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Massage Therapy
Learn Massage Therapy through our highly regarded program, is offered in a compressed format. Graduate in just two years and start your rewarding career as a massage therapist.
Program Information
Start Date
September 08, 2026
Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Accepting Applications
CIP Code
51.3501
Program Code
MAC
Delivery
Hybrid
Credential
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Domestic Tuition
per semester*
International Tuition
per semester*
*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2025-2026 academic year and are subject to change.
*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2025-2026 academic year and are subject to change.
View Curriculum
Fleming College offers a unique five-semester Massage Therapy program. We provide students with an excellent academic foundation and strong applied skills. Students will develop the knowledge and ability to effectively conduct a client assessment, create ethical treatment plans, deliver safe and effective massage therapy treatments, and evaluate the outcome of treatments. Our professional hydraulic massage therapy tables, large laundry facilities and Clinic Preparation course provides each student with an exceptional practical learning experience. Every week students put their skills into practice at our SPA + Clinic at Fleming College, our onsite clinic which is supervised by a Registered Massage Therapist.
Our five-consecutive semester program (semester 3 is during summer), is an extremely challenging and rewarding educational experience that provides the pathway to become a Registered Massage Therapist.
Upon successful completion of all courses and clinic experiences within the curriculum, students of Fleming's Massage Therapy program will be eligible to graduate and challenge the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario registration examinations. This exam has both a written and practical component and requires a 70% pass rate to become a Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario.
Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario are regulated health professionals whose governing body is the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Applicable legislation includes the Regulated Health Professions Act, and the Massage Therapy Act.
The Massage Therapy Program at Sir Sandford Fleming College is accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA) in recognition that the program meets the CMTCA's standards of excellence.
Massage Therapy courses are condensed into 5 consecutive semesters, which allows graduates to start their career sooner, in less than two years.
Fleming has offered the Massage Therapy program at our Peterborough campus since 1995. The program has acquired a great reputation for its RMT training, with a consistently high (over 90%) overall graduate employment rate. In recent KPI (Key Performance Indicator) surveys, 98% of employers and 100% of graduates reported they were satisfied with the program. We have dedicated, experienced faculty who are leaders in the profession.
University graduates with a B. Sc. or related degree will receive transfer credits for their studies. They can advance to a career as a registered massage therapist in the growing healthcare team-based environment in less than two years. Please contact the program coordinator for details.
Fleming College Massage Therapy Program Mission
To provide embodied education, research, and real-world experiences that promote the wellness of students, individuals and communities.
The program provides an exceptional learning environment with diverse applied experience opportunities. You will provide therapeutic treatments to diverse audiences at the Spa + Clinic at Fleming College, located at the Sutherland Campus, Peterborough.
Students will receive and give Massage Treatments (several times a week) throughout the program, by other students in your laboratory class. Students will develop and demonstrate maturity with respect to your own touch history and that of your fellow students. Students will develop a deep respect for personal boundaries, and exceptional communication skills. Students must have a strong desire to improve the lives of your clients through Massage Therapy and have the motivation to further your career with Continuing Education.
Other skills/attributes that would be assets include:
- self-motivation
- self-discipline
- strong organizational skills
- entrepreneurial attitude
- good problem solving skills
Massage Therapy professors strongly recommend that entering students receive at least 3 professional massages from a Registered Massage Therapist prior to entry to this program. In addition, students contemplating admission have a health related education science background and interest. You must be prepared to study a minimum of three hours daily outside of classes during the program. Students would benefit by having basic computer skills including e-mail, word processing, file management and internet web browsing.
This program is delivered over five consecutive semesters, with semester three taking place over the summer.
With a Massage Therapy Advanced Diploma you have the opportunity to choose to work independently, setting your own hours, or as part of a team. As a Registered Health Professional (RHPA Act), Registered Massage Therapists work in Chiropractic and Physiotherapy clinics, Athletic and Sport facilities, Spa's, Cruise Ships, Hotels, Corporate Offices, private practice (either in home office or with other RMTs), and Hospice and Palliative Care centres.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Textbook Cost | $1,500/year | $1,500/year | ||
| Lotion | approx. $20 | |||
| Field Placement expenses | ||||
| Uniforms/program shirts | S$40 clinic shirts and $25 for lab t-shirts | |||
| Professional Exam Cost | $1,500 | |||
| NARS Cost | Police Check $50, TB test $50 | Police Check $50, TB test $50 | ||
| Portfolio Builders | ||||
After successful completion of the Fleming Massage Therapy 5 semester program, students must pay the fees set out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, when the written and practical exams are attempted (CMTO.ca).
