Program

Our Program

The RMT program is challenging – but rewarding. We aim to provide interested applicants with clear expectations for the demand of the program, so they can be prepared to achieve success. We understand that full-time school isn’t an option for many people at different points in their lives and careers. We attract students from many walks of life and want to support their career goals and learning while they continue working, caring for family members, or who simply need the flexibility in order to keep up with life’s demands.

Explore The Curriculum
Program

The VCMT Curriculum

Full-Time

Our full-time program is 20 months long, comprised of five semesters with week-long breaks inbetween. Students attend school five days per week, from 8:30am-4:30pm, with occasional evenings and weekends for clinical placement shifts.

VCMT starts new full-time programs every 4 months.

Level 100 prepares learners for successful completion of the program and provides the foundation for the massage therapy profession. A significant portion of the instruction in this level is devoted to the development of practical or ‘hands on’ skills through the practice of anatomical palpation and anatomical locations. Learners develop basic palpation skills and how to competently perform Swedish massage techniques. Anatomy, physiology and pathology courses introduce the systems of the body with general pathology, which is the foundation for future levels. Hydrotherapy and Homecare 100 provides the basic concepts of rehabilitation while courses such as Professional Development 100 and Clinical Assessment 100 begin to develop communication and assessment skills.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 1
  • Professional Development 1
  • Clinical Assessment
  • Manual Skills
  • Hydrotherapy & Homecare
  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology 1

Level 200 marks the commencement of students’ clinical placement. Working under instructor supervision at the school’s public clinic and at outreach placements, students consolidate classroom knowledge and theory through practical application in clinic internship. In addition, outreach placements provide learners the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally by reflecting on the concept of “unconditional positive regard” while giving back to the community. Students continue their growth in Musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology learning to palpate the deeper muscles of the body. Students are introduced to several new subjects such as joint mobilizations, and advanced manual skills where they continue to grow their hands on skills and begin to apply them to basic pathologies and enhance their treatment capabilities. Muscle assessment with further students knowledge in length and strength of individual muscles. Level 200 courses teach concepts such as case management, clinical reasoning and critical thinking methodology.

Courses: 

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 2
  • Joint Mobilizations
  • Advanced Manual Skills
  • Muscle Assessment
  • Professional Development 2
  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology 2
  • Clinical Internship
  • Cadaver Lab

Level 300 introduces students to additional therapeutic techniques and assessment skills to provide care for clients. Application of skills and knowledge are fostered in this level to allow students to gain confidence in critical thinking. Level 300 clinical placement provides students with opportunities to work with athletes, the elderly and patients with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The level 300 courses introduce students to the principles of treatment and management of conditions, such as headaches, as well as treatments of the spine.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 3
  • Professional Development 3
  • Spinal Treatment
  • Systemic Treatment 1
  • Clinical Internship
  • Cadaver Lab 2

Level 400 clinical placement focuses on students practicing their critical thinking, assessment and clinical reasoning skills. Clinic and outreach placements provide students with the opportunity to utilize learned therapeutic assessment and treatment techniques on patients with a wide range of presenting conditions. Learners are presented with more challenging conditions in orthopedic and neurological treatment classes and various methods of assessing and therapeutically managing these conditions are offered. Specific myofascial assessment and treatment skills are further enhanced at this level.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 4
  • Central Nervous System Treatment
  • Regional Orthopedic Treatment
  • Peripheral Nervous System Treatment
  • Systemic Treatment 2
  • Clinical Internship
  • Cadaver Lab 3

The focus of level 500 is the consolidation and integration of information and material learned from the previous four levels. A significant portion of this level is devoted to the clinical placement to integrate skills and provide care for clients with a variety of conditions. Instructors will work closely with students to ensure concepts and treatment principles taught in the classroom are properly understood and applied. This ensures students are adequately prepared as entry-level therapists and to have success in their career as a Registered Massage Therapist.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology Review
  • Clinical Consolidation
  • Performance Based Assessments
  • Professional Development 4
  • Academic Review & Exam Writing
  • Case Study
  • Clinical Internship
Winter 2025 Start Date: January 6th
  • Currently accepting applications
Spring 2025 Start Date: May 5th
  • Currently accepting applications 
Fall 2025 Start Date: September 2nd
  • Accepting applications starting in January

For more information on the full-time program, contact us today. To apply, click here.

