Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Program
What sets PCMT apart from other Massage Therapy schools?
Prairie College of Massage Therapy is part of Health and Wellness Colleges of Canada (HWCC), which has been providing inspired flexible learning for over 22 years. HWCC has nine campuses across Western Canada, and offers evening and weekend schedules to accommodate all lifestyles. PCMT strives to provide the highest quality of Massage Therapy 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. Apply today!
PCMT offers a flexible Massage Therapy 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 First Year Program and the Second Year Program?
Prairie 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 massage therapy program 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 program is the pre-requisite for the second year program. Graduates of this massage therapy program can work in spas, resorts, and on cruise ships.
The second year massage therapy program is 10 months (44 weeks) in length and accredits students with 1200 hours of massage therapy training. This flexible 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 Massage Therapy Program?
Take a look at the incredible areas you’ll study as a Massage Therapy student at PCMT:
- 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 Massage Therapy Program?
The second year massage therapy program is 1200 hours over 44 weeks. Hands-on training, experienced instruction & clinical practice will ensure a successful career in massage therapy. PCMT’s comprehensive program guides you through a curriculum that integrates massage therapy theory and practice. Classroom experience is complemented with the best hands-on training available in the industry. The PCMT student clinics ensure graduates enter their new careers with confidence. Apply today!
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 Orthopaedic Treatment
- Nutrition
- Alternative Skills & Techniques
- Client Case Studies
Massage Therapy 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?
Massage Therapy students who attend Prairie 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 flexible structure also allows for the in-class time to be more constructive and hands-on.
PCMT students are provided with the resources required for success. Massage Therapy 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, massage therapy students are supplied with a binder, modules, textbooks, massage table, linens, professional attire, etc.
What can I expect from a typical in-class Massage Therapy weekend session?
Each in-class weekend or evening Massage Therapy 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. PCMT’s main focus is on exceptional hands-on techniques, which is why Massage Therapy students practice hands-on skills as much as possible. Marks are based on professionalism, homework assignments, exams, and practical skills. Apply today!
Who are the PCMT instructors/clinic supervisors?
Prairie 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?
Prairie 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, PCMT 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 program.
How do I apply?
Learn more on our Massage Therapy program through our Admissions page then head to the Application to get started! A PCMT Student Advisor can guide you through every step along the way. We look forward from hearing from you!
Contact Us | Admissions | Apply Now
Program Schedule
Is this an online, part-time, or full-time program?
The Massage Therapy programs offered at Prairie College of Massage Therapy are considered full-time.
What is the in-class schedule?
The Massage Therapy programs at Prairie College of Massage Therapy are offered on weekends. The weekend classes are conducted one full weekend every three to four weeks (approximately once per month). Saturday massage therapy classes operate from 9:00am to 6:00pm, and Sunday classes operate from 8:00am to 5:00pm. The rest of the massage therapy program is completed through a directed home-study and clinic practicum.
What if I have questions away from the in-class sessions?
PCMT takes student success seriously. Massage Therapy 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.
PCMT also offers a mentorship program to its students.
How long is the program in total?
Complete your training with Prairie College of Massage Therapy in as little as 18 months! The first year massage therapy program is 8 months (30 weeks) in length and accredits students with 1000 hours of massage therapy training. The second year massage therapy program 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. Apply now!
Why is your program 2200 hours of training when other programs are shorter/longer?
PCMT is designed to give you the all-around training and support it takes to become a skilled and competent Registered Massage Therapist.
PCMT 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 is unnecessary to practice as a Registered Massage Therapist in Canada.
Are there any holidays or summer breaks?
Prairie College of Massage Therapy observes all provincial and statutory holidays.
If massage therapy 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 Prairie College of Massage Therapy complete a clinic practicum component in both the first and second year massage therapy 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. Massage Therapy students who live within a 40km radius to the PCMT campus will complete these hours at the in-house Student Clinic. 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?
Massage Therapy students are encouraged to bring clients into the Student Clinic in order to begin building their client base. The PCMT clinic advertises online and runs local promotions to help drive more clients to the clinic.
The Student Clinic atmosphere is an excellent way for students to develop professional relationships which helps to create their own massage therapy client base in the future.
What are the required clinic shift hours?
Prairie College of Massage Therapy offers flexible clinic shift scheduling to accommodate a range of massage therapy student availability. The Student Clinic operates 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.
Financial Aid
What is the cost of the program?
Prairie College of Massage Therapy offers the most competitive cost-benefit analysis in the province. PCMT Massage Therapy programs offer the highest level of training at the most elite campuses in the country. The cost of the Massage Therapy 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, Massage Therapy students receive their own massage table, linens, and gel/lotion/oil sample packs. If you would like a detailed breakdown of how your investment is allocated, please see the links below. Apply today!
How can I fund my tuition and school fees?
PCMT offers an in-house Monthly Payment Plan which allows students to make tuition payments across multiple instalments. Some massage therapy students also receive approvals through their personal banking institutions for a Student Line-of-Credit. Speak to an advisor to learn more.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes we do! Learn more on our Financial Assistance Page or Contact Us to learn more.
Are there any “hidden” costs?
Prairie 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 Saskatchewan/Canada?
In order to obtain the designation of Registered Massage Therapist in Saskatchewan, 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. PCMT is a recognized institution and its graduates are eligible to join all major associations in Saskatchewan and Alberta:
- Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan
- Massage Therapist Association of Alberta
- Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association
- Natural Health Practitioners of Canada
Are the programs at PCMT recognized and accredited?
Prairie College of Massage Therapy is an approved private vocational training institution with Private Vocational Schools (PVS). PCMT graduates are also accepted by the following major massage therapy associations in Saskatchewan:
- Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan
- Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association
- Natural Health Practitioners of Canada
When can I start earning an income as a Massage Therapist?
Prairie College of Massage Therapy students who complete their first year (1000 hours) of training and enroll into the second year (1200 hours) of training are eligible to join an association as an associate/student member. Depending on the association they join, they may have the option to obtain a registration number and begin practicing as massage therapists while they continue to complete their full training. This allows massage therapy students to supplement their income while continuing to succeed as a full-time student. Please review the associations to find out if this is an option for you.
Graduates can apply for membership with associations as soon as they have their clinical hours complete and have passed the program.
