Courses
Massage Therapy (Accelerated)-2025/2026
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HLTH-1199 | Massage Theory & Techniques 1 | 4 | ||
| In this first semester study students will be introduced to the history of massage therapy, appropriate body mechanics, safety, universal health precautions, informed consent and the basic techniques that comprise massage therapy. Students will practice their skills with direct hands-on learning of key principles related to sequencing techniques, palpation, and muscle tone. | ||||
| ANAT-1031 | Anatomy 1 | 6 | ||
| This course will introduce students to the very core of massage therapy; the study of the human body. Students will be introduced to the language of anatomy: Location, direction, movement, and an in-depth analysis of body tissues, bones, joints, and movements. Students will re-enforce their learning through hands-on palpation labs. | ||||
| HLTH-1187 | Physiology 1 | 4 | ||
| Students will learn the function of various components and systems of the human body. Students will learn the chemical composition of the body, basic nutrition, cells and membrane transport, homeostasis, neuronal signalling and the functions of the brain and nervous system, as well as muscle contraction and control of body movements. Where possible, pathologies encountered by massage therapists will be incorporated. | ||||
| WRIT-1048 | Reason & Writing 1 for Health Sciences | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce health sciences students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| HLTH-1291 | Ethics & Standards of Practice | 4 | ||
| Massage therapy is a self-governing profession under the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) which is directed by the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act. Students will learn their role in regards to these acts as well as how to incorporate the Standards of Practice into their own therapy. Topics of study will relate to jurisprudence, ethics, and the regulatory foundations of massage therapy in Ontario. There will be opportunity to interact with fellow classmates and develop critical thinking skills needed to succeed in massage therapy while working on various in-class projects. | ||||
| HLTH-1292 | Wellness & Fitness for Massage Therapy | 4 | ||
| This course will reinforce the importance of the massage therapy scope of practice and introduce the modalities and therapies considered within scope. As well discussing the concepts of wellness and holistic health for both practitioners and patients within the scope of practice of an RMT. The interrelationship between these two concepts and the role of the fitness and health practitioner in promoting specific wellness programs and behaviour change are emphasized. Legalities and ramifications of working outside the scope of practice will also be discussed. Students will learn the dynamics of 'client centred care'' and learn to initiate, cultivate and maintain their 'inter professional' relationships. | ||||
| Level 2 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HLTH-1200 | Massage Theory & Techniques 2 | 3 | ||
| Building on Massage Theory & Lab I, this course develops a greater awareness of the physiological and psychological effects of massage therapy in the healthy adult. Students will be given the opportunity to practice advanced massage techniques are integrate knowledge of massage theory. Students will be able to apply their knowledge gained in Anatomy, Physiology and Professional Growth to a massage session. | ||||
| ANAT-1032 | Anatomy 2 | 6 | ||
| Continuing where Anatomy 1 left off students will further study the human body with focus on the major muscles of the body, muscle actions, and lever systems. The nervous system, cranial and spinal nerves and the autonomic nervous system, will be examined, as well as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Students will re-enforce their learning through interactive mediums, class discussions, and hands-on palpation labs. | ||||
| HLTH-3030 | Physiology 2 | 4 | ||
| This course will further study the physiological functions of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, lymphatic, and immune systems. The content further develops the foundation to understanding homeostatic function, pathologies and conditions that massage therapists encounter. | ||||
| BSCI-1084 | Human Relations & Self-Development | 3 | ||
| This course emphasizes the development of human relations, communication, and self-development within the health care field. Classes and assignments are designed to give students an opportunity to practice interpersonal and group interactive skills. | ||||
| HLTH-1293 | Clinical Preparation for Massage Therapy | 3 | ||
| In this first semester students will be introduced to the massage clinical environment and the MEND clinic. This course will prepare students for the upcoming clinical environment in subsequent semesters. | ||||
| Level 3 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HLTH-3043 | Massage Theory & Techniques 3 | 3 | ||
| This course will build upon the principles and concepts learned in Massage Theory and Technique Lab 2, while also providing the student with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed to complete a thorough musculoskeletal assessment of the upper extremities. Students will develop critical thinking skills aimed at; developing an educated hypothesis, building client centered treatment plans and will be given the opportunity to practice advanced massage techniques and assessments while learning to integrate these applications in treating client's with various conditions effectively and with empathy. | ||||
| FLDP-1037 | Clinical Practice 1 | 1.2 | ||