Part-Time

The part-time program is 32 months, comprised of eight semesters with week-long breaks in between. Students will attend school three days per week from 8:30am-4:30pm. Days of the week are set in advance. Level 100-200 are Monday/Wednesday/Thursday, and Level 300-800 are Monday/Tuesday/Friday.

VCMT starts new part-time programs every 8 months.

Level 100 prepares students for successful completion of the program with foundations for the massage profession. A significant portion of the instruction in Level 100 is devoted to developing ‘hands on’ skills to develop palpation and anatomical locations.  Students also build a strong foundation in the musculoskeletal system, with classes devoted to learning about joints, muscles and bones. Students will have the appropriate knowledge and attitudes to confidently do a relaxing massage while also developing communication skills.

Courses:

  • Manual Skills
  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology 1
  • Professional Development 1
  • Clinical Assessment

Level 200 courses build on the knowledge and skills from Level 100 to prepare for entry into the student clinic internship. Students are also taught new manual techniques to integrate into massages.  Anatomy and Physiology 200 introduce the foundations for understanding the systems of the human body.  Students will learn about many conditions that affect the body and the clinical presentation of the pathologies.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 1
  • Hydrotherapy & Homecare
  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology 2

Level 300 clinical internships begin, where students work under supervision at the school’s public clinic and at outreach placements. The clinic internship in Level 300 allows students to put their classroom knowledge into practice, demonstrate compassion, and develop therapeutic relationships. Outreach placements provide students with the opportunity to give back to the community and grow personally and professionally.  Students are also taught advanced manual techniques, such as central nervous system treatment and joint mobilizations.

Courses:

  • Advanced Manual Skills
  • Joint Mobilizations
  • Professional Development 2
  • Muscle Assessment
  • Clinical Internship
  • Cadaver Lab 1

Level 400 courses teach concepts of case management, clinical reasoning and critical thinking methodology. Application of skills and knowledge are fostered in clinic internships and classes to allow students to gain confidence in critical thinking. Level 400 teaches students additional therapeutic techniques and assessment skills. These courses introduce students to principles of treatment for orthopedic pathologies. Integration of didactic and practical information is an important aspect of training in Level 400.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 2
  • Professional Development 3
  • Spinal Treatment
  • Clinical Internship
  • Cadaver Lab 2

Level 500 clinic internships offer placements that allow students to practice clinical reasoning, advanced assessment, and treatments. These placements prepare students with therapeutic techniques for a wide range of conditions. Students are presented with more challenging conditions in systemic and neurological treatment and learn various methods of therapeutically managing these conditions. Specific myofascial assessments and treatment skills are further enhanced at this level. Students are given opportunities to work with athletes, the elderly, and patients with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 3
  • Systemic Treatment 1
  • Clinical Internship

Level 600 clinic internships are increased to give students a chance to integrate, practice, and build on their therapeutic skills. The clinic internship offers placements that challenge critical thinking and assessment, allowing students to apply therapeutic techniques to a wide range of conditions. Modalities and techniques are taught for assessment and treatment of the spine such as muscle energy, orthopedic treatment and spinal mobilization.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 4
  • Regional Orthopedic Treatment
  • Research
  • Clinical Internship
  • Cadaver Lab 3

Level 700 continues to build students’ knowledge with the final Anatomy & Physiology and Neurology classes. As they near the end of the program, this level has its first review class, Pathology Review, to look back on the previous four Pathology classes and ensure students have retained the content in preparation for the registration exams. The integration of knowledge and skills in this level continues to build with clinical placement shifts at VCMT’s student clinic The Mend, and various outreach locations.

