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Why study massage therapy?
Promote healing, recovery and wellness through therapeutic touch.
Mount Royal University’s Massage Therapy Diploma in Calgary is a 2,200-hour program that is accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA) and recognized by the professional associations and regulatory colleges. Learn to assess clients and apply therapeutic massage techniques to reduce pain, support healing and improve wellness. Study anatomy, biomechanics and orthopedic assessment while gaining experience through a student-run clinic and community outreach. With 330 hours of supervised hands-on practice, this program prepares you to adapt treatments and work with diverse client populations.
We are here to help
Mount Royal has many resources for you to ensure you are ready to get started once you've been accepted.
Plan your studies
Book a massage with a student practitioner
Our student therapists provide supervised massage therapy treatments during their practicums.
Book a massageProgram highlights
- This program has been awarded accreditation by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA) and students train to the highest national standards
- As part of our diploma, students complete 330 hours of supervised treatments on members of the public in our student-run clinic and community outreach
- Graduates are eligible to receive transfer credit towards the Thompson Rivers University's Bachelor of Health Science. See more transfer opportunities.
- Earn scholarships up to $2,000 based on academic excellence
Career possibilities
Where can I work with a diploma in massage therapy?
This diploma prepares graduates to work as a massage therapist in a variety of settings, including:
The teachers pushed us to dive deep into the theory, but they also made sure we got plenty of hands-on experience. That combination was so important because it’s what helped us become well-rounded therapists.
— MRU alum, Nicole Dai
Massage Therapy diploma, 2024
Curriculum and courses
What courses will I take in massage therapy?
Build a strong clinical, theoretical and ethical foundation to deliver safe, effective and confident therapeutic massage treatments.
Explore full curriculum and coursesCurriculum snapshot
Experiential learning
Get supervised hands-on training to prepare you for professional practice.
- Complete 330 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Treat chronic and acute conditions
- Gain experience in a student-run clinic and community outreach
- Develop skills to reduce pain and support healing
Admission requirements
Requirements can vary, so it’s important to review what’s needed for your area of interest.
What are the requirements for the Massage Therapy Diploma?
Applicants are not required to meet the General Admission Requirements for Mount Royal University programs. Applicants are not required to provide transcripts from any high school or post-secondary institutions unless they intend to use them to meet English Language Proficiency.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet two separate English requirements to be admitted to Mount Royal:
- You’ll need to successfully complete an English course if it’s part of your program’s admission requirements
- Show that you meet Mount Royal’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements
Admission deadlines
Fall 2026 intake
Early admission
Oct. 1, 2025 - Feb. 1, 2026
Ongoing admission based on program space and availability
Feb. 2, 2026 - programs closed
What is early admission?
During the early admission period, all applications are treated as though they were received at the exact same time. This means all competitively qualified applicants will be accommodated. At MRU, we actually receive most of our applications and fill many of our programs from applications submitted during early admission. It is an ideal time to apply and helps expedite the process so you hear back earlier too.
Early admission deadlines
Fall Semester:
Early admission is open from Oct. 1 to Feb 1.
Winter Semester:
Early admission is open from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1.
Costs
We know your investment in post-secondary education is a big deal. Make sure you’re on the right financial track by reviewing the costs, scholarships and financial support available.
How much does the Massage Therapy Diploma cost?
The cost of your studies depends on a few things, like the program you choose and whether you’ll live at home or in Residence.
View the full tuition and fee schedule to get a detailed breakdown of estimated costs.
Does Mount Royal University offer scholarships or other types of financial support?
At Mount Royal, we want you to focus on your education, not worry about how to pay for it. There are many ways to help cover the cost of your studies.
Scholarships and bursaries
Mount Royal gives out over $5 million each year in scholarships and bursaries! These awards look at things like your grades, financial need and your involvement in school or the community.
Some specific scholarships available to massage therapy students include:
Leela Eco Spa Scholarship
A $2,000 scholarship is awarded to one graduating student based on outstanding academic performance. The recipient will also be considered for part-time or full-time employment at Leela Eco Spa.
Massage Therapy First and Second Year Awards
Fifteen scholarships, each valued at $1,000, are awarded throughout the year to students in their first and second year of study.
Financial aid
There are financial aid options from the provincial and federal governments for both full-time and part-time students. These include student loans, grants and bursaries.
Other resources
You can also explore other ways to pay, like using RESPs (Registered Education Savings Plans) or CPP (Canada Pension Plan) benefits.
How do I apply for scholarships and bursaries?
To be eligible for scholarships and bursaries, you must apply for Early Admission from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries from Nov. 1 to March 1.
Have questions?
Our info sessions are a great way to explore MRU programs, learn how to apply and connect with people who are here to help.
Book an info session
Why MRU
At MRU, learning is about more than lectures and textbooks. It’s about evolving through experience. With small class sizes, supportive faculty and hands-on opportunities, students are encouraged to think critically, push boundaries and uncover what they’re capable of. MRU helps students build the skills, confidence and curiosity to shape meaningful futures in Calgary and beyond.
Discover why MRULearn about the additional supports and services we have available specifically for:
International students Indigenous studentsContinuing Education
Mount Royal is pleased to offer five direct-entry diplomas and certificates and a multitude of continuing education courses and programs. View the full program listing to start your professional development.