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Top 5 Best Massage Schools in Vancouver

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Top 5 Best Massage Schools in Vancouver

Are you pursuing a career in massage therapy? Want to learn how you can help address issues of pain and physical discomfort in people?

In that case, you need to get training from the best massage schools in Vancouver. Luckily for you, we’ve already done the work of finding them and rating the most highly regarded ones.

They teach both beginner and advanced massage techniques you can use in your practice. Plus, they help you build confidence in the way you handle your patients. 

The Best Massage Schools in Vancouver

We evaluated our top choices using the following criteria: 

Without further ado, let’s dive right into the article!

How much does massage school cost in Vancouver? 

The costs for massage school will vary between institutions. Furthermore, the program type that you choose will also affect the final amount you need to pay. 

Here’s a quick comparison chart of our top picks in the city: 

NameCost
Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (VCMT)Full-Time Program: $33,500

Part-TIme Program: $36,500

International Fees: $8,000

Langara CollegeYear 1: $15,153

Year 2: $15,153

Books: $3,500

Supplies: $1,250

Student Union Fees: $1,320 (varies)

Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (OVCMT)Year

1: $15,900Year

2: $15,900Books: $4,815

Vancouver School of Healing Arts (VSOHA)Domestic: $11,955

International: $13,200

West Coast College of Massage Therapy - New Westminster CampusDomestic: $33,250

International: $34,845

Books: $2,400

Supplies:$1,375

Registration Fee: $100

Has affordable course fees that students can pay incrementally. This allows students to adjust their budgets as needed. 
Has specialization in different massage therapy methods. So students have the freedom to choose which specialization meets their career goals best. 
Has received accreditation from the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB). All private training institutions in Vancouver are required to get certification from the PTIB to ensure the quality and legality of their programs.
Has a team of expert staff and faculty to help students build appropriate skills and knowledge of massage techniques. 
Spending long hours at practice can put a lot of stress on the joints and bones. It’s best to keep physical demands to a minimum to avoid negative consequences later on.

1. Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (VCMT)

Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (VCMT)

TestInfo
SERVICESPart-Time Program

Full-Time Program

WEBSITEhttps://vcmt.ca/
ADDRESS300-1050 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3S7
CONTACT DETAILS(604) 681-4450 |

Email: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS8:00 am to 8:30 pm (Monday to Friday)

8:00 am to 4:30 pm (Saturday)

Closed (Sunday and Holidays)

Affordability★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Specialization★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Accreditation★★★☆☆ (3/5) (PTIB & CMTBC)
Expert Staff & Faculty★★★★★ (5/5)
Physical Demands★★★★★ (5/5)

First on our list is Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (VCMT). They’ve been around since 2006 and have one of the highest pass rates in the city. 

They also have one of the lowest attrition rates in the industry, which tells us a lot about the quality of their training. 

Programs are divided into part-time and full-time schedules. We find this incredibly helpful, especially if you’re teetering between other responsibilities outside of school. 

After evaluating their schedule and curriculum, we found an even balance of both in-classroom lectures and hands-on training. In other words, students don’t have to worry about putting too much strain on their fingers and joints. 

Want to see what it feels like to be a student on campus?

We called their admissions office and they recommended we try the “Student for a Day” program that lets you sit in lectures at VCMT. Here, you get to experience: 

  • 90 minutes in class with other full-time and part-time students
  • 75 minutes of massage therapy provided by interns
  • 10 minutes touring the campus and facilities
  • Q&A with the school’s Director of Admissions

The “Student for a Day” program is a great way to get to know how VCMT works before you make a full commitment. For anyone considering this program, we suggest you start your research here. 

While VCMT is truly an excellent institution, it doesn’t come without its own set of drawbacks. 

Firstly, tuition costs a fortune at VCMT. Put that on top of other charges (e.g., books, student unions, and registration), the entire amount could become too hefty for a normal student to shoulder. 

Secondly, VCMT doesn’t offer any sort of specialization in massage therapy. 

We find that their training is great in terms of general practices instruction. However, if you’re looking to scale your career by specializing in a certain technique, you might want to look at another school. 

