Learn the art of healing at the best massage schools in Edmonton
I was both surprised and proud when my younger sister told me she wanted to become a massage therapist.
She explained that her goal was to help people heal, especially by easing stress and muscle tension, and I admired her for choosing such a thoughtful path.
As her big sister, I wanted to make sure she gets the best training possible, so I researched which massage schools in Edmonton are worth considering. In this article, I’ll share what I found to help future therapists.
If you want to see pros in action and get inspired, we have another list showcasing the best massage spas in Edmonton.
How much does it cost to enrol in a massage school in Edmonton?
Enrolling in a massage school in Edmonton usually costs around $11,000, depending on the institution and program length. Shorter certificate programs cost less, while full diploma programs are at the higher end.
1. Alberta College of Massage Therapy
Programs offered: Spa Massage Practitioner certificate, 2-year Massage Therapy diploma, and Manual Osteopathic Therapy program
Address: 4656 99 St NW
Phone number: +1 877-768-8400
Business hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
After some thought, I encouraged my younger sister to enrol at the Alberta College of Massage Therapy. They’ve been around since 2001, which reassured me that they know their craft.
The school offers two main programs. One is a shorter spa-focused certificate, and the other is a 2-year diploma that gets you the 2,200 hours needed to register as an RMT.
What really sold me was the flexible scheduling. My sister can study evenings or weekends, which fits well with her gig work.
I also liked the virtual open houses. She got to see how the school operates before committing.
The downside is the cost. Programs start at $13,979.75, and we had to pay a non-refundable $150 registration fee just to secure her spot. The saving grace is that they do offer student loans and payment plans.
They teach their students very well!
“Went here for a Mother’s Day gift to myself. I had Matthew King and he was amazing. His supervisor and himself did a full assessment on me and my injuries. They were very open with everything they were looking at and seeing. The massage was so relaxing and healed a spot that has been driving me crazy for months! I would recommend coming here. They teach their students very well!”
-Justyne Milman, Google Reviews
The entire experience far exceeded my expectations
“I have been getting therapeutic massages for over 20 years and I’ve had lots of good and lots of not so good massages. A friend of mine recommended the Alberta College of Massage and when I saw the price of a 60minute massage I booked an appointment right away. The therapists are still students and the facility is a college so I didn’t have extremely high expectations. To my surprise my massage and the entire experience far exceeded my expectations. If you want a super luxurious setting, book your massage at a Spa and you’ll pay $100-$120/h but if you want a massage that is every bit as good, give the ACM a try! You won’t be disappointed.”
-Jeff Vosburgh, Google Reviews
2. Vicars School of Massage Therapy
Program offered: Massage Therapy Diploma program
Address: 2828 Calgary Trl NW
Phone number: +1 780-491-0574
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
Another massage school that started in 2001 is Vicars School of Massage Therapy, located at the Edmonton Home Fair. They only offer one program, a 2-year full-time diploma, but it’s thorough.
You get a mix of online theory and in-person practice, which makes the blended learning model appealing if you’re trying to balance study with other parts of life.
They also run a beginners’ workshop for folks who just want to try massage out, and there’s advanced placement if you already have related training.
Financial aid and payment plans are available, and international students can apply too.
Sadly, cost is the main issue here. At $29,800 for the full program, it’s not cheap, and since there’s only one program, you don’t have much choice.
The students and instructors are amazing!
“I have been visiting MH Vicars for about 5 years. The students and instructors are amazing! They know their stuff and work with each client to address individual needs. Out of the dozens of massages I’ve had from MHV students, I’ve only been disappointed with one. I have a thick file and a lot of issues, so that’s a pretty good track record! Can’t wait till the school is open again! I miss you all! 😘”
-Kari H, Google Reviews
All the students are really good!
“All the students are really good! They are thorough with their assessments prior to the treatment, and very skilled with their massage techniques. I’m always recommending MH Vicars to people, and I’ll continue to do so. Thank you all for being kind, caring, and really good at what you do!”
-Gina G, Google Reviews
3. MaKami College
Programs offered: Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy diploma, first aid certification, and physiology and anatomy certification
Address: 8330 82 Ave NW #137
Phone number: +1 780-468-3454
Business hours:
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-THURS)
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
MaKami College has been part of Edmonton since 2001, and it has become one of the bigger private vocational schools in the city. They welcome international students and even provide free ESL lessons, which makes the place more accessible.
Their main program is the Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy diploma, a 3,000-hour course that can be completed in two years. They also include certifications in anatomy, physiology, and first aid, which help improve employment prospects.
