Massage Therapy

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SEP 2023 | Kitchener – Doon
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Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.


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Courses - September 2023

Level 1

Course details

Anatomy and Physiology 1
ANAT1000

Description: This course will provide students with an overview of human anatomy and physiology, including fundamentals of human physiology at a cellular level. Students will also explore the physiology of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Additionally, the normal structure and function of the human body will be explored, as students learn the foundation of human anatomy, including: bones, joints, nerves, vasculature and muscles of the upper and lower limbs of the body.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Clinical Anatomy 1
ANAT1010

Description: This course is the first in a series of clinical anatomy courses intended to integrate the theory of anatomy with clinical / practical hands on identification of structures in a treatment relevant fashion. The focus of this course will be on the musculoskeletal, myofascial, neurological and vascular anatomy within a regional framework.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Orientation
HEAL1186

Description: This course will provide the student with a broad overview of topics relevant to massage therapy. This will provide context, early in the students’ education, for subsequent development of knowledge, skills attitudes and values required of the practicing massage therapist. Topics include, relevant legislation, roles of stakeholder organizations, evidence informed practice, interprofessional practice, the history of massage therapy and the different models of medical practice. This course will also examine the massage therapist’s obligation to act in compliance with the Massage Therapy Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, as well as the Massage Therapy Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Students will develop a working knowledge of the mandate of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Canadian Health Care System
HEAL1196

Description: This course will provide students with basic foundational knowledge of the Canadian health care system. Concepts reflected in the Canada Health Act, the social determinants of health, and the scopes of practice of the various regulated healthcare professions will be explored. Students will have an understanding of the role that massage therapy plays within the context of the Canadian health care system.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Patient Management 1
MGMT1175

Description: As the first in the series of Patient Management courses, this course will expose the students to the fundamentals required for sound clinical practice. History taking, basic physical assessment, infection control, basic clinical protocols and the therapeutic decision making model will be introduced, and will form the foundation for subsequent courses.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Therapeutic Relationships 1
THER1000

Description: This course will provide students with the essential principles and skills of interpersonal communication required to establish effective relationships with patients, families and other health care professionals. An emphasis on self-awareness, active listening skills, conflict management, cultural diversity and maintenance of professional boundaries will be included and basic competencies supportive of collaborative practice will be integrated throughout the course. An emphasis will be developed on the relational aspects of touch and the unique challenges confronting the massage therapist.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Anatomy and Physiology 2
ANAT1020

Description:

This course is a continuation of Anatomy & Physiology 1. It provides students with an overview of the structure and function of the cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, renal, endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1000
  • CoRequisites:

Clinical Anatomy 2
ANAT1030

Description: This course will build on the knowledge acquired in Clinical Anatomy 1. This course is the second in a series of clinical anatomy courses intended to integrate the theory of anatomy with clinical / practical hands on identification of structures in a treatment relevant fashion. The focus of this course will be on the musculoskeletal, myofascial, neurological and vascular anatomy within a regional framework.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1010
  • CoRequisites:

Patient Management 2
MGMT1185

Description:

Patient Management 2 is the second in a series of assessment courses that integrates knowledge from level 1 and 2. Learners will cultivate clinical reasoning and therapeutic decision-making skills in a case specific context. Through comprehensive assessment as a component of the process, learners will develop the ability to determine appropriate interventions and treatment plans to address a variety of clinical presentations.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1010 AND MGMT1175
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Pathology
THER1010

Description: This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the cause, nature, and origin of disease of the human body, and also addresses the topics of inflammation and wound healing.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1000
  • CoRequisites:

Therapeutic Exercise 1
THER1020

Description:

This course will introduce students to the theory and application of various therapeutic exercise interventions. Based on a sound understanding of anatomy and biomechanics students will develop the ability to determine exercise protocols appropriate to a patient’s presentation and integrate them into the overall management plan.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1010 AND MGMT1175
  • CoRequisites:

Therapeutic Relationships 2
THER1030

Description: This course builds on the theory covered in the semester 1 Therapeutic Relationships course, and particular emphasis will be given to practicing with the framework of the College of Massage Therapist’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Students will have the opportunity to apply their learning in a simulation environment which includes case based discussions, skills acquisition exercises and clinically immersive scenarios.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: THER1000
  • CoRequisites:

