??Commonly Asked Questions??
Q. If I have Massage or Medical credits from another school, can I get credit for them?
A. Upon request by the student the Academy will review courses that might parallel courses that form part of the program structure. Each situation is reviewed on an individual basis. Should 'transfer credits' be approved, a partial adjustment may be made to the Tuition Fee.
Q. What is it like to live in Ottawa?
A. Ottawa has been described as an ideal city for those who enjoy the outdoors. It has a significant number of parks, bicycle paths, walking trails, waterways and has a number of both summer and winter activities, with world class ski hills nearby. The cost of living is viewed to be reasonable and it is a city with a strong public transportation system. There is little heavy industry since the majority of employment, centers around the Federal government and the High Tech industry.
Q. What are the employment prospects for Massage Therapists?
A. The opportunity for employment is very promising for Massage Therapists. It is a growing profession that is part of the health care team providing primary care to clients and to the general population concerned with maintaining and enhancing health and well-being. Employment opportunities exist in private practice, clinic/group clinics, spas/health clubs, sports teams, chiropractic offices, physicians' practices, sports injury clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, home care, and private companies. It is the Academy's opinion that job availability and opportunity has been growing and as in any profession, if you are good at your profession, there can be a choice of opportunities on many occasions.
Q. How much study time will be required outside of regularly scheduled class time?
A. Granted each student is different and has varied absorption rates, in general, students spend approximately 2 hours per day in study in addition to class time. There are also on-site project assignments and home study hours required. Senior Student Clinics are generally held outside of class hours and schedules are posted well in advance of the dates.
Q. Are there costs over and above tuition?
A. Books, supplies, St. John First Aid certificate, outgoing telephone, access to hi-speed internet, academy wear and use of massage tables are included in the tuition. Additional expenses would be for massage oil, gel or lotion used by the student. While there is free parking available on neighbouring streets, students may use a private lot that charges $30.00 per month at this time.
Q. What services are available to the student?
A. The Academy has a resource room, student lounge with kitchen, shared locker facilities and practice rooms. Facilities are open to students whenever the Administration room is open throughout the week.
Q. Once I successfully complete the Academy's program, can I start to work immediately anywhere in North America?
A. If you plan to practice in Ontario, you must successfully complete the Ontario Registered Examinations, administered by the CMTO and become licensed. To practice elsewhere, you must meet the individual requirements of the Province, State or Country that interests you. In many instances, having an Ontario education is a distinct advantage. CMTO examinations are usually held in May, August and October/November, with applications needing to be filed about 30 days in advance of the scheduled examinations. The examination process involves both a computer based examination, which may be completed in Ottawa, and a practical examination completed under observation by CMTO examiners in Toronto.
Q. If I am a foreign student and do not plan to work in Ontario after I graduate as a massage therapist, am I required to write the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario provincial licensing examinations?
A. No. The value of your achievement is determined by earning the diploma issued by the Academy. The Academy's program is recognized by the AMTA and is well suited to position students to undertake/meet the licensing requirements to work within their chosen state or country. Foreign student tuitions are not surcharged.
Q. What are the qualifications of your teachers?
A. All teachers must meet the standards set under the Private Career Colleges Act. Massage Therapy classes are taught by licensed RMT instructors and theory classes are taught by a highly qualified staff from a wide range of professional backgrounds.
Q. If I have a grade 12 or an equivalent level of education, do I need to take any pre-requisite courses in order to apply to the Academy?
A. While higher levels of education are helpful to the student, the Academy's program is designed to provide the necessary subject matter to meet academic competency standards for the massage therapy program. It is often helpful to attend a 24 hour introductory massage course, as offered at the International Academy Health Education Centre, but it is not a requirement. No other pre-requisites are required.
Q. Does the Academy participate in the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?
A. The Academy has elected not to participate in OSAP. Funding alternatives from various financial institutions will be discussed during interview.
Q. Why should I choose the International Academy of Massage?
A. *The 19 month 'Fast Track' program reduces students' day-to-day living expenses by three months and helps them be in a position to earn income sooner, compared with a full 22 month program. It is suited for applicants in 'career change'.
*Programs are structured on a four day week with 3 day weekends - some clinical practice sessions are held in the evening or on the occasional weekend (community/sporting events). There are 4 Friday morning's with classes, in the second term, which will be advised on the term schedule.
*Each program has a Spring reading week.
*Academy facilities are available for co-operative learning and practice, after hours, on Fridays and weekends as available, subject to the Administration Office being open.
*Transfer credits may be available for advanced standing.
*Professional learning environment with a low student/teacher ratio.
*Qualified and experienced faculty.
*Affordable - Pay as you learn with fee options payable throughout the year. Tuition fees are all inclusive, so you know your full costs in advance & can plan your finances. Early Bird discounts can reduce program costs.
*In addition to holding on-site clinics the Academy has a superior outreach program providing students with an excellent opportunity to work with many types of individual situations.
*Extended Study - If a student's situation changes due to health or injury, or he/she determines it would be more beneficial to attend classes over a longer period of time in order to complete his/her program successfully, there is flexibility to adjust the student's program. Subject to approval by the Educational Committee.
The Academy's goal is to help provide the environment and program for a student to reach his/her goal of becoming a professional member of the massage therapy vocation.