Courses:

  • Peripheral Nervous System Treatment
  • Systemic Treatment 2
  • Professional Development 4
  • Central Nervous System Treatment
  • Case Study
  • Clinical Internship

Level 800 switches focus to registration exam preparation and integration through courses such as Anatomy & Physiology Review, Orthopedic Conditions Review, and Registration Exam Prep, which is a preparation course for the oral practical board exams. At the end of this level, students will be prepared to succeed in the provincial registration examinations. A significant portion of these levels spent in the clinical internship to develop skills providing care for clients with a variety of conditions. Instructors will work closely with students to ensure the concepts and treatment principles taught in the classroom are properly understood and applied.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology Review
  • Clinical Consolidation
  • Performance Based Assessments
  • Academic Review & Exam Writing
  • Clinical Internship
Winter 2025 Start Date: January 6th
  • Currently accepting applications
Fall 2025 Start Date: September 2nd
  • Accepting applications starting in January

For more information on the part-time program, contact us today. To apply, click here.

Full-Time

Our full-time program is 20 months long, comprised of five semesters with week-long breaks in between. Students attend school five days per week, from 8:30am-4:30pm, with occasional evenings and weekends for clinical placement shifts.

VCMT starts new full-time programs three times per year.

Level 100 prepares learners for successful completion of the program and provides the foundation for the massage therapy profession. A significant portion of the instruction in this level is devoted to the development of practical or ‘hands on’ skills through the practice of anatomical palpation and anatomical locations. Learners develop basic palpation skills and how to competently perform Swedish massage techniques. Anatomy and physiology courses introduce the systems of the body, which is the foundation for future levels. Therapeutic Exercise 100 provides the basic concepts of rehabilitation while courses such as Professional Development 100 and Clinical Assessment 100 begin to develop communication skills.

Courses:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Professional Development
  • Clinical Assessment
  • Manual Skills
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Myology
  • Osteology
  • Arthrology
  • Therapeutic Exercises

Level 200 marks the commencement of students’ clinical placement. Working under instructor supervision at the school’s public clinic and at outreach placements, students consolidate classroom knowledge and theory through practical application in clinic internship. In addition, outreach placements provide learners the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally by reflecting on the concept of “unconditional positive regard” while giving back to the community. Students continue their growth in Musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology learning to palpate the deeper muscles of the body. Students are introduced to several new subjects such as joint mobilizations, and advanced manual skills where they continue to grow their hands on skills and begin to apply them to basic pathologies and enhance their treatment capabilities. Muscle assessment with further students knowledge in length and strength of individual muscles. Level 200 courses teach concepts such as case management, clinical reasoning and critical thinking methodology.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 2
  • Joint Mobilizations
  • Advanced Manual Skills
  • Professional Development 2
  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology 2
  • Clinical Placement
  • Cadaver Lab 1

Level 300 introduces students to additional therapeutic techniques and assessment skills to provide care for clients. Application of skills and knowledge are fostered in this level to allow students to gain confidence in critical thinking. Level 300 clinical placement provides students with opportunities to work with athletes, the elderly and patients with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The level 300 courses introduce students to the principles of treatment and management of conditions, such as headaches, as well as treatments of the spine.

Courses:

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 3
  • Professional Development 3
  • Spinal Treatment
  • Systemic Treatment 1
  • Research
  • Clinical Placement
  • Cadaver Lab 2

Level 400 clinical placement focuses on students practicing their critical thinking, assessment and clinical reasoning skills. Clinic and outreach placements provide students with the opportunity to utilize learned therapeutic assessment and treatment techniques on patients with a wide range of presenting conditions. Learners are presented with more challenging conditions in orthopedic and neurological treatment classes and various methods of assessing and therapeutically managing these conditions are offered. Specific myofascial assessment and treatment skills are further enhanced at this level.

