Courses

Overview

Anatomy

TERM 1: 2 credits
TERM 2: 1.5 credits
TERM 4: .5 credits

Anatomy is the study of the structures and function of the human body, in our case with a particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. The Terms 1 and 2 Anatomy classes provide an essential foundation in preparing students for upcoming courses and clinical experiences. In Term 4 the course focuses on gait, the biomechanical aspects of anatomy, and enhancing the role of anatomy in treatment.

Anatomy Lab

TERM 1: 1 credit

This hands-on course provides an introduction to palpation theory and practice, focusing on location and identification of anatomical structures.

Body Awareness

TERM 1: .5 credits

In this course, students learn and develop body awareness and the basic principles of body mechanics as a part of effective self-care strategies and safe work habits for career longevity.

Business

TERM 4: 1.5 credits

The successful massage therapist is not only a competent clinician, but also a capable business person. In keeping with the diverse career paths our graduates take, the Business courses focus on both employment and self-employment skills. Additionally, these courses cover the legislative and regulatory knowledge required of practicing massage therapists.

Clinical Assessment

TERM 2: 1 credit
TERM 3: 1 credit

In the Clinical Assessment courses, students learn how to evaluate patients’ physical complaints and injuries. Along with case history taking, postural assessment, and general observational techniques, students learn the fundamentals of orthopedic and neurological testing protocols.

Hydrotherapy

TERM 2: 1 credit
TERM 4: .5 credits

In Hydrotherapy, students learn how to use water in its various forms (ice, water, steam) in clinical practice and how to modify hydrotherapy to meet the specific needs of patients.

Joint Mobilization

TERM 3: 1 credit

This practical course explores joint arthrokinematics with a focus on improving the health and function of joints through mobilization.

Massage Profession Matters

TERM 1: .5 credits

This course gives students an overview of the professional landscape (provincial regulatory body, professional association, and so on) and provides a context early in their education for the subsequent development of massage therapy professional knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.

Neurology

TERM 2: 1 credit

In this course, students learn the structural and functional anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems, neuromuscular physiology, and the role the nervous system plays in relaxation and healing.

Nutrition

TERM 4: .5 credits

The mandate of this course is to provide an understanding of the essentials of nutrition, leading to an appreciation of the importance of nutrition in health and healing.

OSCE Prep

TERM 4: .5 credits

This course, which takes place at the end of Term 4, helps prepare the graduating students to successfully challenge their provincial entry-to-practice certification exams.

Pain

TERM 3: .5 credits

This course introduces student to pain based on emerging insights from neuroscience, neurobiology, neuroimmunology, and clinical pain research, and translates that knowledge

Pathology

TERM 1: .5 credits

In this course, students study general dysfunctions and disease processes and how they affect the body’s tissues and systems, laying the foundation for future courses and clinical practice.

Physiology

TERM 1: 1.5 credits

In this course, students learn how the body functions normally at the level of cells, tissues, and organs which prepares them for subsequent courses that deal with how they are altered by injury and disease.

Pregnancy Massage

Term 3: .5 credits

Students learn appropriate treatment goals as well as safety factors related to each trimester of pregnancy and to high-risk pregnancy. This course has both academic and clinical components.

Research Literacy

TERM 4: .5 credits

This course provides an introduction to research methodology and provides tools required for ongoing practice in research evaluation, critique, and application in clinical practice.

Sports Massage

TERM 3: .5 credits

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills related to working with athletes.

Techniques

TERM 1: 2 credits
TERM 2: 1.5 credits
TERM 4: .5 credits (Advanced Techniques elective)

The Term 1 course introduces students to the effects, uses, selection, sequencing, and hands-on application of Swedish massage and related techniques. Emphasizing both theoretical learning and practical competence, Term 1 Techniques prepares students to begin working in the clinical realm. In Term 2, students continue this learning, mastering more advanced skills and complex applications. Emphasis is on technical efficiency and proficiency, expansion and diversification of skills, and development of the student’s own personal style. The Term 4 elective courses allow students to choose a specific area of technical expertise (e.g., Thai Massage), and develop skills in that area.

Theory & Practice: Muskuloskeletal

TERM 2: 1.5 credits
TERM 3: 2 credits
TERM 4: .5 credits

These courses provide the knowledge and skills a massage therapist requires when assessing and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction and disorders including traumatic injuries, repetitive/overuse injuries, and degenerative conditions. The focus is on integrating assessment results into comprehensive treatment plans and protocols

Theory & Practice: Systems

TERM 2: 1.5 credits
TERM 3: 2 credits
TERM 4: 2 credits

In these courses, student will learn how to integrate their knowledge and skills by incorporating pathophysiology, massage treatment principles, clinical decision-making, and manual technique considerations into treatment plans.

Therapeutic Exercise

TERM 3: 1 credit TERM 4: .5 credits

In these courses, students learn the principles behind stretching, strengthening, and cardiovascular activity so that they can effectively incorporate therapeutic/remedial exercise prescription into their work with patients. The course also focuses on biomechanical principles and exercise physiology as they relate to health, injury and repair.

Therapeutic Relationship

TERM 1: 1 credit

This course focuses on development of the verbal and non-verbal skills needed to collaborate effectively with patients and other health care practitioners. Emphasis is placed on listening skills and therapeutic authority, ethical decision-making, professional boundary-setting, and appreciation of diversity in patient-centered care.

Clinical Education Overview

Clinical Skills

TERM 1: 1 credit TERM 2: 1 credit TERM 3: .5 credits TERM 4: 1 credit

The Term 1 course prepares students to begin Student Clinic in Term 2 by introducing them to its policies, routines and expectations. In Term 2 and beyond, these courses support students through their clinical journey, helping them progress their rebooking skills, navigate difficult situations and share experiences for whole-group learning.

Student Clinic

TERM 2: 1 credit
TERM 3: 1 credit
TERM 4: 1 credit

Student Clinic is an integral part of the learning experience at Sutherland-Chan. Beginning in Term 2, each student does one clinic shift per week, providing massage therapy to members of the general public. Student Clinic provides the opportunity to apply classroom-learned knowledge and skills in a “real life” clinical setting with the guidance of an experienced instructor. Clinical education encompasses hands-on competence, developing, learning, and honing skills in communication, assessment, goal-setting, and treatment planning.

Specialty Clinics

TERM 3: 2 x ½ credits (Seniors, Post-Surgical Hospital)
TERM 4: 3 x ½ credits (one Neurological, two Other as part of a picks process)

In our highly regarded specialty clinic program, students work with patients who have increasingly complex health conditions and life situations. Examples include degenerative neurological disease, brain and spinal cord injuries, cancer, high risk pregnancy, recent surgery, sports, and mental health. Specialty clinics take place either at the school or off-site in a variety of settings, including hospitals. The students focus on learning how to adapt treatment plans and establish professional rapport with more diverse types of patients than they encounter in Student Clinic.