Massage Therapy

Willis College

Massage Therapy

A Career That Feels Good

Ottawa

Program Length:

81 weeks

Program Hours:

2385

Ottawa

Program Length:

67 weeks

Program Hours:

2385

Credentials:

  • ON Diploma

    Study Options:

    • In Person

    Start Dates

    Ottawa

    September 28, 2026
    January 18, 2027
    Request Info

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    A Career That Feels Good

    Willis College’s program is the only fully accredited Massage Therapy option in Ottawa that can be completed in less than two years, allowing you to start your career and begin earning sooner. Our programs are CMTCA Accredited through 2030.

    Launch your career in massage therapy through a supportive, close-knit learning environment built around real-world, hands-on training from your very first classes. 

    At Willis College, you’ll study in small, close-knit classes where instructors provide hands-on guidance and support as you build the practical, clinical skills needed to thrive in today’s healthcare settings.

    You can choose between a standard pace (81 weeks) or a fast-track option (67 weeks). Both pathways deliver the same program outcomes and prepare you to write the OSCE licensing exam required for registration as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), supporting your transition into professional practice.

    From your very first classes, you’ll combine theory with extensive hands-on practice, allowing you to develop confidence through doing—not just learning. You’ll progress from foundational techniques to advanced therapeutic approaches, gaining the job-ready skills employers are looking for through structured practice and real client interaction.

    A major part of your training takes place in our onsite student clinic and through outreach experiences, where you’ll work directly with clients under expert supervision. These immersive experiences help you refine your clinical decision-making, communication, and treatment planning skills in a professional environment that mirrors real practice.

    Designed to get you career-ready faster, this program prepares you for a healthcare career supporting rehabilitation and wellness, with opportunities to work in a variety of clinical, rehabilitative, and community-based settings. 

    Key Program Highlights:

    100% CMTO Exam Pass Rate: The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario certification exam is an important step toward becoming a Registered Massage Therapist after completing a massage therapy course in Ontario. Willis College graduates achieved a 100% pass rate and scored, on average, 10% higher than other provincial writers.

    Versatile Career Paths: As a massage therapist, you’ll have the flexibility to choose your work environment or even start your own business. The program opens doors to a rewarding career with numerous options.

    Comprehensive Training: Explore various massage techniques and methods in this hands-on massage therapy program, gaining the confidence to make a positive impact on others’ well-being. Acquire the skills necessary to enter various healthcare settings and make an immediate, positive contribution to a healing environment.

    Willis College Diploma: Upon successful completion of the theory and clinical components, you’ll receive a prestigious Willis College diploma, enhancing your credibility in the field.

    Massage Therapy Certification Exam Preparation: The program prepares you for success in the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario Certification Exam, a crucial step toward becoming a Registered Massage Therapist.

    Flexible Program Options:

    • Standard Program: 81 weeks, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    • Fast-Track Program: 67 weeks, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

    Note: Student schedules may vary due to the college’s Supervised Student Massage Clinic and Outreach hours.

    Full Accreditation: Our accredited massage therapy program in Ottawa has received Full Accreditation from the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation, recognizing the high standards of our education. We are proud to have been awarded Accredited status for a five-year term (from 2025–2030), the longest possible term.

    Government Recognition: The Ottawa campus is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005, reflecting our commitment to providing quality education.

    Enroll in our Massage Therapy program and elevate your career prospects in the dynamic field of healthcare. Take the first step toward becoming a skilled massage therapist with Willis College. Join us and unlock a world of possibilities in the massage therapy industry.

    $66.85

    Average Wage/HR

    $73.38

    High Wage/HR

    National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 3236/32201
    Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & Indeed Salary Guide

    Help our Students Develop Their Skills in Our Supervised Student Massage Clinic

    Take care of your physical and mental health while also supporting the education and training of of our students enrolled in a professional massage therapy program.

    Massage appointments are affordable, easy to book, and go a long way in allowing our students to practice the techniques they learn in class!

    Book A Massage Today

    Program Outline

    Please click on the course title to see the course description.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    This program is an excellent fit for:

    • Career changers looking for a faster and more practical pathway into a stable, in-demand healthcare career with the potential for greater autonomy, flexibility, and self-directed work options over time.
    • Recent grads or career starters who want a hands-on, career-focused program that leads directly into employment opportunities in healthcare.
    • Aspiring healthcare professionals looking for a career that is grounded in anatomy, physiology, and movement-based care for the human body.
    • Compassionate individuals who values one-on-one work where they can support client health, recovery, and wellbeing.
    • Health and fitness enthusiasts who want to turn their passion for wellness and physical health into a professional career helping others improve mobility, recovery and overall wellbeing.

    Why choose the Massage Therapy program?

    • Choose the Pace That Fits You: Complete the standard or fast-track program while achieving the same career-ready learning outcomes.
    • Prepare for Professional Registration: Graduate prepared to write the licensing examinations required to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Ontario.
    • Build Confidence Through Real Client Care: Develop practical experience through onsite student clinics and community outreach under experienced supervision.
    • Learn in a Supportive Environment: Benefit from small class sizes, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning throughout the program.
    • Train for a Growing Healthcare Profession: Prepare for opportunities in rehabilitation clinics, multidisciplinary healthcare settings, private practice, and wellness environments.

    What You'll Learn

    • Clinical Assessment & Treatment Planning: Learn to assess musculoskeletal conditions, identify contraindications, and develop safe, evidence-informed treatment plans.
    • Therapeutic Massage Techniques: Build hands-on proficiency in massage therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilization, and remedial exercise.
    • Anatomy & Pathophysiology: Develop an in-depth understanding of body systems, injuries, and common conditions to support safe, effective clinical care.
    • Clinical Decision-Making: Strengthen your ability to analyze assessment findings, adapt treatments, and support client rehabilitation and recovery.
    • Professional Practice & Client Care: Build skills in ethics, communication, documentation, client education, and evidence-informed practice.
    • Hands-On Clinical Experience: Gain confidence through supervised student clinics, outreach opportunities, and real client interactions in a professional setting.

    Why You'll Love Willis College

    • Industry-Aligned Programs: Career-ready curricula designed alongside top employers to ensure your skills match current market demands.
    • Instructor-Led, Applied Learning: Hands-on training taught by industry experts who bring real-world knowledge, mentorship, and practical insight into the classroom.
    • Flexible Learning Pathways: Tailored study options—in-person, online, or hybrid—that fit your lifestyle and meet you where you are.
    • Personalized Small-Class Support: Dedicated guidance and encouragement in smaller group settings where you are a person, not a number.
    • Accessible Funding Assistance: Direct support navigating student loans, grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans to make your education attainable.
    • Lifetime Career Services: Continuous job-search support and career counseling to help you transition smoothly from the classroom to the workforce.

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    What Our Graduates Are Saying

    "We are so set up for success, that if we are having a little bit of a tough time with something, there's always someone around to help."
    Kim Powers
    Massage Therapy Graduate