Courses:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Central Nervous System Treatment
  • Neurology
  • Orthopedic Treatment
  • Peripheral Nervous System Treatment
  • Research
  • Systemic Pathology
  • Clinical Placement
  • Cadaver Lab

The focus of level 500 is the consolidation and integration of information and material learned from the previous four levels. A significant portion of this level is devoted to the clinical placement to integrate skills and provide care for clients with a variety of conditions. Instructors will work closely with students to ensure concepts and treatment principles taught in the classroom are properly understood and applied. This ensures students are adequately prepared as entry-level therapists and to have success in their career as a Registered Massage Therapist.

Courses:

  • All Pathology Review
  • Anatomy & Physiology Review
  • Clinical Consolidation
  • Professional Development
  • Systemic Treatment
  • Clinical Placement
  • Case Study
Winter 2025 Start Date: January 6th
  • Currently accepting applications
Spring 2025 Start Date: May 5th
  • Currently accepting applications
Fall 2025 Start Date: September 2nd
  • Accepting applications starting in January

For more information on the full-time program and how to apply, contact us today.

Part-Time

The part-time program is 32 months, comprised of eight semesters with week-long breaks in between. Students will attend school three days per week from 8:30am-4:30pm. Days of the week vary depending on the intake, but are typically a Monday/Tuesday/Friday or a Monday/Wednesday/Thursday schedule.

VCMT is the only massage college in BC to offer a part-time program.

Level 100 prepares students for successful completion of the program with foundations for the massage profession. A significant portion of the instruction in Level 100 is devoted to developing ‘hands on’ skills to develop palpation and anatomical locations.  Students also build a strong foundation in the musculoskeletal system, with classes devoted to learning about joints, muscles and bones. Students will have the appropriate knowledge and attitudes to confidently do a relaxing massage while also developing communication skills.

Courses:

  • Arthrology
  • Professional Development
  • Manual Skills
  • Myology
  • Osteology

Level 200 courses build on the knowledge and skills from Level 100 to prepare for entry into the student clinic internship. Students are also taught new manual techniques to integrate into massages.  Anatomy and Physiology 200 introduce the foundations for understanding the systems of the human body.  Students will learn about many conditions that affect the body and the clinical presentation of the pathologies.

Courses:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Professional Development
  • Manual Skills
  • Nutrition
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Pain & Stress Management
  • Clinical Assessment
  • Therapeutic Exercises

Level 300 clinical internships begin, where students work under supervision at the school’s public clinic and at outreach placements. The clinic internship in Level 300 allows students to put their classroom knowledge into practice, demonstrate compassion, and develop therapeutic relationships. Outreach placements provide students with the opportunity to give back to the community and grow personally and professionally.  Students are also taught advanced manual techniques, such as central nervous system treatment and joint mobilizations.

Courses:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Orthopedic Pathology
  • General Pathology
  • Joint Mobilizations
  • Clinical Placement
  • Cadaver Lab

Level 400 courses teach concepts of case management, clinical reasoning and critical thinking methodology. Application of skills and knowledge are fostered in clinic internships and classes to allow students to gain confidence in critical thinking. Level 400 teaches students additional therapeutic techniques and assessment skills. These courses introduce students to principles of treatment for orthopedic pathologies. Integration of didactic and practical information is an important aspect of training in Level 400.

Courses:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Professional Development
  • Orthopedic Treatment
  • Systemic Pathology
  • Clinical Placement
  • Cadaver Lab

Level 500 clinic internships offer placements that allow students to practice clinical reasoning, advanced assessment, and treatments. These placements prepare students with therapeutic techniques for a wide range of conditions. Students are presented with more challenging conditions in systemic and neurological treatment and learn various methods of therapeutically managing these conditions. Specific myofascial assessments and treatment skills are further enhanced at this level. Students are given opportunities to work with athletes, the elderly, and patients with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Courses:

  • Peripheral Nervous System Treatment
  • Systemic Treatment
  • Neurology
  • Central Nervous System Treatment
  • Research
  • Clinical Placement
  • Cadaver Lab

Level 600 clinic internships are increased to give students a chance to integrate, practice, and build on their therapeutic skills. The clinic internship offers placements that challenge critical thinking and assessment, allowing students to apply therapeutic techniques to a wide range of conditions. Modalities and techniques are taught for assessment and treatment of the spine such as muscle energy, orthopedic treatment and spinal mobilization.

