Why Now Is A Great Time To Become A Massage Therapist
Thinking about a new career? Massage therapy is one of Canada’s fastest-growing health and wellness professions. The demand is high, the job outlook is excellent, and the work is deeply rewarding.
Here’s what the latest research shows about the future of the profession—and how Vicars School of Massage Therapy can help you get started.
A positive job outlook
Canadians of all ages turn to massage for stress relief, athletic recovery, and preventative care. Massage therapy is now widely seen as an effective part of the health care landscape.
Some of the predicted growth in the industry is being driven by Canada’s aging population. By 2030, more than one in every five Canadians will be over the age of 65. And older bodies need care. Well-trained massage therapists can help older adults increase mobility, reduce pain, and treat the symptoms of a wide range of medical conditions (including those more common in aging populations).
According to the Government of Canada, the employment outlook for massage therapists is good through 2024–2026, including in Alberta. Over the next decade, more than 21,000 job openings are expected across the country. This growth rate is higher than the average occupation, which means new graduates can look forward to security and success in their field.
Career success starts with the right education
RMTs can work in small or large massage clinics, wellness centres, hospitals, sports centres, and gyms, and more. Many even choose to set up clinics in their own homes. Read more about career opportunities for RMTs in Canada here.
But no matter where they work, the most important factor in a massage therapist’s career success is their own skill. Financial stability comes from being able to attract and retain loyal repeat clients. And to do that, RMTs need the right training.
That’s why it’s important to choose the right school: one with an in-depth and relevant curriculum and an established reputation. That’s where CMTCA accreditation comes in.
Choosing an accredited school ensures you will graduate with the skills and reputation that employers, clients, and professional associations are looking for.
Vicars School of Massage Therapy is proud to be fully accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA) and on the Massage Therapists Association of Alberta (MTAA) Approved Program list.
Our two-year, full-time diploma program meets national standards enforced in regulated provinces like BC and Ontario. That means that Vicars graduates are qualified to take the entry-to-practice exams in those provinces and become Registered Massage Therapists. In Alberta (and other provinces where massage therapy is not yet provincially regulated) CMTCA accreditation ensures that your diploma is recognized by employers and professional associations.
Read more about why accreditation matters here.
Why Choose Vicars School of Massage
For over 20 years, Vicars has been training Alberta’s best massage therapists. Our graduates enter the profession confident, prepared, and in demand.
Here’s what you can expect as a student:
- Blended learning format: the online study combined with in-class instruction and extensive supervised clinic practice
- Campuses in Edmonton and Calgary: choose the location that works best for you
- Supportive instructors and small classes: you’ll get the guidance and encouragement you need to succeed
- Real-world preparation: business, ethics, and clinical courses ensure that you will graduate ready to build a sustainable career
Start Your Journey in March 2026
Massage therapy is a respected, growing profession with opportunities across Canada. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to start a new career, this is it.
Our next intake begins in March 2026 at both our Edmonton and Calgary campuses. Spaces are limited and can fill quickly.
👉 Apply today to join our March 2026 intake in Edmonton or Calgary.