| This course will provide the student with a hands on clinical practice approach to Massage Therapy involving the public. It will provide the student an opportunity to integrate theory with practice by applying the knowledge, skills, and professionalism acquired to meet the entry-level standards of practice by the CMTO. The student will be required to communicate effectively with their client, review intake forms, conduct assessments and perform massages to promote relaxation. The student will treat clients that present with limited ailments, pathologies and provide appropriate self-care. Students will be guided and evaluated by clinical instructors. | ||||
| ANAT-3009 | Anatomy 3 | 3 | ||
| Continuing where Anatomy 2 left off, students will further study the human body with focus on the stromal and visceral structures of the thorax and abdomen. Emphasis will be placed on the joints, connective structures and muscles of the head and face as well as the organ systems found within the trunk. Students will re-enforce their learning through interactive mediums, class discussions, and hands-on palpation labs. | ||||
| FLDP-1034 | Outreach Practicum 1 | 0.8 | ||
| Students are now able to participate in a variety of outreach opportunities including: sporting events, office massage, festivals, job-fairs, and working with health care agencies to name a few. Opportunities arise at random intervals and locations; however students will be given advanced notice to take part; allowing sufficient time to arrange extra-curricular endeavours. As well, Fanshawe has a unique relationship through both college sport teams and some local university sport teams which allow students to participate in a weekly team therapy session. | ||||
| Level 4 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HLTH-3052 | Massage Theory & Techniques 4 | 3 | ||
| This course will build upon the principles learned in Massage Theory and Technique Labs, it will also provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed to complete a musculoskeletal assessment. Students will develop critical thinking skills to build treatment plans and will be given the opportunity to practice advanced massage techniques, assessments, and integrate these applications to treat their clients with the variety of different conditions. | ||||
| HLTH-1201 | Pathology 1 | 4 | ||
| This course a general study of the major diseases affecting the joints, skeletal muscles and skin, the visceral and cardiovascular systems, blood and the central nervous system. Emphasis will be placed on those pathologies commonly encountered by massage therapists and will be integrated into the Massage Treatment course. The etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of the various disorders are emphasized. | ||||
| FLDP-3039 | Clinical Practice 2 | 3 | ||
| This course will provide the student with a hands on clinical practice approach to Massage Therapy involving the public. It will provide the student an opportunity to integrate theory with practice by applying the knowledge, skills, and professionalism acquired to meet the entry-level standards of practice by the CMTO. The student will be required to communicate effectively with their client, review intake forms, perform assessments, and treat clients that present with limited ailments and pathologies. They will also be required to apply critical thinking and work effectively with other health care practitioners to allow the student an ability to transition their knowledge smoothly from the classroom to the public sector. Students will be guided and evaluated by a clinical instructors. | ||||
| HLTH-3048 | Therapeutic Exercise | 3 | ||
| In this course, students will apply their Anatomy and Biomechanics knowledge to understand the rehabilitation of movement and strength. Students will learn to assess and implement therapeutic exercise programs including Stretching, Strengthening, Joint Mobilization as well as Fine and Gross Motor Neuro-Muscular Patterning techniques. The lab component will allow the student to practice through case study in small groups. | ||||
| COMM-3067 | Professional Communications | 3 | ||
| This course develops written and oral communication skills for students in both human services and health sciences fields. Students demonstrate the ability to write multiple examples of workplace materials. Focus is placed on research and academic writing, career development, professionalism in the students' field, and communication strategies to deal effectively with different demographics. By preparing promotional materials to market themselves in their specific field, researching and documenting current issues, and delivering short presentations to their peer group, students gain skills in effective workplace communication. | ||||
| METH-3027 | Research Principles | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to the principles of research in Health Care. The course introduces the student to academic based research, articles, and databases. This includes an examination of research principles, structures, and methods of execution. An emphasis will be placed on the critical assessment of research information, how it is collected, presented, and performed. | ||||
| FLDP-1035 | Outreach Practicum 2 | 0.8 | ||
| After completing Outreach Practicum 1 students are able to participate in a variety of outreach opportunities including: sporting events, office massage, festivals, job-fairs, and working with health care agencies to name a few. Opportunities arise at random intervals and locations; however students will be given advanced notice to take part; allowing sufficient time to arrange extra-curricular endeavours. As well, Fanshawe has a unique relationship through both college sport teams and some local university sport teams which allow students to participate in a weekly team therapy session. | ||||
| Level 5 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HLTH-5012 | Massage Theory & Techniques 5 | 3 | ||
