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How can I learn more about the school, program, & massage profession prior to entering or applying to the program?
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You can accomplish this by doing your co-op placement with us. To make this happen just have your high school career/guidance counselor contact our School Office Manager, Virginia at 416-924-1107 ext. 13 to make arrangements. You will find your experience at the school -exposure to the school & program - very helpful in your decision making process. |
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How long is the program?
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It is a 2,200-hour program, which takes two academic years with a summer break, or may be completed intensively over 18 months. You have the option of starting one program in either September or January of each year. Students who enroll in September will complete Year 1 in late May and have a four month break from May to September. Students beginning in January will complete Year 1 in September and have a two week break before the beginning of second year. Both groups begin Year 2 classes in September and graduate the following July. |
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What is the time commitment?
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Classes usually run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, you may have evening classes from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. You may also have a Student Clinic or Outreach in the evening or on Saturdays. All classes are approximately 3 hours long. You will be in class 30-35 hours per week. You can also expect 15-25 hours per week for study time and class preparation. |
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Is there a part-time program?
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No. Our program is full time. |
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Can I work part-time while attending?
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Yes, it is possible with good time management, study skills, and support systems in place. However it is not ideal, and the number of hours worked needs to be limited in order to ensure enough time for homework and study. |
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How many students are there in a classroom at one time?
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In the academic courses the student/teacher ratio is no more than 75:1; in all practical classes it is no more than 18:1; in Student Clinic 12:1 and in Outreach 8-10:1. |
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Do I have to register for the Information Session?
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No. You can just show up at the school on the published date. |
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Is there an application deadline?
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No. However we process applications on a first-come-first-served basis until the class is full. So it makes sense to apply as soon as possible. |
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Can I apply to the program if I am not fully fluent in English?
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Yes. Your proficiency in written English will be determined by your CAAT results (see related questions below). If you do not obtain satisfactory scores in each of the CAAT subtests you will be asked to complete more ESL training and then re-apply. |
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Can I still apply even though I do not have the prerequisite courses completed?
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Yes. The prerequisite courses must be completed prior to coming into the program, but not prior to applying. Applicants who do not have the prerequisite courses completed can get a conditional acceptance, pending successful completion of these courses. |
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How long ago can I have completed the prerequisite courses prior to entrance into the program?
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If the science prerequisite is met through the Sutherland-Chan physiology course or through courses taken at High School, they must have been completed within the last 2-3 years. If you have appropriate sciences courses at the College or University level that were completed more than three years prior to application, please contact Paula, our Admissions Coordinator at 416-924-1107 ext. 23 or by email: admissions@sutherland-chan.com to discuss their applicability.
The Introduction to Massage Prerequisite must have been completed within the last 5 years. |
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Can I do the prerequisites at another institution other than Sutherland-Chan (S-C)?
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Yes. If you decide not to do the prerequisite courses at S-C, you should do the following:
- Physiology Prerequisite - To ensure your proposed course meets our requirements, check with Paula, our Admissions Coordinator at 416-924-1107 ext. 23 or by email: admissions@sutherland-chan.com before registering.
- Introduction to Massage Prerequisite - You can request that an information sheet outlining our requirements be sent to you and the RMT tutor/instructor of the equivalent course you wish to take.
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Can I send in parts of my application and have the other items follow?
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Yes. Upon receipt of any materials from you we will set up a file and update it as the missing items are received. |
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Do I have to supply ALL academic transcripts?
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Yes. We like to see an applicant's complete academic background. |
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Can I include my letter of reference with my application?
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Yes. If your letter of reference is not being mailed to us directly, we prefer that it be given to you in a sealed envelope, which you can include with your application or any other mailing. |
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What happens after I apply to the program?
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You will be notified 1-2 weeks after we receive your application. We will either inform you of your acceptance or identify any items missing from your application, or inform you that we would like you to take the CAAT and set up a time for you to do so. |
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How can I prepare for the CAAT?
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We test reading comprehension, vocabulary and study skills. The following books will give you excellent strategies for preparing for the CAAT: Skill Builder Vocabulary and Spelling Success in 20 Minutes A Day and Reading Comprehension Success In 20 Minutes A Day. You cannot really prepare for the Study Skills component. It tests library, research and dictionary skills. |
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What will happen if I fail the CAAT?
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If you fail the CAAT, it will probably be due to one or more of the following:
- insufficient proficiency in English
- a learning disability which is undiagnosed or to which you have not yet become well adapted
- a problem with study skills
We respond to an applicant's failure of the CAAT in the following ways:
- If the applicant has a high school diploma but does not have 65% or more in Grade 12 English, he or she will be required to pass the Sutherland-Chan Physiology Prerequisite Course, regardless of whether the requirement for a science course has been met. This course has a strong emphasis on development of science-related language skills.
- If the applicant does not have a high school diploma, he or she may choose to complete a high school equivalency program and/or re-take the CAAT at a future time.
- If the applicant is not a native English speaker, he or she will be requested to take additional ESL training and then re-apply.
- If it appears that the problem may be a learning disability, the candidate will be advised to seek expert assistance for learning disability testing and/or learning disability strategies counselling before re-applying.
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How will I be informed as to whether or not I have been accepted?
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You will be informed by phone, followed up by a mailed package. |
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Is there parking available?
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We have a small parking lot with four spots reserved for students. Every other month, there is a parking lottery in which interested students enter their name. The fee is $64.20 per month. There is another parking lot within a 5-minute walk from the school. The cost to park there is $6.00 daily. Also, some people in the neighborhood rent out their driveways to students. |
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Do you have any information regarding available housing?
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There is a student bulletin board on which students post their housing needs. Whether seeking a roommate or a room, this is usually the place to find out about available housing. There are also postings from homeowners in the area who rent out houses, apartments or rooms. |
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Can I start giving massages right after I graduate from S-C?
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No. In order to practice as a massage therapist in Ontario you must be registered (successfully complete the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario's Certification Exams). |
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How much do the Ontario Registration Exams cost?
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OSCE Examination $475.00
Written Examination $150.00
For more information, please visit CMTO web Site. |
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With so many schools offering massage therapy, what will my job prospects be once I graduate?
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The job market is still very promising for massage therapists. It is estimated that presently only 2% of the Ontario population is receiving massage. This means that there are many opportunities ahead as more of the public becomes educated about the benefits of massage therapy. Graduates of Sutherland-Chan are experiencing great success finding employment or setting up their own practices. Many have reported to us that employers preferentially hire S-C grads. 97% of our 1999 grads had obtained employment within 6 months of graduation. |
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Can I practice massage therapy in other provinces in Canada and/or in other countries once I become registered in Ontario?
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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 since our 2200-hour requirement is higher than most jurisdictions. |
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How much does a massage therapist make?
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The average fee for a 1-hour massage in Ontario is $50-$65 in a clinic. If making a house call, the average fee is $85-$100. This varies according to geographical location. A massage therapist's income is affected by the number of clients seen per week, and overhead expenses if self employed. An employed massage therapist can expect to earn on average 50 - 60% of the fee per client, with the employer carrying the overhead. |
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