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Admissions FAQ

What is the difference between Wellington College and other schools?

Wellington College is one of the oldest massage therapy schools in Canada, with a very reputable curriculum based in Osteopathic principles.

We pride ourselves in providing exceptional student support, being the only school in Manitoba to offer massage therapy education to the visually impaired with various tools and supports. We also cater for students living with learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, ADHD and Processing Deficits.

We also take mental health very seriously and offer free unlimited counseling to our students while in the program. We have also put in supports for students living with forms of Autism, Aspergers, Anxiety, Depression, etc.

Another difference is that we offer a predominantly online course structure that surpasses many post-secondary educator’s offerings and accommodates our students’ lives and responsibilities.

Does remedial massage also mean registered massage therapist?

No. Remedial Massage comes from our roots in the United Kingdom, where Remedial is the distinction between massage therapy for rehabilitative purposes and massage therapy for relaxation purposes. We believe both aspects of massage are important, and offer both the Basic Relaxation Certificate and Remedial Massage Therapy Diploma.

Once a student graduates from the diploma program, they can choose to register with a massage assocation. After they have done this process, they are called a Registered Massage Therapist.

Can I visit the campus before applying?

Absolutely! We would love to meet you. Our admissions team conducts personal tours at a time that suits you. You can schedule a personal tour by clicking here. Or if you would like to take a visual tour online, here’s our principal, Randy, put together an awesome 30 min virtual tour so you can see the campus and all the classrooms.

You are also welcome to come for a massage at the Student Clinic. We offer a free massage to our prospective students. Click here to watch the webinar and receive your free massage code to the Student Clinic.

You can also book an appointment at anytime without watching the webinar. Just call 2049572402.

60-Minute Therapeutic massages are $35+GST.

How long does an admissions tour last?

We try to keep the admissions tour to an hour, but that totally depends on how many questions you have.

The tour of the facility can take approximately 20-30 minutes, and the rest of the time is left for answering your questions. If you need longer, don’t worry! We’re here to answer all your questions.

Are the admissions tours conducted individually or with a group?

The admissions tours are individual tours, based on the time you have scheduled. If you’d like to bring a friend or two or three, you are more than welcome!

Does Wellington College have information sessions?

Yes, Wellington College has information sessions held on campus on the last Sunday afternoon from May to July.

We currently have a continuous information session that is offered as soon as you download it. Click here to get access to that session now!

What classes should I take in high school to prepare for applying for massage school?

We don’t have any specific prerequisites other than a high school diploma, so feel free to take the classes you want to take in your final years of high school.

When you start at Wellington, we start with the basics and work up from there. You don’t need to worry about taking any biology or physics classes to apply for Wellington.

What are the prerequisites for wellington college?

We don’t have any specific prerequisites other than a high school diploma. We don’t require you to have a prior knowledge of biology or physics, etc.

Is there a winter entry?

Currently, we only have one intake per year.

The Weekend and Evening Delivery program starts the third weekend in August and the Weekday Delivery program starts the third Monday in August.

If you’d like to get started right away, you are able to start with the Medical Terminology course which is part of the anatomy course. You are able to complete this portion on your own before school even starts!

What do I need to apply at Wellington?

Click here to see what you need to apply.

Why do we need to submit a resume as part of the application?

We want to get an all-round idea of the person you are. Your resume gives us an idea of your work history and ethic and how that may impact your ability to complete the course.

Can I apply if I’m less than 18 years old?

Yes, you can apply if you’re less than 18 years old. However, both you and a parent or guardian need to sign your school contract.

Can I apply without a Vulnerable Sector Search since I’m less than 18 years old?

Since you can’t apply for a Vulnerable Sector Search if you’re less than 18 years old, you can still apply for Wellington College and then apply for the VSS when you come of age.

Can I use the same criminal record check I acquired for a different organization?

As long as your previous criminal record check is less than 6 months old, you can use that document for your application for Wellington College.

Do I need both the adult and child check or just the child one? 

