Is Massage Therapy a regulated profession?
What are my employment options as a professional massage therapist?
Private Practice, Sports Massage Therapist, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Clinics, Multidisciplinary Clinics, Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centres, Spas, Resorts, Cruise Ships, Corporations, to mention a few.
Does the school provide assistance to students seeking employment after graduation?
All ICT grads have access to our Employment Registry. Alumni Association members receive automatic email notices of job offerings that come to the School from our network of Employers. Furthermore, as an ICT graduate, you will receive periodic newsletters, surveys, notice of ICT continuing education opportunities, invitations to special lectures and workshops, and preferred registration and discounts on Continuing Education Unit (CEU) courses. We offer you the continuing support you need throughout your practice.
Can I practice in other parts of Canada and the United States once I have graduated?
Ontario, British Columbia, Newfoundland/Labrador, and New Brunswick are regulated provinces. Graduates from outside these provinces must meet all educational standards plus pass provincial certification examinations in order to practice in these provinces. Graduates receiving provincial certification in a regulated province may practice in another regulated province without writing the licensing exam provided they obtain acceptable professional development training in areas of possible insufficiency. (For example a therapist certified in Ontario would, at a minimum, have to complete acceptable training in BC’s laws, regulations and professional ethics in order to practice in BC). As these requirements are subject to change, the provincial regulating body should be consulted.
All other provinces in Canada are unregulated and a massage therapist may work freely in these provinces. In the United States many states regulate massage and have a certification processes in place. Not all states in the United States are regulated. Students should inquire on a state by state basis.
Are ICT Schools’ Programs registered with their respective provincial regulating bodies?
Yes. In Ontario with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Private Career Colleges.
In Nova Scotia with the Department of Education, Private Career Colleges Division.
Is there someplace where I can get an official list of registered Private College Massage Therapy Programs in each province where ICT has a school?
In Ontario, all registered Private Career College Massage Therapy programs are listed on the webpage linked below:
Note: Search for “Massage” under “Program Name“.
In Nova Scotia, all registered Private Career College Massage Therapy programs are listed on the webpage linked below:
Why should it matter to me if a School is owned and operated by Massage Therapists for over 35 years?
Because Massage Therapists understand what it means and what it takes to become a Massage Therapist. Because they know every step of the way what you’re going through. Because the advice they offer is based on personal experience. Because your school environment will be staffed by successful therapists in the very profession you seek to enter. ICT Schools specializes in Massage Therapy Education. It’s what we do. We train Massage Therapists and we also hire them. If you want a School owned or run by corporate executives (or owned by another large corporation), this definitely is not it.
Our Department of Education (DOE) Manager is a Massage Therapist, our School Director at Kikkawa College is a Massage Therapist, and our School Director and Registrar at ICT Northumberland College is also a Massage Therapist. Our Faculty are Massage Therapists (many of them ICT Schools graduates), and the Shirley Desborough, the Founder and President of the School, renowned within the profession, is a retired MT, who continues to advocate for the profession through her Directorship work on various Boards. Mitsuki Kikkawa, our distinguished creator of Suikodo®Therapy, was also a Massage Therapist until his untimely death in 2008.
View Mitsuki-sensei’s memorial sheet here.
Are ICT Schools approved for government student assistance programs?
Yes, students enrolled in our Massage Therapy Diploma Program may be eligible, if qualified, for assistance under federal and various provincial Student Loan programs as well as other assistance programs.
All Programs are 2200 hours in length. For students registered in the Regular Program (82 weeks), classes are held from September to May with exams in June for both years of study. For students registered in the Fast- Track Program (73 weeks), first year classes are held from January to July with exams in August and second year runs from September to May with exams in June.
What is the tuition for your Massage Therapy Program?
The tuition for each year of the Massage Therapy Program is $8300 at ICT Northumberland College and $9900 at ICT Kikkawa College.
Why is the tuition different at each of your schools if the Program is the same?
Tuition is determined primarily by the cost of doing business in each city. Rents for example are much much higher in Toronto than they are in Halifax. Competitive pressures and the size of the program in each city are also factors causing fee differentials.
Do you offer payment plans for students who are not on Student Loans?
Yes. Interest-free payment plans are available to all students. Information may be obtained from the Admissions Office at each school.
Do you offer bursaries and scholarships?
Yes. ICT Bursaries are designed to provide financial assistance to deserving full-time students. Eligibility to apply for bursaries is primarily based on a demonstration of financial need.
Entrance and In-Program scholarships are awarded based on academic merit. If you graduated from High School, College or University with good grades and you apply to our Massage Therapy Program, you are automatically eligible for an Entrance Scholarship. Applications for scholarships are not required. Scholarships are also awarded to students with the highest grades entering Year 2 of the Program.
