Massage Therapy Diploma program among Canada’s best
MRU program achieves accreditation, opens new opportunities for student success
— Mount Royal University | Posted: February 10, 2023
Students in the program participate in a number of community outreach opportunities, such as providing massage therapy treatments in various settings.
Mount Royal University’s (MRU) Massage Therapy Diploma program is taking its place among the premier destinations for massage therapy education in Canada.
From the training and practice opportunities afforded to students, to an upcoming step into scientific research, the longstanding diploma program is being recognized for its commitment to training graduates who are equipped to offer excellent service and care.
National-level accreditation helps bolster career reputation, graduate prospects
In November of 2022, the program met a series of rigorous requirements to earn national accreditation by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA).
Program Administrator Donna Palmer says that while the program has always been committed to teaching its students the highest standards of care, technique, hygiene and professionalism, the team is proud of the official distinction.
“It was a priority for us to pursue and achieve accreditation. We’ve always held ourselves to a high standard and we’ve been making a number of changes to the program, curriculum, assessments and supervised hours that meet or exceed the national standards. This distinguishes our diploma program from other massage therapy educators in Alberta.
“Being accredited tells a story to employers and clients about the calibre of training our students have received.”
Students operate a practicum clinic on-site at the MRU campus, where anyone can book in for a supervised massage at an inexpensive rate.
Achieving accreditation is the culmination of years of planning and preparation by program staff and instructors. After receiving preliminary accreditation and completing a two-day site visit in October 2022 with surveyors from the CMTCA, MRU was awarded three-year accreditation, the highest level possible for an initial accreditation.
As an important part of their training, students in the program participate in a number of community outreach opportunities, such as providing massage therapy treatments in various settings, which gives them the chance to gain practical experience working with diverse populations.
The students also operate a practicum clinic on-site at the MRU campus, where anyone can book in for a supervised massage at an inexpensive rate.
Graduates of the program are eligible to practice massage therapy in other provinces and territories throughout Canada. Receiving accreditation from the CMTCA has further streamlined this process for future graduates. International student graduates are eligible to apply for the post-graduate work permit (up to three years).
New research journal encourages student submissions
As MRU’s massage therapy program continues to set the standards for educational excellence in Alberta, they are also adding to the advancement of scientific research in the field.
Together with the University of Alberta, MRU is launching the Journal of Manual Therapy Science, a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary, open-access journal that is now accepting submissions and applications for reviewers.
The journal will feature research by industry leaders, instructors and faculty members at each institution. Alumni, undergraduate and graduate students, and members of the general public are also encouraged to submit their research.
“This journal is a fantastic opportunity for our educators, as well as our students, to contribute to the body of research in the manual-therapy sciences,” says Dr. Laurie Fisher, PhD, who is the journal’s executive editor and an instructor in the Massage Therapy Diploma. “We welcome submissions from the health sciences, nursing, athletic therapy, kinesiology, and anyone who works with muscle or movement can contribute articles. The journal is not limited only to massage therapy.
“It’s a place for researchers in various areas to have their investigations published, and we also hope that students will be encouraged to participate in academic research and continue it once they finish their programs.”
MRU is currently accepting applications for the Massage Therapy Diploma beginning in September 2023. The program leaders are hosting a free virtual information session on Wednesday, March 22. Register.