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. In the event a direct comparison is difficult, the Academy offers challenge examinations on some introductory subjects. This is a fee based option and can be discussed with the Educational Director.

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. In accordance with the provincial private careers Act 2005, the Academy does not guarantee a job or employment after graduation.

Q. How much study time will be required outside of regularly scheduled class time?

A.        Each student is different and there will be a variance in absorption rates, however, students will generally spend approximately 2 hours per day in study/practice in addition to class time. There are also on-site project assignments and home study hours required.  Student Clinics are generally held outside of class hours and schedules are posted well in advance of the dates. The 4 day class week schedule allows students an extra day to use for their studies.

Q. Are there costs over and above tuition?

A.        Very few. Books, various class notes, supplies, a Barron’s study package, St. John First Aid certificate, outgoing telephone, access to hi-speed internet, academy wear and use of massage tables are included in the program fees. 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 $35.00 per month at this time.  Students do not need to buy massage tables for personal practice. Whenever the Academy facilities are open, students are welcome to use the equipment to develop their practical skills. An estimate of both personal allowance expenses and optional fees which may or may not affect you are available upon enquiry.

Q.        What is the refund policy?

A.        The Academy follows the tuition fee refund policy as set by the Ontario Ministry of Education for Private Career Colleges and is set out on the website and appears again in the student enrolment agreement. The application fee is non-refundable after acceptance. The first administration fee is partly refundable under certain conditions e.g., books being returned within 60 days in original condition… the tuition fee refund amount is determined by the date of receipt of a written notice to withdraw from the program.

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 through to November, with applications needing to be filed about 120 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 an INTERNATIONAL or Out of Province 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, has an approval code from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) and is well suited to position students to undertake/meet the licensing requirements to work within their chosen state or country. International student tuitions are not surcharged –the Application Fee is $150.00 to handle the additional costs of documentation only.

Q. What are the qualifications of your teachers?

A.        All teachers must meet the standards set under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. 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. Please refer to the Academy’s website for a current listing of faculty.

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.        No. 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. No other pre-requisites or introductory courses are required.

Q.        Does the Academy participate in the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?

A.        The Academy has elected not to participate in OSAP. As a result the average age of students is typically between 20-30 years and students are highly focused on completing their program. The Academy suggests a Bank of Montreal line of credit, which will likely require a co-signature, but is generally an unsecured, no collateral credit–based financing program with a repayment period of up to 5 years. There are also low monthly payment programs available from the Academy. Funding alternatives from various financial institutions will be discussed during an interview with the Executive Director

Q.        Is there an attendance policy?

A.        Yes. Full attendance is required and attendance is taken at each class and on-site or off-site event in accordance with Ministry guidelines. In the event a student misses a class, they are required to make up missed time on the basis of a 1.5 multiple through various methods of study/participation. Historically, since this is a skill development program, full attendance is the best method to achieve your best performance results.

Q.        Is there a dress policy?

A .        Yes. You are entering a regulated health industry wherein professional dress and dress codes are expected or are mandated. The Academy’s dress code is in effect whenever students are on the premises or attending a supervised off-site. The Academy’s colours are a mix of dark green, white, cream/beige and tan. Since the Academy is a health directed educational facility it is also a non-denim environment. The dress policy requires ‘crested’ attire each day. A set of Academy crested wear is provided by the Academy, which also includes a clinic uniform top. These are provided at no additional cost to the student. Additional Academy wear can also be purchased.

Q.        Am I able to switch from Full-time to Part-time if my situation changes?

A.        Yes. The Academy’s objective is to help the student reach his/her goal. A review of the remaining studies is completed and discussed with the student and he/she is transferred to the Part-time program. Since the Part-time program is undertaken on a ‘pay as you go’ basis and has a higher tuition cost per unit, depending on the stage of transfer, there may be a change in the cost of subjects.
           

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.  Why should I choose theInternational Academy of Massage?
           

A.  *The 71/72 training week program is carefully structured to allow for step by step learning. The summer vacation period provides an optional time for students to use the Academy facilities to increase the foundations of their learning and/or to have time with their families and friends.

*Programs are structured generally on a four day week with 3 day weekends – this encourages a life balance and the opportunity for part-time work, family time and time to review the previous week’s lessons. The average course week is 32 hours. Semester and comprehensive examinations may occur on Fridays.

*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….Potential Credits to recognize related previous education.

* Previous related work experience credits may be available for International Applicants

            *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.

                        * Employment Insurance applicants are welcome

*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. Students whom elect to repeat a subject(s) are charged 50% of the tuition fee for the specific course(s).  Any extended study program is subject to approval by the Educational Committee.
*The on-site RMT Program Director is available for individual discussions on an as needed basis
*Our graduates’ pass rate on the Ontario Registration Exams continues to be a success story.

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