Fanshawe College launches new Massage Therapy program

Three-year diploma program starts Sept. 2012.

Fanshawe College will continue to support health care in the London region this fall with a new Massage Therapy program. Offered in the School of Health Sciences, Massage Therapy is a three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma that will accept its first students at Fanshawe’s London Campus in September.

"Massage therapy is a rapidly growing field," says Christine Griffith, Chair of Fanshawe’s School of Health Sciences. "People have started to recognize the natural positive effects massage can have on chronic pain, rehabilitation, and mental health. We expect the field will only keep growing as our population ages and people continue to look for alternative medical therapies. Our new program will open doors to many exciting career options for graduates."

Fanshawe’s Massage Therapy program will feature a comprehensive blend of theory and practice. It will place a strong focus on medical knowledge and physical technique and will offer a variety of unique learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.  Instructors will include registered massage therapists, as well as experienced health care professionals offering expertise in sport massage, clinical massage, pregnancy massage and other specializations. Graduates will be prepared to write registration exams for the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).

"We have worked very hard to make sure our instructors come from the industry," Griffith says. "We want our students to learn from people who understand not just the theory and technique of massage therapy, but how to establish a successful professional practice. Our instructors will bring that knowledge to the program, which will give our graduates a great head start when they finish school."

Massage Therapy will be open to approximately 30 students in its first year. Graduates of the program will be able to pursue careers in health clinics, private practice, rehabilitation centres, health and fitness clubs, nursing homes, hospitals, spas, resorts, and other areas.

For further information about the Massage Therapy program, visit www.fanshawec.ca/msg1