Pros

  • Useful “Student for a Day” program
  • Part-time and full-time programs
  • Great balance of in-classroom and hands-on training
  • Experienced teachers and staff

Cons

  • Expensive 
  • No specialization

2. Langara College

Langara College
TestInfo
SERVICESIntroduction to Massage Therapy

CS Diploma in Registered Massage Therapy

WEBSITEhttps://langara.ca/
ADDRESS100 W 49th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2Z6, Canada
CONTACT DETAILS(604) 323-5322 |

Email: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS9:00 am to 4:30 pm (Monday to Thursday)

9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Friday)

Closed (Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays)

Affordability★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Specialization★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Accreditation★★☆☆☆ (2/5) CMTCA
Expert Staff & Faculty★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Physical Demands★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

What we like about Langara College is that they offer both introductory and continuing education in massage therapy. This makes them an ideal choice for beginners and professionals looking to upscale their skills.

After talking to their staff, we find that most of them have a strong grasp of their facilities and programs. They answered all our queries without hesitation, giving us better insights into their school. 

Tuition fees are slightly cheaper compared to VCMT but not by a lot. We feel like Langara can still be a little expensive for students who have a very limited budget. 

However, they do have flexible payment plans that allow students to make payments a little easier. You can also apply for Financial Aid and Langara Scholarships if you’re eligible. 

All that said, there are some things about Langara that we don’t entirely appreciate. 

For example, classes normally run until 9:00 in the evening, when public transportation can be a lot harder to catch. This type of schedule can also put a lot of stress on a student both physically and emotionally. 

Professors are typically a hit or miss. 

Most professors take their lectures very seriously and have a lot to offer their students. Some lack the dedication to effectively relay knowledge to their students. 

This type of unprofessional behavior is the reason why we are giving them a three-star rating for staff expertise. Still, that’s not unusual.

Langara College has also set schedules for class registration, which we normally wouldn’t mind. After all, most schools do the same thing. 

However, Langara College’s schedule is randomized and impossible to track. If you’re someone who’s got more on your plate than school, Langara isn’t the best choice for you. 

Pros

  • Introductory and continuing education courses
  • Helpful and informative staff
  • Flexible payment plans
  • Financial aid and scholarships

Cons

  • Classes that run to 9 PM
  • Lazy instructors
  • Randomized registration schedules

3. Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (OVCMT)

Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (OVCMT)
TestInfo
SERVICESAcademic Programs

Practical Programs

Continuing Education

WEBSITEhttps://www.ovcmt.com/
ADDRESS200 3400 - 30th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 2E2
CONTACT DETAILS(250) 558-3719 |

Email: | [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS8:00 am to 4:30 pm (Monday to Friday)

Closed (Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays)

Affordability★★★★☆ (4/5)
Specialization★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accreditation★★★★★ (5/5) CMTBC, BC EQA, RMTBC, PTIB, CCMTS, BBB
Expert Staff & Faculty★★★★☆ (4/5)
Physical Demands★★★★☆ (4/5)

If you’re not in a rush to complete your requirements, Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (OVCMT) is a great option to consider. 

We find that they have the most flexible schedule among all the choices on this list. Plus, their tuition fees are a lot cheaper too. 

OVCMT offers three types of programs: Academic Programs, Practical Programs, and Continuing Education. Each program is 23 months long and is divided into four terms. 

Students get to enjoy two free months in between terms, either to take a break or to save up money for the upcoming term. 

In our opinion, this type of arrangement is great because a) it allows students to get a break from studying and practice and b) it gives students the freedom to pursue other things outside of school. 

OVCMT also has the highest number of accreditations in our evaluations. This is proof that their programs are not only effective but are also packed with value.

Customers who have received treatments from students at OVCMT’s clinic only have great things to say about their services as well.

After corresponding a few times with their instructors, it’s safe to say that most of them have a strong grip on the programs that they are teaching. 

At OVCMT, tuition fees are much more affordable compared to other schools. Although, they still charge a little north of $30,000.

Instead of scholarships, OVCMT allows students to apply for national and provincial student loans. We found this a little disappointing considering the high-interest rates that student loans often have. 