You will need to apply for both the Child Abuse Registry Check and Adult Abuse Registry Check (as well as the Police Check/Vulnerable Sector Search).

Do I need to complete the English assessment if I’ve been living in Canada for more than 5 years?

If you feel your English abilities are at benchmark level 7 or higher, which is the requirement for academic reading and writing you do not have to complete an English Assessment. If you have any hesitations, please complete the Assessment. This is more for your success, as we want you to feel comfortable with the academic requirements of our course.

Do I need to complete the English Assessment if I’ve already completed my previous education in Canada?

If you have already completed previous education in Canada in English and have passed their requirement, we do not require you to complete the English Assessment.

English is my first language, do I still need to take the English Assessment?

No, you do not need to complete the English Assessment.

Can you recommend where I should take my CPR/ First Aid training?

Any institution that offers CPR Level C and Standard First Aid Certification is fine. We often recommend St. John’s Ambulance, or registering to take the course at Wellington College.

We offer the certification and recertification for all students at the beginning of the school year. Click here to register.

Do I need to get my CPR/first aid updated before I apply or can I wait and do it if I am accepted?

Yes, you can wait until after you’ve been accepted to update or take your CPR/First Aid certification. You don’t need to have all the documents available to apply.

You can fill out the application form online and email your documents later to admissions@wellingtoncollege.com.

Do I need to request a new official transcript from my previous educational institution or can I use the ones I was issued upon graduation?

If you have the original transcripts issued at your graduation, you can use those documents for your application.

What if I don’t have access to a scanner?

If you don’t have access to a scanner, we will accept photos of your required documents for your application.

Do spots fill up first come first serve?

Yes, spots in the program are first come, first served. It is best to apply as soon as possible to guarantee your spot in the program.

How much is the deposit?

If accepted, the deposit for both the Weekday Delivery and Weekend and Evening Delivery programs is $250.

When do I need to pay the deposit if I get accepted?

The deposit is due before the first day of class, however, those students who have paid their deposit will get the first guaranteed spots in the program if the class fills up.

If you are not able to pay the $250 deposit and would like this to be included in your Canada Student Loan, please tell the Admissions Coordinator during your contract signing.

Is there an application fee?

The application fee is $75.

Will the Covid-19 pandemic affect my application?

Typically, we try to process applications in two weeks or less. Currently, we have been able to maintain this timeframe, however, the situation may change and we ask for your patience and understanding.

Wellington College has been able to adapt our entire program to online learning during the pandemic. We don’t have requirements for candidates on Covid-19 vaccinations.

 Is there still an on-site shop for massage products and materials?

Wellington College used to have a massage therapy supply store on campus, Equip Massage. This has now moved and you can view their website here.

 Tuition FAQ

How does paying for school work?

Once you are accepted, we request an $250 deposit to guarantee your spot in the program.

We subtract that deposit from your total tuition, and the balance is due before June 30 of the next year. You must arrange payment and secure funding for your contract signing that happens before school to guarantee you can pay for College.

In order to obtain your certificate or diploma, you must have paid in full for the program you completed.

There are multiple options for funding, which we will discuss below.

Are there other funding options besides Canada Student Loans?

Yes, there are many funding options besides Canada Student Loans, including Employment Insurance, Band Funding, scholarships from various parties and organizations, student line of credit and more.

What are my funding options?

You have a few funding options for College. These include self-funding, funding through family members, student loans, student study grants and bursaries, scholarships and lines of credit.

Does the College provide funding options?

The College is not a financial institution and cannot issue loans. However, we do allow you to pay over the course of the year with a number of no-interest payment plans.

What payment plans are available for students?

If you are self-funding, we have four payment plans available.

  1. One lump sum at the beginning of the year.

  2. Two payments; one in August and one in January.

  3. Four quarterly payments.

  4. Ten monthly payments.

Whichever payment plan you choose, you will set up an automatic withdrawal accordingly at your contract signing meeting with the Registrar.

How much are the payments roughly?

You can find out how much your payments will be using this formula:

Total Tuition - ($250 deposit) / (number of payments)

If the program is not the right fit for me, will I be able to withdraw from the program without paying the full tuition?

