Ruhani College of Health Business and Technolgy

Registered Massage Therapy Program

Master Time Table

Course Outline

Registered Massage Therapy Diploma Program

The RMT Diploma Program at Ruhani College is made up of 27 subjects as grouped below by the area of study.

Anatomy and Physiology 1

Students are introduced to the human body and basic chemistry, then study the cell and its functions, gene action and membrane transport. The course covers epithelial and connective tissue, the integumentary system, blood cells, tissue damage, wound healing and inflammation, and finishes with membrane potentials and skeletal muscle contraction.

Anatomy and Physiology 2

Focusing on circulation, immunity and fluid balance, students study cardiac muscle, hemodynamics and the nervous, local and humoral control of circulation. The course also covers capillary dynamics and edema, the lymphatic and renal systems, specific and non-specific immunity, acid–base balance, and the body's stress and thermoregulation responses.

Anatomy and Physiology 3

Students study microbiology and public health, including types of microorganisms, microbial diseases, the body's defence reactions and the prevention of infectious disease. The respiratory component covers anatomy, pulmonary ventilation, lung volumes, gas exchange, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, and the control of respiration.

Anatomy and Physiology 4

This course covers the digestive system from the oral cavity to the large intestine, along with absorption, energy and metabolism. Students learn the role of nutrients in health and disease, Recommended Nutrient Intakes and Canada's Food Guide.

Anatomy and Palpation Lab 1

Through guided theory and lab work, students learn anatomical terminology and osteology, the vertebral column, the skull and cervical spine, the bony thorax, the pelvis and the temporomandibular joint. The muscles, joints and ligaments of the back, abdominal wall and upper and lower extremities are studied alongside a dedicated palpation lab.

Anatomy and Palpation Lab 2

Students explore visceral anatomy across the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems. The course also covers the bones of the skull and the temporomandibular joint, refining palpation of these structures.

Massage Theory and Techniques

Students are introduced to massage theory, foundational techniques and body mechanics, and the effects of massage on the whole body. Practical work covers general treatments of the limbs, head, neck and torso, along with lymphatic, fascial, abdominal and respiratory techniques, tapotement, frictions, trigger points, seated massage, pregnancy, sports massage, blood pressure and clinical forms.

Advanced Massage Techniques

Building on foundational skills, students learn general treatment principles and practise advanced techniques region by region across the body. The course includes swelling management and lymphatic drainage, progressive relaxation, and competent performance of each technique on all body regions.

Health Care Terminology

Students learn the origins of medical language and the terminology used for each body system. The course also introduces clinical note taking.

Health and Safety

Students learn public health principles, microbiology and WHMIS to ensure a safe and professional treatment environment.

Endocrinology

This course introduces the chemistry and control of hormone secretion and the major glands, including the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal cortex and pancreas, and the hormones of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Students also study male and female reproductive and hormonal physiology, pregnancy and lactation.

Neurology 1

Students explore nervous tissue, the embryology of the central nervous system, and its protective coverings and blood supply. The course covers the spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, diencephalon and cerebrum, the functional areas of the cerebral cortex, the basal ganglia, the limbic system and the pathways of the CNS.

Neurology 2

Focuses on the spinal nerves and the cervical, brachial, lumbar and sacral plexuses, including the pudendal and coccygeal nerves. Students also learn nerve root testing in the lower extremity and study cervical spinal cord and spinal column injuries.

Neurology 3

Covers the branches and anatomy of the autonomic nervous system and autonomic pathologies. Students also study the motor and sensory fibres of the cranial nerves and the physiology of pain.

Pathology 1

Students study inflammation, infection and immunity, and the structure and functions of the skin. The course covers bacterial, viral and fungal skin infections, common inflammatory skin diseases and other skin conditions, with a focus on clinical signs and safe treatment adaptations.

Pathology 2

Focuses on trauma, fractures, bone pathology, osteochondroses, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, Paget's disease and benign and malignant tumours. Students also study muscle pathologies, nerve lesions of the upper and lower limbs, spinal cord injuries, demyelinating and degenerative disorders such as ALS, headaches, epilepsy, pain syndromes, infections and circulatory disorders.

Research and Pathology 3

Students are introduced to research methodology and the use of evidence in practice. The pathology component covers gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders and their implications for massage therapy.

Physical Assessments

Students develop hands-on assessment skills, including postural analysis, range of motion, muscle length and manual muscle testing, orthopedic and special tests, neurological testing and TMJ assessment. Students learn to gather subjective and objective information, form an assessment, build a treatment plan and write discharge notes, with extensive supervised practice.

Remedial Exercise and Kinesiology

Students study kinesiology, movement descriptions, levers, skeletal muscle, posture and normal and abnormal gait. They learn to design and teach exercise programs using range of motion, stretching, resistance, aerobic and joint mobilization exercises, with applications for sports injuries, pregnancy and inflammation and repair.

Hydrotherapy

Students learn the general procedures, properties of water and contraindications of hydrotherapy. The course covers general hot treatments and other general hydrotherapy treatments for therapeutic use.

Pathological Treatments

Students modify treatment for a wide range of conditions, including whiplash, disc lesions, postural dysfunctions, shoulder and wrist injuries, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, scars and respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Condition-based learning is reinforced through case studies.

Health Communication & Professional Skills for Massage Therapists

Teaches professional speaking and writing skills, non-verbal communication and workplace communication. Students learn to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and colleagues.

Professional Development & Human Relations

Students explore self-concept, temperament, personal values and goal setting, and develop good work habits and listening skills. The course covers the therapeutic relationship, boundaries, therapist intent and working with special populations.

Good Business Practices

Covers basic accounting, contracts and leases, starting and registering a business, GST registration and required forms. Students also study business ethics under the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and prepare resumes and business proposals.

Clinic 1

Students are tested and graded on the practical skills developed in the previous semester, preparing them for supervised clinical practice.

Clinic 2

Students complete supervised practical hours treating clients, bringing together assessment, treatment planning, treatment and documentation.

Clinic 3

An advanced supervised practicum that completes the program's clinical hours and prepares students for independent practice.