supervisors, and campus/student liaisons have a minimum of two years of experience.
What are the entrance requirements?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy requires a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g. GED) for admission into the program. There are no additional specifications regarding courses or grades required.
Alternatively, if you did not receive a high school diploma, or you are unable to produce the documentation, ACMT offers a free entrance exam. The intention of this exam is to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency. There is no math or science testing.
If you have previous massage therapy education, you may qualify for direct entry to our second year Massage Therapy Diploma program.
How do I apply?
Learn more on our Admissions page then head to the Application to get started! An ACMT Student Advisor can guide you through every step along the way.
Contact Us | Admissions | Apply Now
Program Schedule
Is this an online, part-time, or full-time program?
The programs offered at Alberta College of Massage Therapy are full-time, as recognized by Alberta Advanced Education, Alberta Student Aid, ALIS, etc. The structure of ACMT’s program is different than other full-time programs – many of the hours are completed online and through directed home study.
What is the in-class schedule?
The programs at Alberta College of Massage Therapy are offered in two schedules: Evenings or Weekends. The evening classes are conducted one evening per week. The weekend classes are conducted one full weekend every three to four weeks (approximately once per month). Evening classes operate from 5:30pm to 10:00pm, Saturday classes operate from 9:00am to 6:00pm, and Sunday classes operate from 8:00am to 5:00pm. The rest of the program is completed through a directed home-study and clinic practicum.
What if I have questions away from the in-class sessions?
ACMT takes student success seriously. Students are provided with the support they need to be successful. Instructors are available by phone or email with a response time of one business day. Administration staff are also available during these hours for any student inquiries.
ACMT also offers a mentorship program to its students.
How long is the program in total?
Complete your training with Alberta College of Massage Therapy in as little as 18 months! The first year Spa Massage Practitioner Certificate is 8 months (30 weeks) in length and accredits students with 1000 hours of massage therapy training. The second year Massage Therapy Diploma is 10 months (44 weeks) in length and accredits students with 1200 hours of massage therapy training. When both programs are completed, students have the combined 2200 hours of training required to become Registered Massage Therapists.
Why is your program 2200 hours of training when other programs are shorter/longer?
ACMT is designed to give you the all-around training and support it takes to become a skilled and competent Registered Massage Therapist.
ACMT adheres to the nationally recognized standards for Canadian entry-into-practice requirements. The 2200 hours are made up of classroom hours, independent study assignments, and clinical practicum experience.
Other programs may be shorter than 2200 hours – graduates of those programs will not be able to register upon completion. Some colleges offer longer programs – anything over 2200 hours in unnecessary to practice as a Registered Massage Therapist in Canada.
Are there any holidays or summer breaks?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy observes all provincial and statutory holidays.
If students wish to take an extended break between the first and second year programs, they will have the option to defer their second-year enrolment to a later intake date.
Student Clinic/Practicum
What are the clinic practicum requirements?
Students at Alberta College of Massage Therapy complete a clinic practicum component in both the first and second year programs. In the first year program, students complete 54 massages over the course of 10 weeks. In the second year program, students complete 150 massages over the course of 44 weeks. Students who live within a 40km radius to any ACMT campuses will complete these hours at in-house Student Clinics. If a student lives beyond the 40km radius, they will be eligible for an external practicum placement.
Do I need to create/find my own client base?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy has a large base of existing clientele who regularly receive treatments at our Student Clinics. This ensures that students will always have the opportunity to gain hands-on practical experience while completing practicum hours. The Student Clinic atmosphere is also an excellent way for students to develop professional relationships which helps to create their own client base in the future.
Students are encouraged to bring clients into the Student Clinic in order to begin building their client base.
What are the required clinic shift hours?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy offers flexible clinic shift scheduling to accommodate a range of student availability. The Student Clinics operate on various dates of the weeks and offer shifts throughout the day. The most common hours of operation are Monday and Friday mornings (from 10am until 2pm) and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (from 3pm until 8pm).
*Please be aware that these shifts may differ depending on the campus.
Financial Aid
What is the cost of the program?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy offers the most competitive cost-benefit analysis in the province. ACMT programs offer the highest level of training at the most elite campuses in the country. The cost of the program includes registration fees, tuition, and supplies. Supplies for both programs include: online learning management systems, textbooks, binders, modules, clinic supplies, professional attire, etc. Additionally, in the first year, students receive their own massage table, linens, and gel/lotion/oil sample packs. The total investment for the full 2200-hour training is $22 964.50 ($11 139.75 for the first year, and $11 824.75 for the second year). If you would like a more detailed breakdown of how your investment is allocated, please see the links below.
How can I fund my tuition and school fees?
The programs offered at Alberta College of Massage Therapy are full-time, so students are eligible for full-time student loans in most* provinces. Alternatively, ACMT offers an in-house Monthly Payment Plan which allows students to make tuition payments across multiple installments. Some students also receive approvals through their personal banking institutions for a Student Line-of-Credit.
*Due to the regulations of the massage therapy industry in some provinces, not all students who reside outside of Alberta are eligible for student loans.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! Learn more on our Financial Assistance Page or Contact Us to learn more.
Contact Us | Financial Assistance
Are there any “hidden” costs?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy provides full transparency across every aspect of operations. There are no hidden fees or additional costs. All costs and pricing are disclosed and explained before any student commits to enrolling.
Massage Therapy in Canada
What are the requirements for becoming a Registered Massage Therapist in Alberta/Canada?
In order to obtain the designation of Registered Massage Therapist, you will need to join a massage therapy association to acquire a registration/billing number. The national standard required for membership with an association is to complete 2200 hours of educational massage therapy training. Completing your 2200 hours of training with a recognized institution will allow you to join an association, obtain professional liability and malpractice insurance, and practice as a Registered Massage Therapist.
Are the programs at ACMT recognized and accredited?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy is an approved private vocational training institution with Alberta Advanced Education, and proud members of ALIS, the Canadian Council of Massage Therapy Schools, and the National Association of Career Colleges. ACMT graduates are also accepted by all major massage therapy associations in Alberta and Saskatchewan:
- Massage Therapist Association of Alberta
- Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan
- Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapist Association
- Natural Health Practitioners of Canada
When can I start earning an income as a Massage Therapist?
Alberta College of Massage Therapy students who complete their first year (1000 hours) of training and enrol into the second-year (1200 hours) of training are eligible to join an association as an associate/student member, obtain an registration number, and begin practicing as a massage therapist while they continue to complete their full training. This allows students to supplement their income while continuing to succeed as a full-time student.
Graduates can apply for membership with associations as soon as they have their clinical hours complete and have passed the program.