Yes. If you decide to withdraw from the program, immediately send us a letter or email indicating that you want to withdraw and the date.

If you have paid more tuition than the educational hours observed, we will refund you the amount based upon the date you withdrew.

If I could buy books from a previous student, would I be able to cut costs there?

As long as the textbooks are the current edition, you can purchase them outside the College. Please be sure to mention this during your contract signing meeting so that the costs can be deducted from your total tuition.

Student Loan FAQ

Can Weekend and Evening Delivery students receive Canadian student Loans?

Yes, our Weekend and Evening Delivery students can receive funding for school and they are considered as full-time students; the amount of funding depends on the individual assessments.

If you are taking the program as a reduced course load or part-time, part-time loans are available by paper application only. 

You can find the application and all other information required to apply for the loan by clicking here.

Applications for student loans for programs that start in the fall don’t open until June of that year. Because Weekend and Evening Delivery students start in July, it can feel rushed to apply for student loans the month before. As long as you can show our Registrar the paperwork that you have started your student loan application and it is being assessed, we will consider that towards your tuition payment at the beginning of the year at contract signing. 

You will also need a backup plan on how you can pay for your tuition in case your loan happens to be declined. 

How do I start the process of getting a student loan?

To start the process of applying for Canada and Manitoba Student Loans, click here.

 Transfer Credits Process

Can I transfer credits from my previous post-secondary education?

Yes, it is possible to transfer credits from your previous education, depending on a few things.

First you must submit the official transcript of your previous education including the course outline and/or curriculum document. These documents must clearly show the course material that was covered including individual units, techniques and topics.

Once received, we will compare what you’ve studied against our curriculum for one of the following outcomes:

  • Declined, credit not transferrable

  • Approved, credits for secondary courses will be transferred. Secondary courses include Exercise Concepts, Exercise Rehabilitation, Hydrotherapy, Medical Terminology, Nutrition, Research and Study Skills.

  • Approved, credits for primary courses will be transferred with the passing of an online challenge exam. Primary courses include Basic Anatomy, Basic Pathology, Basic Physiology, Basic Practical Massage, Neurophysiology, Advanced Pathology and Advanced Physiology. Challenge exams each cost $100 and must produce a passing grade of 75% or more.

  • The following courses are required Clinic Management, Business, Student Clinic, Advanced Anatomy/ Kinesiology and Advanced Practical Massage.

To inquire about whether your credits are transferrable, send your documents to our Admissions Coordinator at admissions@wellingtoncollege.com.

I am new to Canada, can I receive credits for my previous education?

Yes, it is possible to receive credits for your previous education. You will be required to go through the same process outlined above.

I have a massage certificate from another school. Can I upgrade it to a diploma through Wellington College?

Yes, it is possible, but you will need to go through the same process as outlined above.

 Weekday Delivery Course FAQ 

When does the WEekday delivery program start and finish?

The Weekday Delivery diploma program is a two-year program. Each year starts on the third Monday of August and finishes on June 30. There is a 7-week break in between the two years during the summer.

What is the Weekday Delivery schedule?

Generally speaking, the Weekday Delivery program runs Monday to Thursday, from 8 am to 4 pm. You will receive your exact schedule during the first week of your program.

Does the college have a policy around absences in terms of how much you are able to miss when sick, etc?

According to the PVI department of the Manitoban government, students cannot miss more than 10% of the program before being withdrawn.

How does the student clinic work?

The Weekday Delivery program has a student clinic component that allows students to practice on the public in a clinical setting under the observation of a Registered Massage Therapist Clinic Supervisor.

Students are scheduled onto a rotation once a week on the same day each week. It isn’t until the second semester of the first year that students start in the clinic.

At first, they shadow the advanced students for a period of time to get used to interacting with the public and to understand what is required with the student clinic processes and systems. When ready, the basic students begin to perform treatments in the student clinic as well.

Is the student clinic located on the College campus?

Yes, the Student Clinic is located on campus.

How many hours are we required in the student clinic each week?