Massage Theory and Treatment 1
THER1040

Description:

This series of courses is tightly integrated with the Clinical Anatomy and Patient Management courses. Massage Theory and Treatment 1 is the first in a series of courses intended to facilitate learner’s understanding of the theoretical basis of the therapeutic effects expected when utilizing various massage treatment interventions. Learners will also develop practical application skills in a laboratory setting.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1010 AND MGMT1175
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Clinical Anatomy 3
ANAT2000

Description: This course will build on the knowledge acquired in Clinical Anatomy 2. This course is the third in a series of clinical anatomy courses intended to integrate the theory of anatomy with clinical / practical hands on identification of structures in a treatment relevant fashion. The focus of this course will be on the musculoskeletal, myofascial, neurological and vascular anatomy within a regional framework.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1020 AND ANAT1030
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 1 (Massage Therapy)
FPLT2110

Description: In this clinical course students will undertake comprehensive patient assessment and treatment under supervision. Students will be responsible for a limited case load and will follow their patients through a series of treatments as determined by the management plan. In this way students will be able to assess response to treatment and modify accordingly, with the goal of optimizing patient outcomes.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1030 AND MGMT1185 AND OHS1320 AND OHS8320 AND THER1020 AND THER1030 AND THER1040
  • CoRequisites:

Patient Management 3
MGMT2250

Description: The Patient Management 3 course is the third in a series of courses that is tightly integrated with the Manual Modalities and Pathophysiology courses In the Patient Management courses learners will cultivate clinical reasoning and therapeutic decision making skills in a case specific context. Through comprehensive assessment as a component of the process, learners will develop the ability to determine appropriate interventions and treatment plans to address a variety of clinical presentations.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1030 AND MGMT1185 AND THER1020 AND THER1040
  • CoRequisites:

Activity, Nutrition and Health Promotion
NUTR2000

Description: This course will provide students with an appreciation for the critical role that physical activity and proper nutrition and other lifestyle choices plays in promoting health and wellness. The importance of massage therapy as a preventative approach towards achieving optimal health and well-being will also be covered.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Therapeutic Exercise 2
THER2000

Description: This course is a continuation of Therapeutic Exercise one, in which students will continue to develop their abilities regarding exercise prescription in a regionally specific fashion. Additionally, students will be challenged to modify exercise protocols in the context of disease specific states.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: MGMT1185 AND THER1020
  • CoRequisites:

Pathophysiology 1
THER2010

Description: In this course, students will learn the basic concepts of pathophysiological processes. Students will develop an understanding of the functional changes and the clinical significance associated with various diseases, within a systems oriented framework.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: THER1010
  • CoRequisites:

Massage Theory and Treatment 2
THER2020

Description: This series of Modalities courses is tightly integrated with the Clinical Anatomy and Patient Management courses. Manual Modalities 2 is the second in a series of courses intended to facilitate learner’s understanding of the theoretical basis of the therapeutic effects expected when utilizing various manual modalities. Learners will also develop practical application skills in a laboratory setting.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1030 AND THER1040
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Clinical Anatomy 4
ANAT2020

Description: This course is the fourth in a series of clinical anatomy courses intended to integrate the theory of anatomy with clinical / practical hands on identification of structures in a treatment relevant fashion. The focus of this course will be on the viscera and the implications of abnormal structural or mechanical relationships and dysfunctions on clinical presentations within the scope of massage therapy.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT2000
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 2 (Massage Therapy)
FPLT2140

Description: In this clinical course students will undertake comprehensive patient assessment and treatment under supervision. Students will be responsible for a limited case load and will follow their patients through a series of treatments as determined by the management plan. In this way students will be able to assess response to treatment and modify accordingly, with the goal of optimizing patient outcomes.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT2000 AND FPLT2110 AND MGMT2250 AND THER2000 AND THER2010 AND THER2020
  • CoRequisites:

