Southern Alberta Institute of Massage

YEAR 1

anatomy photo MT 201 Anatomy and Physiology I, II, III
Through lectures and lab work, students will be exposed to a thorough knowledge of the human body and the functions associated with the structures and systems. AP I introduces and studies cytology, histology, integumentary, skeletal system, and physiological aspects of each. Basic system specific pathologies are also addressed.

MT 202 Introduction to Massage Therapy
This course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for the practice of Massage Therapy. Students should gain an understanding of medical terminology and expectations of their field. Professional ethics for Massage Therapy will be explored as well as requirements for their practice. Students will also study the history of massage and how it relates to today’s practices

MT 203 Consultation and Preparation
This course provides an overview of client/therapist communication in a clinical setting. Techniques of obtaining information and completing patient files will be addressed as well as the needs and expectations of the client. Class will also focus on proper collection, recording and storing gathered information as well as legal implications for health care professionals.

MT 204 Body Mechanics and Classification of Movement
This course provides the foundation for correct application of manual massage movements. Students should learn and practice all basic techniques related to full body massage. Conservation of physical energies and reducing chance of injury to the therapist, while performing multiple treatments, will be explored with a focus on stance, timing, and ergonomically correct functional biomechanics.

MT 205 Basic Massage Therapy Techniques
In this course, students will be introduced to basic full body massage techniques through theory and hands-on practical application. Proper procedures for collecting and recording client information will be addressed and the various E & P that are available will be discussed and evaluated as to their effectiveness in practical application. Common trigger points and soft tissue referral areas will be explored theoretically and practically.

MT 206 Contraindications for Massage Therapy
MT 206 Contraindications for Massage Therapy This course of study is designed specifically to explore the physiological and psychological effects and benefits of massage pertaining to all aspects of the human body. Students will be exposed to the contraindications of massage through a system-by-system physiological analysis while simultaneously exploring endangerment sites and physiological effects on the body. Students should learn why and how to modify treatments to specific situations and conditions as well as when certain massage techniques are appropriate.

MT 207 Kinesiology/Biomechanics
This course introduces students to the mechanics of movement involved with human locomotion. Theory and practical application, biomechanical principles and structural advantages and disadvantages involving joints, tissue and musculoskeletal structures will be assessed. Common structural deviations of the human body will also be studied.

Class at work at Southern Alberta Institute of MassageMT 208 Massage Techniques
This course begins the solid foundation of Therapeutic Massage using a variety of techniques available to the therapist. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, trigger point therapy, and hydrotherapy will be explored through theory and practical assessments. Primary/secondary injuries and conditions will be analyzed and techniques developed to address specific cases.

MT 209 Clinical Massage Therapy I
This course will focus on specific conditions of the musculoskeletal, overuse injuries, upper extremities, and joints. Theory, practical application, and evaluations will be used to gain an understanding of each condition.

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MT 210 Student Clinical Practical
This course allows students to perform and refine their techniques in a supervised, clinical setting. Under supervision, students will practice in a clinical setting at Southern Alberta Institute of Massage (SAIM) Student Clinic.

YEAR 2

MT 211 Pathology I, II, III
This course is specifically designed to give students an understanding of the acquisition and progression of physical alterations of the human body. General and specific pathologies related to the Massage Therapy field will be addressed. Students should also gain knowledge of tissue response to injury, contagious pathologies, and when to refer and communicate with other health professionals. Information relevant to common system pathologies will be explored.

MT 212 Orthopaedic Testing I, II
In this course, students explore techniques and applications of common orthopaedic tests related to their field of practice. Through theory and lab exercises, students will be introduced to specialized assessments for various areas of the body. Students will assess structural integrity and pathologies and formulate opinions regarding deviations.

MT 213 Health and Nutrition
The focus of this course is to provide students with principles on health and wellness, nutrition, and weight control for their own personal wellness and as a base of knowledge for clients. Students will explore basic wellness plans for both their clients and themselves.

MT 214 Pharmacology
This course provides Massage Therapy students with the basic information on Pharmacology to better assess and treat their clients. Students should gain knowledge of basic side effects and interactions of common medications

massage photoMT 215 Business for Massage Therapy
This course is designed to provide you with the necessary skills and understanding for the variety of business options that are available to Massage Therapists. Areas of focus include GST, Income Tax requirements, bookkeeping, marketing, advertising, and running a functional practice. You will also be introduced to various insurance claims forms that relate directly to your profession.

MT 216 Clinical Massage Therapy II
This course is a continuation of Clinical MT I. Students will focus on CNS, PNS, Respiratory, Circulatory, Gastrointestinal, and Systemic Pathologies. Theory, practical application, and evaluations will be used to gain an understanding of each condition.

MT 217 Advanced Massage Therapy Techniques
This course will involve students in a comprehensive view of Massage Therapy treatments. Using past knowledge and experience combined with resources, students will formulate specific treatments and implement them effectively. Clients with predetermined conditions could be brought into the classroom setting for the students to assess, develop a treatment plan, and explore techniques to address each situation. Therapist/Client communication will be explored with topics and situations related directly to the Massage Therapy field of practice.

MT 218 Student Clinical Practicum
This course promotes a clinical setting for students to apply their knowledge.

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Massage Therapy Program Overview
Year 1 - 1000 Hours

Anatomy/Physiology I, II, III - 100 Hours
Introduction to Massage Therapy - 60 Hours
Consultation & Preparation - 20 Hours
Body Mechanics and Classification of Movements - 20 Hours
Basic Massage Therapy Techniques - 140 Hours
Contraindications for Massage Therapy - 80 Hours
Kinesiology/BioMechanics - 20 Hours
Massage Techniques - 150 Hours
Clinical Massage Therapy I - 150 Hours
Student Clinical Practical - 260 Hours

Massage Therapy Program Overview
Year 2 - 1200 Hours

Pathology I, II, III - 120 Hours
Orthopaedic Testing I, II - 80 Hours
Health & Nutrition - 20 Hours
Pharmacology - 30 Hours
Business for Massage Therapy - 30 Hours
Clinical Massage Therapy II - 220 Hours
Advanced Massage Therapy Techniques - 300 Hours
Student Clinical Practicum - 400 Hours