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
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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$73.38
High Wage/HRNational Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 3236/32201
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & Indeed Salary Guide
Help our Students Develop Their Skills in Our Supervised Student Massage Clinic
Take care of your physical and mental health while also supporting the education and training of of our students enrolled in a professional massage therapy program.
Massage appointments are affordable, easy to book, and go a long way in allowing our students to practice the techniques they learn in class!
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
Job Market
Successful graduates from the Willis College Massage Therapy program may choose from a wide variety of work environments such as:
- Medical Offices
- Rehabilitation Clinics
- Medical Spas
- Private Resorts
- Fitness Clubs
- Own home or business
- Massage Therapy Clinics
Salary Information
Average Wage ($/hr) – $18.35
High Wage ($/hr) – $29.73
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 3236/32201
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Admissions Requirements
Please note that applications are accepted up to one week prior to the start of the program and are dependent on space and availability.
Academic Admission Requirements:
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 science (university track or college track) with a grade of 65% or more
- Grade 12 English or equivalent with a grade of 65% or more
Admission Requirements:
- Successful Completion of Vulnerable Sector Check*
- Signed Vulnerable Sector Check Acknowledgment Form (which notes that VSCs may be repeated during the program)
- Proof of Up-to-Date Immunizations
- 250-word Reflection Essay
- Proof of receiving a massage from a Registered Massage Therapist within the past 12 months
*Massage Therapists are in a position of trust, providing care to clients who are often in a physically and emotionally vulnerable state. Accordingly, a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is the appropriate level of screening required for:
- Registration as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
- Enrollment in the Massage Therapy program
- Participation in the program’s public clinic and outreach components
For Mature Students
Applicants without a high school diploma may qualify under Mature Student Status by meeting the following criteria:
- Age: Must meet provincial minimums (18 in ON; 19 in the rest of Canada), verified via government photo ID.
- Assessment: Achieve minimum cut-off scores on the securely proctored Wonderlic test.
- Prerequisites: Satisfy all program-specific and language proficiency requirements.
For full details, see the Willis College Mature Student Admissions Policy.
Language Requirements:
View the full list of Language Requirements
For Mature Students (19 years of age or older):
We offer alternative admissions options tailored to your province of residence if you do not hold a High School Diploma. Contact us to learn how our Admissions Team can help you take the next step toward your new career.
Applicants with international academic credentials—whether or not they’ve been translated or assessed—may be required to complete an English literacy assessment.
Graduation Requirements:
Willis College diplomas and certificates are awarded to students who successfully complete all courses in their program of study, achieving a minimum grade of 70% or a grade of “Complete,” where applicable. In addition to academic performance, students must meet the minimum standards for attendance, conduct, and academic integrity as outlined in the Student Handbook. For programs that include outreach, clinical hours, practicum, or internships, all required hours must be completed, and a final grade of “Pass” or 70% must be achieved to graduate.
Related Programs
Here are some other programs that may interest you
Fast Track Program
The Massage Therapy Fast Track program offers an accelerated path to a rewarding career in healthcare. This intensive program equips learners with hands-on skills and in-depth knowledge, preparing them to work in diverse healthcare environments or even start their own practice.
Students will learn various massage techniques, develop the confidence to help others feel their best, and gain the expertise needed to make an immediate impact in their workplace. This program is designed for individuals seeking to accelerate their training without compromising the high standards required for professional success.
Our accelerated program runs for 67 weeks, with classes held Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM for the first 29 weeks, then shifting to 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM for the remainder of the program.
Speak to our admissions team for more information.
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.