Patient Management 4
MGMT2260

Description: The Patient Management 4 course is the fourth in a series of courses that is tightly integrated with the Manual Modalities and Pathophysiology courses. In the Patient Management courses learners will cultivate clinical reasoning and therapeutic decision making skills in a case specific context. Through comprehensive assessment as a component of the process, learners will develop the ability to determine appropriate interventions and treatment plans to address a variety of clinical presentations.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: MGMT2250
  • CoRequisites:

Research Methods/Proposal Development
RSCH2020

Description: The course is intended to provide the student with an introduction to research methods and statistics, and will facilitate the development of learners’ research literacy and understanding. As a result, learners will be positioned to engage in an evidence informed practice and contribute to the research based development of the massage therapy profession. There will also be the opportunity to explore an area of particular professional interest in detail through literature review and proposal development processes.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: MGMT2250
  • CoRequisites:

Pathophysiology 2
THER2030

Description: This course builds on the knowledge acquired in Pathophysiology 1. In this course, students will learn more advanced concepts of pathophysiological processes. Students will develop an understanding of the functional changes and the clinical significance associated with more complex diseases, within a systems oriented framework.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: THER2010
  • CoRequisites:

Biomechanics and Gait
THER2040

Description: This course will introduce students to the theory and application of biomechanics and gait analysis. The course will primarily focus on normal mechanics but will touch on commonly encountered pathomechanics and gait abnormalities. Additionally, the role of force and pressure measurement as a diagnostic adjunct will be considered along with an overview of current technologies.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT2000 AND MGMT2250 AND THER2000
  • CoRequisites:

Massage Theory and Treatment 3
THER2050

Description: This series of Modalities courses is tightly integrated with the Clinical Anatomy and Patient Management courses. Manual Modalities 3 is the third in a series of courses intended to facilitate learner’s understanding of the theoretical basis of the therapeutic effects expected when utilizing various manual modalities. Learners will also develop practical application skills in a laboratory setting.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: THER2020
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 5

Course details

Neurology 1
ANAT3010

Description: This course will provide students with an in depth understanding of the human nervous system, and the associated disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The content of this course is intended to enable students to critically evaluate the role of massage therapy in the safe and effective assessment and treatment of neurological disorders and related symptomatic presentations.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT2020 AND THER2020
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 3 (Massage Therapy)
FPLT3000

Description: In this clinical course students will undertake comprehensive patient assessment and treatment under supervision. Students will be responsible for a limited case load and will follow their patients through a series of treatments as determined by the management plan. In this way students will be able to assess response to treatment and modify accordingly, with the goal of optimizing patient outcomes.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT2000 AND FPLT2140 AND MGMT2260 AND THER2030 AND THER2040 AND THER2050
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 4 (Massage Therapy)
FPLT3010

Description: In this clinical course students will have the opportunity to engage in core and elective specialty rotations. These choices will include specialty rotations in palliative care, athletic injuries, pregnancy and infant, neonatal, respiratory, stroke, acquired brain / spinal injury, degenerative neurological disease and seniors care.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT2140
  • CoRequisites:

Research Case Study 1
RSCH3000

Description: Building on the Research Methods and Proposal Development course in semester 4, students will focus on an area of particular interest and perform a comprehensive clinical case study
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: RSCH2020
  • CoRequisites:

Emerging Trends in Massage Therapy
RSCH3010

Description: This course will examine emerging trends in massage therapy. Students will learn to critically evaluate the impact of emerging trends in the profession, as well as the impact on the individual therapist. Students will acquire the necessary tools to actively seek information that will contribute to discussions on emerging trends in massage therapy.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: HEAL1185 OR HEAL1186
  • CoRequisites:

Clinical Synthesis 1
THER3000

Description: Through a combination of case studies and simulations, this course is intended to provide the students with the opportunity to refine their clinical reasoning and therapeutic decision making skills. Learning activities will require integration of material previous encountered and will be conducted within and evidence informed and interprofessional framework.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT2020 AND MGMT2260 AND THER2050
  • CoRequisites:

Pathophysiology 3
THER3010

Description: This course builds on the knowledge acquired in Pathophysiology 2. In this course, students will learn more advanced concepts of pathophysiological processes. Students will develop an understanding of the functional changes and the clinical significance associated with more complex diseases, within a systems oriented framework.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: THER2030
  • CoRequisites:

Massage Theory and Treatment 4
THER3020

Description: This series of Modalities courses is tightly integrated with the Clinical Anatomy and Patient Management courses. Manual Modalities 4 is the fourth in a series of courses intended to facilitate learner’s understanding of the theoretical basis of the therapeutic effects expected when utilizing various manual modalities. Learners will also develop practical application skills in a laboratory setting.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: THER2050
  • CoRequisites:

Level 6

Course details

Neurology 2
ANAT3020

Description: This course builds off on the knowledge acquired in Neurology 1. In this course, students will learn more advanced concepts of the human nervous system, and the associated disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The content of this course is intended to enable students to critically evaluate the role of massage therapy in the safe and effective assessment and treatment of neurological disorders and related symptomatic presentations.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT3010 AND THER3010
  • CoRequisites:

Business and Entrepreneurship
ENTR3030

Description: This course focuses on fundamental entrepreneurial and small business theory with an emphasis on the massage therapy practice environment. Students will learn how to develop business plans for a massage therapy practice using business theory and marketing principles. Students will also gain an understanding of the elements that contribute to the success of massage therapy practices.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: RSCH3010
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 5 (Massage Therapy)
FPLT3020

Description: In this clinical course students will undertake comprehensive patient assessment and treatment under supervision. Students will be responsible for a limited case load and will follow their patients through a series of treatments as determined by the management plan. In this way students will be able to assess response to treatment and modify accordingly, with the goal of optimizing patient outcomes.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT3000 AND FPLT3010 AND THER3000 AND THER3020
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 6 (Massage Therapy)
FPLT3030

Description: In this clinical course students will have the opportunity to engage in core and elective specialty rotations. These choices will include specialty rotations in palliative care, athletic injuries, pregnancy and infant, neonatal, respiratory, stroke, acquired brain / spinal injury, degenerative neurological disease and seniors care.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT3010 AND FPLT3000 AND FPLT3010 AND THER3000 AND THER3020
  • CoRequisites:

Medical Diagnosis
HEAL3000

Description: This course is intended to provide students with an overview of commonly encountered diagnostic testing with an emphasis on medical laboratory testing, imaging studies, vascular and neurological testing. Students will be introduced to the concepts of test sensitivity and specificity and the role of the types of tests / studies involved in the diagnosis of disease will be addressed.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: THER3000 AND THER3010
  • CoRequisites:

Research Case Study 2
RSCH3020

Description: As a continuation of the Case Study 1 course undertaken in semester 5, students will finalize and present their case study, with a view to contributing to the evidence base underlying massage therapy practice.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT3000 AND FPLT3010 AND RSCH3000
  • CoRequisites:

Clinical Synthesis 2
THER3030

Description: As a continuation of Clinical Synthesis 1, this course will, through a combination of case studies and simulations focusing on complex case presentations, provide the students with further opportunity to refine their clinical reasoning and therapeutic decision making skills. Learning activities will require integration of material previous encountered and will be conducted within and evidence informed and interprofessional framework.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: THER3000
  • CoRequisites:

Comprehensive Review
THER3040

Description: The intent of this course is to consolidate and focus the students learning on priority issues associated with the transition from student to entry level practitioner. Course delivery will utilize a combination of lecture, case based discussions, and station / scenario based activities that will allow for review of key practice competencies will be used in the delivery of the course.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT3010 AND FPLT3000 AND FPLT3010 AND RSCH3000 AND RSCH3010 AND THER3000 AND THER3010 AND THER3020
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Conduct a massage therapy practice within a legal, professional and ethical framework
  2. Apply business principles relevant to a massage therapy practice
  3. Communicate and collaborate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues and members of the interprofessional team
  4. Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships to optimize clients’ health and wellness
  5. Collect and assess clients’ information to determine their state of health and the treatment goals
  6. Develop a plan of care according to the client’s condition and the treatment goals
  7. Implement the plan of care according to the client’s condition and the treatment goals
  8. Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care
  9. Maintain documentation securely, accurately and in a timely manner
  10. Develop and implement ongoing effective strategies for personal and professional development to ensure quality care.