Further information may be obtained from the Admissions Office at each School.
What are the minimum admission requirements?
Applicants must be high school graduates. A candidate who does not fulfill this minimum admission requirement, but is 18 years of age in Ontario or 19 years of age in Nova Scotia may apply as a mature student. A copy of proof of age must be submitted with the application. Candidates who apply as mature students will be required to pass an adult literacy test.
What is the Preadmission Course?
The Preadmission course is designed to ensure that students who lack an adequate High School science background are sufficiently aware of the rigors of a science-based health care Program such as Massage Therapy. The Preadmission Course may be completed via correspondence or a combination of both home study and in class session. In-class sessions are 20 hours in length and are generally run in the month prior to the start of classes.
Please speak to our Admissions Officer to find out more.
Are all applicants required to take the Preadmission Course?
No. The Preadmission Course is for those applicants whose educational background warrants the additional academic preparation. For students who possess an adequate academic history, we do not require the Preadmission Course. Students may voluntarily register in the Course if they wish.
Can I obtain my Preadmission requirements somewhere else?
Yes. Other Massage Therapy Schools offer Preadmission or similarly equivalent preparatory courses and generally any of these courses would be an acceptable substitute. Certain high-school, college or on-line science-related courses would also be acceptable. However ICT Schools Admissions must review and approve the intended course outline and curriculum content before the candidate takes the course.
Where do I get an Application for your Massage Therapy Program?
Applications are also available by mail, or pick one up in person at your nearest ICT® Schools location.
Is there an application deadline for the Massage Therapy Program?
Applications are accepted throughout the year. We encourage prospective students to apply as early as possible in order to maximize their chance of acceptance.
Do you accept transfer of credit from other institutions? Can I get Advanced Standing?
Candidates are welcome to apply for a transfer of credit/Advanced Standing. For students who wish to transfer from another massage school to ICT Schools, we recommend that you make application between the first and second year of study (please see the next section in this FAQ). Applicants requesting a transfer of educational credit must include, along with their application, an official transcript and course outlines. In some cases a Challenge Exam or Prior Learning Assessment may be required.
Can I transfer from another Massage School in the middle of the year?
ICT Schools has a mid-year Transfer Policy in place. If you meet the criteria of that policy you will be allowed admission into our Massage Therapy Program. Please call for details.
I already have a degree in Kinesiology or Nursing (or in another Health or Physical Sciences field). How quickly can I get my Massage Therapy Diploma?
By taking some additional coursework (either at ICT Schools or elsewhere) to supplement your existing knowledge base, you will normally be able to graduate with your Diploma in 10 months. Combined with your existing academic credential, the additional coursework will qualify you for Advanced Standing for the entire first year of the Program.
ICT Schools offers a two-week CEU course entitled Massage as a Second Career (MASC) which will provide you with the supplementary coursework required. Other Schools offer similar courses or combination of courses which are also acceptable.
ICT’s Massage As a Second Career CEU course is further described in our MASC Flyer. ( Click here ) Or call the Admissions Office for further details.
Can I apply as a mature student?
Yes. A mature student is defined as an applicant who does not fulfill the minimal admission requirements but is 18 years of age or older if applying to Kikkawa College or 19 years of age or older if applying to Northumberland College. A copy of proof of age must be submitted with the application. Candidates who apply as mature students will be required to pass an adult literacy test.
Can I work part-time while I am in school?
Yes. If you have an evening job, it’s possible. But bear in mind that the Massage Therapy Program is rigorous. Most students are not able to take on part-time work while enrolled full-time in the program. Students with good time management and study skills, good health, limited family responsibilities and good marks are most likely to manage part-time work and full-time studies successfully.
Students wishing (or needing) to work part-time should consider completing the Program on a part-time basis
Do you offer part-time studies?
Yes. Part-time students at all schools may register in the day-time programs starting in either September or January. Part-time students take courses along with full-time students. During the application process you will meet with the Admissions Officer to review a typical schedule of courses for part time studies.
Can I apply to the program if I am not fluent in English?
Yes, but please remember that the language of instruction at ICT Schools is English. Students must be proficient in all areas of the English language, including speaking, reading, writing and listening comprehension. We understand that the scientific terms used in Anatomy and Physiology can be particularly daunting for those whose first language is not English. Accordingly, in your first year of study, we permit the use of pre-approved foreign language dictionaries during quizzes and tests.
Do you offer housing assistance?
Yes. Although ICT Schools do not provide residence housing, we provide our students with a registry of available housing in the community. Many of the locations listed are used by our students year after year.