I like that students get an iPad with the course curriculum, so lessons are easy to follow both in class and at home.
On the financial side, they provide help with loans and grants and even have a referral program that pays $300 for each successful friend referral.
Unfortunately, I heard their classes can get pretty full, sometimes with more than 25 students. Furthermore, some staff members aren’t always the most welcoming.
They were good with helping me out with work and improving my English
“Graduated from this school a while ago. English isn’t my first language and they were good with helping me out with work and improving my English. The program is short but straight to the point because it’s accelerated. You have class two days a week then clinic one day a week which really helps because you work on real clients and get practice as an actual massage therapist before you complete the course. If you are looking to start massage therapy check out Makami college.”
-Joe Domingues, Google Reviews
Worth every penny as it has left me with so many job opportunities
“MaKami College all around made my school experience amazing, worth every penny as it has left me with so many job opportunities. The staff and teachers always are willing to help and do everything they can to help you succeed. I would recommend MaKami to anyone who is interested in becoming a massage therapist or a health care aide.”
-Lindsey Forest, Google Reviews
4. South Edmonton School of Massage Therapy
Programs offered: Massage Therapy Level I and Massage Therapy Level II
Address: 6203 28 Ave NW #220
Phone number: +1 780-469-7246
Business hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (MON-FRI)
South Edmonton School of Massage Therapy caught my attention because it’s one of the more affordable schools in Edmonton.
It runs out of a professional building in southeast Edmonton and shares spaces with a physio clinic, which gives students some real-world experience while they study.
They offer two programs. Level 1 is 1,000 hours at $8,900, and Level II is 1,200 hours at $9,900. Together, they meet the national competency profile, so graduates are recognized across Canada.
I like that classes are weekend-based, usually one or two weekends a month, with about 25 hours of home study. Small class sizes of 5 to 7 students per instructor make it feel personal.
Loans and grants are available, too, which is a big help.
However, they only accept 14 students per intake, and applications must be mailed, faxed, or dropped off in person.
SESMT has been a great experience
“SESMT has been a great experience. The instructors are knowledgeable and really care about helping students succeed. The hands-on training is excellent, and the curriculum is well-structured. I feel much more confident in my skills and excited about my future in massage therapy. Highly recommend!”
-Taotao Tian, Google Reviews
The class size, one-on-one time and facility is awesome
“I had a wonderful first year studying at SESMT. The instructors are all incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and have lots of experience in the profession of massage therapy. The curriculum is advanced and prepares you for working in a regulated province. I was able to maintain a full time job and live 4 hours away while still being able to study here. The class size, one-on-one time and facility is awesome and I’d recommend this school to anyone (adult/distant ed learners especially). I look forward to continuing on to my second year. Thanks Dustin, Leah and Janesta!”
-Morgan McIntosh, Google Reviews
5. Archways Healing College
Programs offered: Massage therapy training, reflexology courses, holistic classes for RMTs, and specialized lessons in business and ethics
Address: 8702 Meadowlark Rd NW
Phone number: +1 780-425-7770
Business hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (WED and FRI)
There’s more to being a massage therapist than just easing stress and muscle tension, which is why I like that Archways Healing College teaches more than the basics.
Their program covers anatomy and technique, and they also offer reflexology lessons. What caught my eye is how they mix practical training with courses that focus on ethics and self-care.
That feels important in a field where people often forget to look after themselves.
They even include lessons on the business side, helping students improve communication and customer relations. Tutoring is available in 3-hour blocks if you need extra support.
Tuition is straightforward since registration fees, exams, certificates, and diplomas are included, which saves you from surprise costs.
On the flip side, there are no financing options, so you have to pay up front. Classes only run on Wednesdays and Fridays, which can be limiting depending on your schedule.
Archways’ method of teaching is definitely different
“Student of 2012-13. I was lucky enough to be taught by Barb, Shelly, and Crystal. I had studied at another well established massage program but I felt like it was lacking. Archways’ method of teaching is definitely different and made sure each student understood what was being taught; you are not just another number. Archways acknowledged my previous knowledge and now I can explain both “mystical” and scientific regardless of what clients believe. I would recommend this school above any other as I’ve interacted with those students; most lack the wisdom to learn outside of their bubble.”
-Wayne, Google Reviews
I am an RMT now
“I am an RMT now thanks to the wonderful, knowledgeable teacher Robert and lady teacher Shelly! And I appreciate the director Barbara‘s help!”
-Martha Wang, Google Reviews