Independent physical mobility and personal mental health are essential to the Massage Therapy profession.
Non Academic Requirements
Your program has mandatory requirements which may include a criminal reference check, first aid, CPR-C, etc. For more information, please see the Non Academic Requirements page.
Failure to provide any of the required Non Academic Field Requirements by the specified due date will result in an inability to participate in the mandatory placement components of the program.
- Conduct a massage therapy practice within a legal, professional and ethical framework.
- Apply business principles relevant to a massage therapy practice.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues and members of the inter-professional team.
- Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships to optimize clients' health and wellness.
- Collect and assess clients' information to determine their state of health and the treatment goals.
- Develop a plan of care according to the client's condition and the treatment goals.
- Implement the plan of care according to the client's condition and the treatment goals.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care.
- Maintain documentation securely, accurately and in a timely manner.
- Develop and implement ongoing effective strategies for personal and professional development to ensure quality care.
Students applying to Massage Therapy must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English and any two Gr 11 or 12 C Sciences
Recommended (but not required for admission)
- Grade 11/12 Biology and/or Chemistry
- Kinesiology, Health Science course
- U/C level courses
Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized here.
Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 30 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation statement for further details.
To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.
For more information
Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 30 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation statement for further details.
To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.
For more information
Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Systems
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 30 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation statement for further details.
To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.
For more information
Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts (General) in Community Health
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 5 out of a 15-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Brock University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Health
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 5 out of a 20-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Brock University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Workplace Health and Wellness
Requirement
- Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
- Possess ENG4U (Grade 12 University English) or equivalent with a course grade of 65%.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Visit the Humber Polytechnic website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Science in Health and Leisure with Massage
Requirement
- Minimum 60% cumulative program average.
- Local police clearance is necessary for program registration.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 4th-year studies of a 4-year program.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the KOM Consultants website.
For more information
Visit the Munster Technological University-Kerry website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Allied Health Science
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Allied Health Sciences Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 57 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to Ontario Tech's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Health Science in Kinesiology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Recommended to have completed Biology (SBI4U) or a post-secondary equivalent.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to Ontario Tech's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 5th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
- Refer to Seneca College's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Seneca Polytechnic website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 7 out of a 20-credit degree (Cohort: Fall 2023 - Present).
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Science
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 7 out of a 20-credit degree (Cohort: Fall 2023 - Present).
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
In The News: Massage Therapy
For 18 years, Paul Polak worked in manufacturing, spending his days in steel mills, pipe fabrication, and rail fabrication. His career was physically demanding, often requiring him to wear three layers of fire-retardant clothing while working in challenging environments. But when he and his wife started a family, Paul began rethinking his future. He wanted a career that would provide a better work-life balance, the flexibility to work from home, and, most importantly, a more fulfilling way to earn a living.
Paul considered other technical careers, such as HVAC, given his background in manufacturing and the trades. However, massage therapy stood out as an opportunity to help people in his community while also giving him the flexibility to create his own schedule. The variety within the field also appealed to him, noting that he could work in sports therapy, a chiropractor’s office, a physiotherapy clinic, or even open his own private practice.
When Paul decided to pursue massage therapy, Fleming College was the natural choice. As a mature learner, Paul wanted to complete a compressed program that allowed him to enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Fleming’s Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) program allowed him to complete his studies in just 20 months. Since he didn’t need summers off, he appreciated the accelerated pace.
“The program was challenging but very rewarding,” Paul says. “The faculty had a lot of industry experience, and they prepared us well for real-world practice.”
Fleming’s practical clinic experience was instrumental in preparing Paul for his new career. Through hands-on training, he worked with clients of all ages and health conditions, including multiple sclerosis, cancer, ALS, and post-surgical recovery patients. This experience helped him develop both his technical skills and his interpersonal skills, learning how to help clients feel comfortable and cared for during treatments.