Courses:

  • Orthopedic Treatment
  • Pharmacology
  • Spinal Treatment
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Clinical Placement

Level 700 continues to build students’ knowledge with the final Anatomy & Physiology and Neurology classes. As they near the end of the program, this level has its first review class, Pathology Review, to look back on the previous four Pathology classes and ensure students have retained the content in preparation for the registration exams. The integration of knowledge and skills in this level continues to build with clinical placement shifts at VCMT’s student clinic The Mend, and various outreach locations.

Courses:

  • Professional Development
  • Neurology
  • All Pathology Review
  • Systemic Pathology
  • Case Study
  • Clinical Placement

Level 800 switches focus to registration exam preparation and integration through courses such as Anatomy & Physiology Review, Orthopedic Conditions Review, and Registration Exam Prep, which is a preparation course for the oral practical board exams. At the end of this level, students will be prepared to succeed in the provincial registration examinations. A significant portion of these levels spent in the clinical internship to develop skills providing care for clients with a variety of conditions. Instructors will work closely with students to ensure the concepts and treatment principles taught in the classroom are properly understood and applied.

Courses:

  • Anatomy & Physiology Review
  • Clinical Consolidation
  • Systemic Treatment
  • Clinical Placement
Winter 2025 Start Date: January 6th
  • Currently accepting applications 
Winter 2025 Start Date: September 2nd
  • Accepting applications starting in January

For more information on the part-time program and how to apply, contact us today.

Student Clinic

Student Clinic at The Mend

VCMT’s public student clinic, The Mend, is where students receive many of their clinical internship hours. Located on campus with 15 treatment rooms, The Mend provides students the opportunity to complete the 550 clinical hours required for graduation. Those clinic shifts are built into their class schedule starting in the second semester for full time, or third semester for part time. Students build their hands-on experience as they progress through the program, starting with primarily relaxation treatments and moving towards more therapeutic techniques as they put their classroom knowledge and skills into action. For more details on The Mend or to book an appointment, click below.

The Mend

Policies

VCMT Student Policies

To learn more about VCMT’s policies, see the links below. If you have any questions about VCMT’s policies, feel free to email admissions@vcmt.ca.

Transfers From Another RMT School in BC

VCMT may accept students who transfer from other accredited massage therapy schools in BC, but it depends on classroom availability and how their prior courses align with ours. VCMT may grant up to a maximum of 50% credit for a program.

Transfer Credits From University

To receive credit for prior academic courses from a college or university, an applicant must complete a Prior Learning Assessment, to determine if they meet the requirements of that course.

Transfer Credits Earned to Another University

VCMT has a transfer agreement with Thompson Rivers University. Students who graduate from VCMT’s program can transfer up to 75 credits to TRU’s Bachelor of General Studies, or up to 84 credits to TRU’s Bachelor of Health Science.

Refund Policy

VCMT follows the refund policy put forth by the Private Training Institutions Branch. To view the details of the refund policy, see the attached Refund Policy.

Sexual Misconduct Policy

VCMT follows a strict sexual misconduct policy. To view the details of the sexual misconduct policy, see the attached Policy PDF.

Transfer Policy

To view the prior learning assessment and transfer course policy in more detail, see the attached Transfer Policy.

Admissions Policy

To view VCMT’s admissions policy and to understand more about what it takes to become a student at VCMT, see the attached PDF.

Student Success

VCMT is committed to student success both in the program and in the profession. To view the ways VCMT supports students on their journey to becoming an RMT, see the attached Student Success PDF.

Dispute Resolution Policy

VCMT values the feedback provided by its students related to their educational experience.  To view the Student Complaint & Dispute Resolution Policy, see the attached Policy.