Why did you change your name from the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba?
For over 20 years, our college has produced exceptional massage therapists under the MTCM name. We have built our reputation around a challenging curriculum, an immensely dedicated faculty, a respect for our profession and a sense of responsibility to the people we serve.
When we heard the news that the regulatory college being developed in Manitoba would likely be using a name very similar to our own, we knew it was time for our brand to ‘evolve’. As we prepared to move into our spectacular new location on Portage Avenue, we decided this was the ideal opportunity to develop a new name that would complement the move and strengthen our brand. After considerable thought and discussion, the new name became perfectly clear – Evolve College of Massage Therapy, as it wonderfully reflects the rebirth and evolution of our great school.
First and foremost, our college remains committed to maintaining our role and philosophy as a progressive academic institution. By pairing the Evolve name with our college philosophy, we strive for a result synonymous with the expectation of exceptional education in the field of massage therapy.
What is different about the new college?
Along with our new name, we are proud to modernize our program and offer students a state-of-the-art learning centre in a beautiful, centrally-located facility. This will allow us to continue building our brand and reputation both locally and internationally.
The full effect of our new space can only be appreciated with an in-person visit, so we warmly invite you to take part in a personal tour and information session. In the meantime, here are some of the new features we are most excited about:
A Fresh Aesthetic
The minute you come through the front door, you are greeted with earth tones and organic design elements including greenery, brick, stone, concrete, wood and a warm fireplace. Our reception area flows into our student clinic and locker space which provides students the opportunity to work with real patients in a professional, supervised environment.
New Student Lounge
Our student lounge offers space for socializing and meal preparation that is three times larger than in our previous facility.
Modern Classrooms
Our state-of-the-art classrooms feature high-definition sound and presentation quality while allowing for both lecture and practical hands-on training within the same room. All classrooms feature soft, natural lighting, and our 5th floor windows overlook trees and sunsets (if you want to stay that late).
Space for Everything & Everyone
Our new space features a conference room and a private study and exam space for students if necessary.
Spa & Injury Rehab Facilities
Hydrotherapy treatment options within our clinic and local tours allow students to experience spa quality equipment for both stress reduction and injury specific rehabilitation.
Is there parking and easy bus access to the new location?
Yes and yes! The Uquutaq Medical Boarding Home (formerly the Clarion Hotel) location on Portage Avenue, right next to Earls at Polo Park, offers bus access from anywhere in the city. Should you choose to bring your own car, you are welcome to use the Polo Park parking lot. Should you choose to ride your bike, there is space in the college to store it while you’re in class.
Will there always be a demand for massage therapists?
Yes! In his bestselling book Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, Max Tegmark examines occupations that will be elevated in our new economy – he mentions ‘massage therapist’ several times. In a world where occupations are being eliminated by technology at an alarming rate and opportunities for human contact in our day-to-day lives are also diminishing, massage therapy will continue to be a profession in high demand.
What kind of job opportunities exist?
One of the most exciting aspects of our profession is the diversity of opportunities that exist for our graduates. Evolve College of Massage Therapy graduates have worked and continue to work in different countries in a variety of environments: private practice, health and spa resorts, professional sports and cruise ships to name a few. Many of these environments allow students to work individually or as part of a team, depending on their preference.
According to local insurance reports, the number of people accessing massage therapy in Winnipeg and beyond has dramatically grown over the last ten years. This rapid growth has created more demand in more areas.
For a current list of employees that have recently contacted us looking for therapists, please visit our Career Opportunities page, where you can also submit a Massage Therapy job posting.
What are the prerequisites for taking the Massage Therapy Program?
While we don’t have any pre-requisites per se, we are currently offering an Online Medical Terminology and Intro to Human Anatomy & Physiology course that will prepare you for your Freshman semester. While a High School diploma or post secondary education is preferred, we are happy to consider mature students as well. If you are unsure your qualifications have adequately prepared you for this program, please give us a call to discuss your situation specifically.
If you’re currently in High School and making decisions about what courses to take, we recommend that you take Grade 11 Biology, which focuses on Human Biology.
I’ve taken some courses in University, can I transfer my credits?
Chances are that we will be able to accept some University courses as credits toward your Massage Therapy Diploma. Most commonly credited courses are: Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Medical Terminology, but there may be others as well. The best way to find out is to ask us when you apply and get your post-secondary institution to forward your transcript directly to us. As a rule, you must have received a C grade or higher, and you must have taken the course five years prior, or less. If you are currently in a career that consistently uses the content you acquired in those courses, we may waive the five-year rule. It’ll be up to the discretion of the program director to make that decision.
What is included in my tuition?
Your tuition includes all student fees, books, notes and materials needed for your learning here at the college.
Do I get a massage table with my tuition?
Since some of the students coming to the college have already purchased a massage table, and since this purchase is unique to each student based on size and personal choice, we leave this purchase to each individual. You will not need to purchase a massage table during the course of your studies at the college since we provide the space and time for you to practice on our tables on site. If you wish to purchase one anyway, for your own practice at home, we will be happy to assist you in your choice.
What are my options for funding?
If you are not able to fund your own way through the Massage Therapy program, we have a few suggestions that may help you. The first thing to do is to determine what situation applies to you:
- If you’re unemployed or have been laid off, chances are you may qualify for Employment Manitoba financial assistance. You can find out more on their website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/ites/tes/pubs/jobs_careers/programs/skills_dev_assist.pdf
- For Metis, there’s funding available as well and you can find out more at www.mmf.mb.ca.
- Manitoba Student Aid is a great option for students as well. You can apply online (which is faster than in person) at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/msa. Once you apply, it only takes a couple of weeks to find out if you qualify or not. The great thing about government student loans is that they do not accrue interest while you are attending school and you may also qualify for government bursaries and grants, which you won’t have to pay back.
- If you do not qualify for any of the options above, you may want to talk to your local bank or credit union, to see if you qualify for a student line of credit. Even though it’s a more expensive option, it will allow you to pursue your education and pay back after you graduate.
What is the average income for a Massage Therapist?
Since massage therapists can work a variety of hours, in a variety of situations, this is a hard question to answer. In Winnipeg, most independent therapists charge between $70.00 – $80.00 per hour, but this rate can change considerably across the country in different environments. For example, on cruise ships or at spa resorts it is not uncommon for patients to pay $150.00 or more per session. In these cases, however, the therapist is an employee and receives considerably less depending on the contract. As an average in Manitoba, part-time therapists can earn between $20,000 and $30,000 per year while full-time therapists can earn between $40,000 and $60,000.
Are there any extra costs associated with the Massage Therapy College?
The only ongoing costs aside from tuition are linens and massage oils. We also recommend, though we don’t require, the purchase of a massage table prior to beginning year two of training. This purchase is not included in your tuition expense since every student is unique and may wish to select from any number of table styles, colours and models. Local table suppliers provide demos throughout the year so that you may find a table that’s right for you.
Do you have a one year program or is it just two years?
In keeping with current trends to maintain a 2200-hour program as a standard entry-level-to-practice benchmark, Evolve College only offers a two-year (2200-hour) minimum program.