Since graduating in April 2024, Paul has found the experience of working as an RMT even more rewarding than expected. While school provided him with a strong foundation, the real world brought continuous learning opportunities. He enjoys working in a cleaner environment—no more layers of fire-retardant clothing—just one layer now! More importantly, he appreciates how massage therapy allows him to give back to his community in a meaningful way.
In addition to technical skills, Paul also gained business management knowledge through the program, including budgeting, taxes, and marketing. These skills have been invaluable in helping him navigate his new career as a self-employed RMT.
Advice for Future Students from a Fleming College Grad
Paul encourages anyone considering a career in massage therapy to embrace the learning process and keep an open mind. “You learn a lot in school, but you learn even more when you start practicing,” he says.
From supervising manufacturing teams to providing therapeutic care, Paul’s journey is a testament to the power of career transformation. He found a profession that not only provides flexibility and work-life balance but also allows him to make a positive impact on others every day.
Book an appointment at Paul’s clinic, Millbrook Valley Massage.
Learn more about Fleming’s RMT program.
Fleming students, alumni, faculty, and staff are making an impact—on campus, in their communities, and beyond.
Discover their achievements and see how the Fleming experience leads to success. Have a success story you want to share? Have an inspiring journey, a unique campus experience, or a success story to share? Submit your blog idea to the Fleming Connect team for your chance to showcase your story to the entire Fleming community.
Peterborough, ON (August 29, 2024) - Every four years or so, Ashley Dykstra pulls out her Olympic silver medal.
“I know some people put it in a special case, but I think that the beauty of an Olympic medal is that people should be able to touch it, feel it and try it on,” Dykstra said. “I just have it in our bedroom, in a box, on a shelf.”
Dykstra rowed her way to silver during the London 2012 Olympics, alongside her teammates in the Women’s Eight. Four years later, she served as an alternate during the Rio 2016 Olympics.
“I came home from the Olympics in August, and then started at Fleming College in September,” Dykstra said with a laugh.
Dykstra enrolled in Fleming’s Massage Therapy program before she left for Brazil that summer. She knew the 2016 Olympics would be her last. She also knew she wanted a career that would complement the skills and knowledge she had acquired as a rower.
“I had a good amount of time to think about what I wanted to do when I retired from sport, and I really wanted to choose something where my time as an athlete would be an advantage,” she explained, adding that as an athlete she’d had a lot of experience getting physiotherapy and massage therapy. “As an athlete, you’re very aware of how your body works, how your muscles are connected, and I think it was definitely an advantage.”
Dykstra also knew she wanted something to keep her mind-and body-busy. A desk job was not in her future.
“’It kind of surprises people how much science massage therapists know. There’s a lot of technical knowledge involved with becoming a registered massage therapist,” she said.
“It’s an intense program. You have to know some serious biology, physiology and anatomy in order to be registered.”
It was also important for Dykstra to have a job that could accommodate her life outside of work.
Now a mom to three children all under the age of five, Dykstra said her job as a massage therapist allows her to take care of her family without sacrificing career opportunities.
“It’s a pretty amazing career that way, that you can work your schedule to be as flexible as you need it to be,” Dykstra said. “There’s a lot of different paths you can take. For me I’m growing my career, and I have a young family.”
Dykstra is currently working at Trent Health in Motion. It’s right where Dykstra wants to be.
The clinic setting allows her to set hours that work for her family. She’s also busy building a client base which includes everyone from construction workers to varsity athletes.
“The profession of massage therapy is amazing for letting me build my career the way I want to,” she said. “If you are passionate about it and you do a good job you can find a way to make it work.”
Dykstra credits the education and hands-on experience she got at Fleming College for the success she’s experienced in her professional field.
“I had a great experience at Fleming College, and I enjoyed my time there,” Dykstra said.
“The program and the instructors gave me the skills and confidence I needed to build a strong career and fuel my passion for massage therapy and a job I love.”
For media enquiries, please contact:
Sarah Deeth
Communications Officer
sarah.deeth@flemingcollege.ca
705-749-5530 ext. 1161
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.
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