Vicars School Massage Courses
The Vicars School curriculum was designed to prepare students to be effective massage therapists. Our graduates know how to take care of their clients, and themselves to ensure long and successful careers.
The Vicars curriculum meets the highest national standards: full CMTCA accreditation.
You can read more about the Supervised Clinical Experience course here.
Anatomy & Physiology (Years 1 & 2)
The branches of science that study the structures and functions of the normal human body.
Pathology (Years 1 & 2)
- Concepts of health and disease
- Mechanisms of disease as they relate to the systems of the body
- Pharmacology and medication
Foundations (Year 1)
- Massage tables, accessories, linens, lubricants, the massage environment, body mechanics, massage clinic equipment and supplies
- Therapist wellness, wellbeing, and self-care
- Client safety
- Concepts of disease
- Introductory anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, muscular, integumentary, and nervous systems
Palpatory Anatomy and Kinesiology (Year 1)
- Bones and bony landmarks of skeletal system; origins, insertions, actions of the muscular system, and accessory structures of the musculoskeletal system.
Massage Techniques (Year 1)
- Manual techniques applicable to massage therapy
- Indications, safety considerations, effects, outcomes and modifications for a variety of manual techniques
- Client draping in a therapeutic setting
- Application of massage techniques while the client is sitting erect or reclining
- Use of massage techniques to create a nurturing and bonding experience between infant and caregiver
Medical Terminology (Year 1)
- The terminology of science and medicine; pronunciation and etymology of scientific and medical terms.
Ethics (Years 1 & 2)
- The interpersonal skills necessary for developing an effective therapeutic relationship with a client, including ethical behaviour, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and conflict resolution.
Research (Years 1 & 2)
- Types of research, research articles, and research literacy that lead to understanding how massage therapy affects the physiology and psychology of the client.
Orthopedic Assessment (Years 1 & 2)
- How to gather information and make informed decisions about treatment.
Treatment Planning (Years 1 & 2)
- Scope of practice, standards of care, assessments, documentation, informed consent, treatment planning, and referrals
- Clients in different stages of their lives
- Clients with physical challenges and health-related issues
- Presence of a disease or condition that requires the therapist to postpone massage, avoid an area, or modify the client’s position or the delivery of procedures or techniques
- The documented process of planning a client-centred massage treatment and plan according to client goals, subjective and objective intake information, the client's current health status, and current best evidence for practice
- External therapeutic use of all forms of water
Self-Care (Year 2)
- Techniques and strategies for client self-care
Business (Year 2)
- Business, marketing, accounting, and finance
Supervised Clinical Experience (Years 1 & 2)
- Practical application of theory and massage techniques performed in the context of a therapeutic relationship while in a supervised clinical setting
- Module clinics and public clinics (general public); special conditions (clients diagnosed with a variety of medical conditions); outreach (variety of off-campus settings)