| This course will build upon the principles learned in Massage Theory and Technique Labs, it will also provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed to complete a musculoskeletal assessment. Students will develop critical thinking skills to build treatment plans and will be given the opportunity to practice advanced massage techniques, assessments, and integrate these applications to treat their clients with the variety of different conditions. This course must be taken in the same term as Clinical Practice 3 | ||||
| HLTH-3045 | Pathology 2 | 4 | ||
| This course is a general study of the major diseases affecting the Circulatory, Respiratory, Lymphatic, Digestive, Reproductive and Urinary Systems of the body, as well as the Principles of Cancer. Emphasis will be placed on those pathologies commonly encountered by massage therapists and will be integrated into the Massage Treatment course. The etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of the various disorders are emphasized. | ||||
| FLDP-3040 | Clinical Practice 3 | 3 | ||
| This course will provide the student with a hands on clinical practice approach to Massage Therapy involving the public. It will provide the student an opportunity to integrate theory with practice by applying the knowledge, skills, and professionalism acquired to meet the entry-level standards of practice by the CMTO. The student will be required to communicate effectively with their client, review intake forms, perform assessments, and treat clients that present with limited ailments and pathologies. They will also be required to apply critical thinking and work effectively with other health care practitioners to allow the student an ability to transition their knowledge smoothly from the classroom to the public sector. Students will be guided and evaluated by a clinical supervisor. | ||||
| FLDP-3038 | Outreach Practicum 3 | 0.8 | ||
| Students are able to participate in a variety of outreach opportunities including: sporting events, office massage, festivals, job-fairs, and working with health care agencies to name a few. Opportunities arise at random intervals and locations; however students will be given advanced notice to take part; allowing sufficient time to arrange extra-curricular endeavours. As well, Fanshawe has a unique relationship through both college sport teams and some local university sport teams which allow students to participate in a weekly team therapy session. | ||||
| MGMT-1240 | Small Business Ownership | 4 | ||
| In todays highly competitive marketplace, it is imperative that one must develop a thorough and highly effective executable plan prior to commencing a business in the health sector. As an entrepreneur, there are many facets of a new business venture to consider. The business plan is the initial road map needed to help guide the entrepreneur in an effort to reach operational success and financial viability. By way of lectures, readings, and assigned projects, this course enables students to examine the preliminary planning steps necessary to help achieve success in self-employment. | ||||
| Level 6 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HLTH-5013 | Massage Theory & Techniques 6 | 3 | ||
| In this final Massage Treatment course students will complete their advancement through studies of clinical cases and the conditions that have proven treatable with massage therapy. There is an emphasis on a smooth transition from assessment to treatment plan generation. Students will be given the opportunity to consolidate all previous learning to prepare for the Registration examinations (OSCE & MCQ). | ||||
| FLDP-5018 | Clinical Practice 4 | 1.2 | ||
| This course will provide the student with a hands on clinical practice approach to Massage Therapy involving the public. It will provide the student an opportunity to integrate theory with practice by applying the knowledge, skills, and professionalism acquired to meet the entry-level standards of practice by the CMTO. The student will be required to communicate effectively with their client, review intake forms, perform assessments, and treat clients that present with limited ailments and pathologies. They will also be required to apply critical thinking and work effectively with other health care practitioners to allow the student an ability to transition their knowledge smoothly from the classroom to the public sector. Students will be guided and evaluated by a clinical supervisor. | ||||
| FLDP-5015 | Outreach Practicum 4 | 0.8 | ||
| Students are now able to participate in a variety of outreach opportunities including: sporting events, office massage, festivals, job-fairs, and working with health care agencies to name a few. Opportunities arise at random intervals and locations; however students will be given advanced notice to take part; allowing sufficient time to arrange extra-curricular endeavours. As well, Fanshawe has a unique relationship through both college sport teams and some local university sport teams which allow students to participate in a weekly team therapy session. | ||||
| HLTH-5022 | Massage Therapy Comprehensive Review | 3 | ||
| This course prepares the massage therapy student to take the Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) required by the CMTO for entry to practice. The course will consist of weekly OSCE stations, a midterm MCQ test, a Final MCQ test and a Final OSCE test. The focus of this course will be consolidating the accumulated knowledge and application of massage therapy over the full 6 semesters. This examination process takes place over 2 days with the first being the writing of the MCQ (3 hrs) and the second being the participation in the OSCE (3 hrs). These examinations mirror the exams presented by the CMTO and will draw upon all material covered over the full 2 years. Successfully passing this course is a requirement for recommendation to participate in the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario OSCE and MCQ examinations. | ||||
| Gen Ed - Electives | ||||
| Take 9 General Education Credits - Normally taken in Levels 2, 4 and 5 | ||||
| Program Residency | ||||
| Students Must Complete a Minimum of 26 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program. | ||||