Registered Massage Therapy

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 orthopaedic 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 CMTBC Registration examinations.