Massage therapy is a rewarding and growing career in health and wellness across Canada. In Alberta, professionals in Advanced Massage Therapy help people improve their physical and mental well-being through hands-on treatments. If you enjoy helping others, working with your hands, and learning about health, pursuing Advanced Massage Therapy might be the right career path for you.
This guide will explain what massage therapists do, why their work is important, average salary in Alberta, the skills you will need, lifestyle insights, and answers to common questions.
What Do Advanced Massage Therapists Do?
Advanced Massage Therapists use different hands-on techniques to work with the body’s soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. The goal is to reduce stress, improve circulation, ease pain, and improve movement.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Talking to clients about their health and doing basic assessments.
- Creating treatment plans to help with relaxation, recovery, or injury prevention.
- Using massage techniques like Swedish massage, deep tissue, sports massage, and trigger point therapy.
- Giving advice on stretching, posture, and lifestyle habits that support healing.
- Keeping proper records of each client and their progress.
Advanced Massage Therapists can work in many places such as private clinics, spas, wellness centers, gyms, and hospitals. Some choose to run their own businesses for more independence.
Why the Role of Advanced Massage Therapy is Important
Advanced Massage Therapy is not just about relaxation, it is also recognized as part of health care. Many health insurance plans in Alberta cover massage therapy, showing how important the service is for prevention and recovery.
Advanced Massage Therapists are important because they:
- Help with pain management: Support people living with chronic pain such as back issues, arthritis, or repetitive strain injuries.
- Assist in recovery: Aid athletes, workers, or anyone healing from injury or surgery.
- Support mental health: Massage has been shown to lower stress, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.
- Promote overall wellness: People use massage as part of a healthy lifestyle to maintain good physical and mental health.
Average Salary of an Advanced Massage Therapist in Alberta, Canada
Salaries depend on experience, location, and where you work. According to Job Bank Canada, here is the average income:
| Community/Area | Low ($/year) | Median ($/year) | High ($/year) |
| Canada | $32,360 | $32,360 | $62,400 |
| Alberta | $32,867 | $32,867 | $63,600 |
On average, Advanced Massage Therapists in Alberta earn slightly more than the national average, reflecting higher demand in the province.
Main Skills Needed for Advanced Massage Therapy
To be successful in Advanced Massage Therapy, you will need a mix of practical skills and people skills.
- Knowledge of anatomy: Understanding how the body works is key.
- Physical strength and stamina: The work can be physically demanding.
- Good communication: You will need to listen carefully and explain treatments clearly.
- Empathy and patience: Clients trust you with their health and need to feel supported.
- Problem-solving: Each client has unique needs, so treatments must be personalized.
- Professionalism and confidentiality: Respecting privacy and working ethically is essential.
Lifestyle in Advanced Massage Therapy
A career in Advanced Massage Therapy offers a flexible and meaningful lifestyle. Many professionals enjoy the chance to choose where they work and set their own hours.
- Work-life balance: You can often set schedules that fit your personal life.
- Active workday: The role keeps therapists moving and physically active.
- Job satisfaction: Helping people feel better is rewarding.
- Income flexibility: Self-employed professionals can often increase their income by managing their own clients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is Advanced Massage Therapy?
Advanced Massage Therapy is the study and practice of therapeutic massage treatments at a professional level. Practitioners help clients manage pain, recover from injuries, reduce stress, and improve mobility. It combines advanced techniques with hands-on training for a professional career.
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How long does it take to train in Advanced Massage Therapy in Alberta?
Most programs take between 16 and 24 months. At PIMT, the Advanced Massage Therapy Diploma is 71 weeks, about 16 months. This timeframe gives students the chance to learn techniques, gain supervised experience, and prepare for the workplace.
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Do you need a license to work in Advanced Massage Therapy in Alberta?
Alberta does not currently regulate massage therapy, but many employers and clients prefer practitioners with recognized diplomas. Graduating from a program like PIMT’s ensures professionalism and increases job opportunities.
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Where can you work in Advanced Massage Therapy?
Professionals can work in clinics, spas, gyms, wellness centers, and hospitals. Many also start private practices. There are many career paths to match different lifestyles and goals.
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Is Advanced Massage Therapy covered by insurance?
Yes, many extended health plans in Alberta and across Canada cover massage. This makes the service more affordable for clients and increases demand for practitioners.
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Do you need continuing education?
While it is not required in Alberta, many professionals take extra courses to specialize or update their skills. Specialties like sports massage, prenatal care, or injury recovery can help therapists stand out.
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Can you specialize in Advanced Massage Therapy?
Yes, you can focus on areas such as injury rehabilitation, sports massage, prenatal massage, or relaxation therapy. Specialization helps build expertise and attract a steady client base.
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How much do professionals in Advanced Massage Therapy earn in Calgary?
Most earn between $33,000 and $64,000 per year. Income depends on work setting and whether you are self-employed. Those who run their own practice often earn more.
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Is the career physically demanding?
Yes, the work requires stamina and strength, as treatments involve repetitive hand and arm movements. Good training teaches safe techniques to prevent strain and injuries.
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Do students get practical training?
Yes, practice is built into the program. At PIMT, students train in a supervised clinic setting, gaining real-world experience before graduation.
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Are scholarships available?
Yes. PIMT provides scholarships for some of the students entering Year Two, helping reduce costs and supporting student success.
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What equipment is provided during training?
Students receive a professional massage table, oil holster, and massage oil. This ensures they are fully prepared for practice during training and after graduation.
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Can mature students apply?
Yes, mature students are welcome. Many people choose Advanced Massage Therapy as a second career because it offers flexibility and a chance to help others.
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What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Graduates can work as Advanced Massage Therapists, sports therapists, or clinical specialists. Other options include teaching, consulting, or opening a private practice.
PIMT’s Advanced Massage Therapy Diploma Program
If you are ready to start a career in Advanced Massage Therapy, the Professional Institute of Management and Technology (PIMT) in Calgary offers one of Alberta’s leading programs.
- Duration: 71 weeks (16 months)
- Includes: hands-on training, student clinic practice, scholarships in Year Two (for eligible students), free massage table and starter kit
Career Paths After Graduation:
- Advanced Massage Therapist
- Sports or Clinical Therapist
- Wellness Consultant
- Instructor or Educator
- Business Owner
Take the Next Step
Advanced Massage Therapy is not only a stable career but also fulfilling and in high demand. Now is the perfect time to begin your training.
PIMT can help you achieve your goal with its 71-week Advanced Massage Therapy Diploma.
Contact Information
- Contact Us: 403-247-4319
- Admissions: 587-391-4392
- Email: info@pimtcalgary.com
- Address: 103 – 1422 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3P9
Start your journey today and join Alberta’s growing massage therapy community.