It’s a good thing that you can pay tuition fees in seven monthly installments, so you don’t have to stress about it so much while you’re at school. 

Pros

  • Unhurried program schedules
  • Exceptional and specialized training
  • Expert instructors
  • Less physical and emotional stress

Cons

  • No scholarships
  • Stil a little expensive

4. Vancouver School of Healing Arts (VSOHA)

Vancouver School of Healing Arts (VSOHA)
TestInfo
SERVICESBodywork Therapy Program

Aroma 911

WEBSITEhttps://vsoha.com/
ADDRESS1125 Howe St #280, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K8, Canada
CONTACT DETAILS(604) 688-5060 |

Email: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Monday to Friday)

Closed (Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays)

Affordability★★★★☆ (4/5)
Specialization★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accreditation★★★☆☆ (3/5) PTIB, BC EQA
Expert Staff & Faculty★★★★☆ (4/5)
Physical Demands★★★★☆ (4/5)

The most attractive thing about Vancouver School of Healing Arts (VSOHA) is their expert faculty. Based on our evaluation, not only are VSOHA instructors experienced in their designated fields, but they also have multiple certifications and licenses to prove their capabilities. 

Tuition fees are much cheaper compared to other schools on this list. And considering you can do the same things with VSOHA’s diploma as with other diplomas from other schools, you can get greater value for your money at VSOHA. 

VSOHA has been accredited by both PTIB and BC EQA. However, we think it would have been nice if they’d also received accreditation from BBB and CCMTS. 

Getting accredited by these governing bodies adds to the credibility of your institution and programs. It also helps you build a better relationship with customers and prospects. 

Program schedules at VSOHA are full-time and sometimes run until 7:30 pm. Even if they use a mix of online and in-person training, this type of arrangement can still be stressful for a lot of students. 

Pros

  • Expert faculty and staff
  • Budget-friendly
  • Has appropriate accreditation

Cons

  • Not BBB accredited
  • Schedule can be stressful

5. West Coast College of Massage Therapy – New Westminster Campus 

West Coast College of Massage Therapy - New Westminster Campus 
TestInfo
SERVICESIntroduction to Massage Therapy Program

Competency-Based Mastery Level RMT Program

Biology Preparation Program

Advanced Credits for Kenisiology Grads

Advanced Credits for Athletic Therapy Grads

Mock Registration Exam

Continuing Education

WEBSITEhttps://collegeofmassage.com/
ADDRESS613 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A7, Canada
CONTACT DETAILS(604) 520-1844

Email: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS8:30 am to 8:00 pm (Monday and Wednesday)

12:30 pm to 9:00 pm (Tuesday)

1:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Thursday)

8:30 am to 8:30 pm (Friday)

8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Affordability★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Specialization★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Accreditation★★★★☆ (4/5) CMTCA, BC EQA, PTIB, CCMTS
Expert Staff & Faculty★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Physical Demands★★★☆☆ (3/5)

WCCMT is one of the oldest institutions that teaches massage therapy in Vancouver. But does that mean they also offer the best services? 

Well, not entirely. 

While they do have an exceptional reputation in the industry, as well as a long history of successful graduates, we find that their services today are below average.

Classes are often packed to the brim with students, which makes learning a lot less effective. We’ve even seen complaints about instructors not coming in on time or at all during lectures and exams. 

Considering how expensive their tuition fees can get, this is a massive letdown. 

Most of their professors are highly skilled and can teach students a lot about techniques and methods. However, a large portion of their faculty is also just lazy. 

We appreciate that they have more variety in terms of their training programs. This means they can accommodate more students with different levels of needs. 

Hands-on training is available but very limited, based on our assessments. Most students have the opportunity to work at the school’s clinic; however, a lot of them go in without adequate instruction and preparation. 

If you’re a beginner, we advise you to pay close attention to who handles your class. That way you can achieve your study goals with much better ease.

FAQs About the Best Massage Schools in Vancouver


These are some of the best massage schools in Vancouver. We recommend that you check their programs and facilities out to see if they’re the right fit for you. If you’re looking for other alternatives for higher education, here’s an article we made about the best colleges in Vancouver

Related Resources for Further Education in Vancouver: 

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