Do you have onsite laundry services?
Students are advised that clean sheets are required for each practical class and clinic. Unfortunately our schools are not equipped with onsite laundry facilities. To engage take-out and delivery laundry service, would increase fees by approximately $500-$1000 per student. Since the majority of our students either live at home or have access to a convenient laundry facility, we have opted to maintain fees at a minimum. Those students who are unable to access a washer and dryer are advised to set aside sufficient funds to ensure linens are appropriately laundered after each use.
Do you have parking available?
Ample public paid parking is available within 2-3 minutes walking distance of both schools. ICT Schools’ Toronto location also has underground parking available for a very reasonable monthly fee, arranged through the building landlord.
Can I transfer from one ICT School to another ICT School?
Yes. The Massage Therapy Program is the same at all ICT Schools. There’ s no cost to transfer. However, students transferring to a School with higher tuition fees are required to pay the fee differential.
What student services are available to me as an ICT student?
Services available include: Access to learning resource material including free online access to internet resources, tutorial support for those requiring additional academic assistance , Provincial Examination Preparation (where Provincial Licensing exams are mandatory) at no charge (you choose to attend or not), quick, no-hassle access to the School Director to discuss any issue of concern to you, or just to seek practical advice (professional counselling is also available at Northumberland College), an opportunity to participate in Student Association government and its activities at Northumberland and Kikkawa College (the SA is funded by a $35 fee paid upon registration in each year) and massive discounts (50% off) on additional elective courses offered as CEUs in any given year.
Is there extra help or tutoring if I am experiencing difficulty with the program?
ICT Schools’ offer tutorial support, at no additional cost to students, primarily in the form of group sessions for students experiencing difficulty or wanting additional review in key courses. In addition, each year at the Toronto campus, a Provincial certification exam preparation course is available to all ICT graduates.
Is there an additional cost for this extra help?
What is the ICT Learning Method (SCIL) and why is it better?
Student Centered Interactive Learning (SCIL) combines the best in traditional education with more recent developments in adult learning methods and the specific needs of complementary health care education. At ICT Schools we have directly addressed the need to provide a method of developing the problem-solving and critical thinking skills so crucial to the success of a health care practitioner.
Is there a Student Association at ICT Schools?
Kikkawa College and Northumberland College both have Student Associations. The College administration works closely with the Student Association in helping to maintain good communications with the student body. The Student Association provides a means of leadership development and serves the interests of students in giving voice to students as well as sponsoring activities of an educational, entertainment, and charitable nature.
Does ICT Schools provide continuing education courses for ICT graduates?
Yes. ICT Schools provides on-going graduate courses that graduates can take in order to increase their knowledge and treatment effectiveness and to meet legislative requirements in regulated provinces such as Ontario. Refer to our Continuing Education Flyer. All ICT Schools grads receive discounts on CEU courses.
While I am in high school, which courses should I take to prepare to apply for the program?
We recommend that you take high school science courses and senior level physical education courses.
What else should I ask before taking time to visit a School?
Ask yourself if all your initial questions have been answered by the school (or the school’s website) in a forthcoming manner without any pressure? Or have you been told you must visit the school now (or give out your email and phone number) just to obtain basic information . If so, ask yourself ‘why the secrecy’? Why can’t basic information just be made available without a hassle. At ICT, all the basic information about our Massage Therapy Program is right here on our site. In addition, please download download and read the Program Catalogue – it contains useful information not elsewhere on our website). If we’ve missed something please contact us and we’ll be more than happy to give you an answer. At ICT Schools finding information is easy. No pressure, we promise.
What one thing should I do before deciding on a School?
Once your basic questions are answered, please arrange to visit the School! Either make an appointment or just drop by. Ask for a tour. (If you drop by, ask at Reception to speak with the Admissions Officer or School Director). Most schools have student-for-a day programs where you can sit in on several classes, get a student massage and talk to students, faculty and school officials about the Program. Take advantage of this time to ask questions, observe and absorb the classroom experience and learning environment. If you want, bring a friend or bring a parent. If, at the end of the day, you still have questions or are uncertain about anything, ask to speak to the School Director (or Program Manager) for a second time if you haven’t already spoken with them. If you don’t feel good about what you’ve see, what you’ve heard, or how you’ve been treated, don’t enroll. Period.
Presumably you haven’t visited us yet (see the previous FAQ) or you wouldn’t still be asking this question. Once you visit and compare between schools, the answer will be obvious. So please call to book your visit or surprise us and just drop by . But if you still need some convincing to come check us out in person, check out the Top 10 Reasons to Choose an ICT School here (CLICK HERE). Then book your visit. I mean, seriously, it’s your future.