If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, Eastern College offers a comprehensive program to get you started. This article provides detailed answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the program, covering everything from admission requirements to post-graduation steps.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Massage Therapy Program at Eastern College, students must meet the following criteria. Applicants need to have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent, or have a minimum score of 14 on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE). Additionally, candidates are required to complete the Eastern College Pre-Science course, or present an equivalent qualification. A clear Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) report, including a Vulnerable Sector Check, is also mandatory. Grade 12 English or proof of English proficiency must be provided. Lastly, applicants need to submit proof of having received a full-body massage, either at the Eastern Massage Therapy Clinic or from a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).

The Pre-Science course is beneficial as it offers a foundation in basic science principles, covering fundamental science concepts, terminology, and biochemistry. This course is crucial for grasping the more complex topics that will be covered in the Massage Therapy Program. It serves as a refresher for students with a prior background in science and introduces students to using the Brightspace online learning platform. The course is provided free of charge as a community service by Eastern College. Mature students who may have been out of school for a while will find this a great way to get back into studying.

Students must obtain a 70% passing grade in the Pre-Science course, which aligns with the College of Massage Therapists of New Brunswick (CMTNB) provincial certification exam requirements. If an applicant does not pass on the first attempt, a second attempt is allowed, but it must be completed before the program starts. Equivalent courses, such as high school biology or college-level science courses, are also accepted.

The Vulnerable Sector Check is needed because it’s a requirement for registration with the CMTNB. This check ensures that students meet the professional standards before starting the program. Since obtaining the check can take up to eight weeks, it’s important to order it immediately. Students can get this check through their local police department.

For students whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is essential, as fluency in English or French is required to register with the CMTNB.

Eastern College requires students to provide proof of a full-body massage before enrollment. This can be done by booking a massage at the student clinic or any external RMT, and submitting a receipt as proof.

Equipment and Student Kit

Students in the Massage Therapy Program receive a kit containing materials commonly needed by Massage Therapists. This includes a thermophore, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, goniometer, reflex hammer, holster, bottles and pumps, measuring tape, duffle bag, and a name tag. If students already possess some or all of these items, they may opt out of purchasing them by providing proof that their equipment is a suitable substitute.

Additionally, students will receive two sets of scrubs to be worn during class. Adhering to the dress code is required for the program’s duration, and students are also provided with a student ID and lanyard.

Schedule and Class Timings

Classes are scheduled for four hours a day, either from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the program, students typically take two courses at a time. These are scheduled in such a way that students have a mix of theory and hands-on experience throughout the week.

The clinic internship starts during week 24 of the program, giving students enough time to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills before working with public clients. A week of First Aid and CPR training is scheduled before the clinic begins, outside of regular class hours.

Internships consist of one six-hour shift per week, in addition to the regular four-hour class days. This is required to meet the 360 clinic hours mandated by the program. Outreach events, where students treat special populations such as athletes and pregnant women, are scheduled throughout the program by the Outreach Coordinator. A total of 80 outreach hours must be completed as part of the graduation requirements.

Students will gain a total of 440 hours of clinical experience, exceeding the required 330 hours. This additional hands-on experience helps students feel confident treating various conditions by the time they graduate. There are typically short breaks during the winter holidays, spring break, and possibly a few weeks off in the summer.

Post-Graduation Steps

Upon graduation, students must register as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) with the College of Massage Therapists of New Brunswick. This involves passing the Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and Objectively Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE) exams. Registration can take a few weeks or even months to complete.

The MCQ exam assesses knowledge in health science, professional development, and clinical science. It consists of 150 questions administered via computer and can be taken either before or after the OSCE. The OSCE tests the candidate’s ability to apply massage therapy principles through various clinical scenarios.

To help students prepare for these exams, Eastern College provides three review modules spread over the two-year program, as well as an exam prep module that includes mock MCQ and OSCE exams. Students have access to instructors, clinical supervisors, and student success coaches throughout their studies for additional support.

To become an RMT, graduates need to complete the certification exams, submit a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check, provide proof of up-to-date First Aid and CPR training, obtain professional liability insurance, submit proof of Canadian residency or work authorization, and pay the registration fee.

The fees for the certification exams are set by the CMTNB and are not covered by Eastern College tuition. The exams are offered several times a year, and students are encouraged to take them soon after graduation to begin practicing as RMTs. Graduates have up to three years to take the exams; otherwise, they will need to complete a CMTNB-approved refresher course.

Massage therapy is a regulated profession in New Brunswick, and graduates cannot practice without registering with the CMTNB. Graduates who want to practice in other provinces must meet the specific requirements of the local regulatory bodies.

Finally, even if employed by an organization like Massage Addict, graduates are still required to obtain liability insurance, which typically costs between $100 and $150 annually. Eastern College instructors provide guidance on where to obtain insurance before registering with the CMTNB.