Students are scheduled onto a clinic rotation once a week. Each clinic night starts at 5 pm and finishes at approximately 9:30 pm.

Is student parking available; are they electric? What is the cost?

Yes, student parking is available. There are both non-electrical and electrical parking spots to rent within a block of the College. You can check in with reception in the first week of the course to inquire about the cost and how to rent a parking stall.

How does Work Experience Placement work?

In the second semester of the advanced year, students will complete a work experience placement at a clinic at their choice under the observation of a registered massage therapist, approved by the College.

Students can start this program as soon as February in their advanced year, as long as they complete the required number of hours by the end of the semester.

Weekend and Evening Delivery FAQ

What does the Weekend and Evening Delivery program look like?

Both the Weekday Delivery and Weekend & Evening Delivery programs complete the Basic Certificate in the first year. However, the Advanced component of the diploma, which is completed in one year in the Weekday Delivery program, is spread over two years in the Weekend and Evening Delivery program.

Weekend and Evening Delivery students attend one Seminar Weekend each month. This starts at 1 pm on Friday and completes at 5 pm on Sunday.

They also attend 1-2 evening classes online during the week, depending on their schedule. You will receive your schedule during the first Seminar Weekend in July.

Can I start the Weekend and Evening Delivery program anytime throughout the year?

While we only have one enrollment per year, you can start with the Medical Terminology course at any time once you’ve been accepted, even if it is before the first class.

The Medical Terminology course is completely self-directed, and you will receive instructions on how to get started with your acceptance letter.

You don’t have to start before the first class, but the option is there if you are eager to get studying!

How many weekends are tied up with the Weekend and Evening Delivery program?

There are 10 Seminar weekends each year of the program, except for year 1 which has an extra introductory weekend in July. Other than that, there is one seminar weekend for each month from August to June.

Is it realistic to imagine working full time and doing the Weekend and Evening Delivery program? 

Absolutely. Most of the Weekend and Evening Delivery students either have a full-time job that they carry on with during the week while they study to change their career, or they are full-time caregivers at home and have full-time responsibilities there.

What are the prerequisites for the Weekend and Evening Delivery course?

The only prerequisite for any of our programs is a high school diploma, yes, even if that was 30 years ago! If you are a mature student, don’t worry. There are many students just like you that are currently in the program and who have successfully graduated.

You got this!

Can I take the Basic year in Weekend and Evening Delivery and then switch to Weekday delivery for the Advanced year?

Yes, we have many students who choose the Basic year in one program and switch to the advanced. Because both our programs deliver the same curriculum, you are able to switch between the two.

Do the Weekend and Evening Delivery and weekday delivery programs provide the same training and qualification?

Yes, both the Weekday Delivery and Weekend and Evening Delivery programs provide the exact same curriculum and qualifications. They are simply delivered in a different format. The Weekday Delivery has more contact hours with the instructor, whereas the Weekend and Evening Delivery program is more self-directed.

What’s the difference between the Weekday Delivery and Weekend and Evening Delivery programs?

The only differences between the Weekday Delivery and Weekend and Evening Delivery programs are the length of time it takes to complete them and how they are delivered.

The Weekday Delivery program takes two years to complete and has more contact hours with the instructor.

The Weekend and Evening Delivery program takes three years to complete and is more self-directed.

While the Basic year is completed in the first year in both programs, the Advanced year is split over two years in Weekend and Evening Delivery, thus making the Weekend and Evening Delivery program three years instead of two, like in the Weekday Delivery program. See the diagram below.

Massage Therapy Regulation FAQ

What is Massage Therapy Regulation?

Massage Therapy Regulation in Manitoba would mean that any massage therapist would fall under the governance of the Regulated Health Professions Act that came into effect in 2014.

At the moment anyone can set up shop in Manitoba, call themselves a massage therapist and offer treatment to the public.

Regulation would protect the public by holding massage therapists accountable through a consistent standard.

Is Manitoba a regulated province?

At the moment, Manitoba is not a regulated province, but the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba is always pushing forward with this as one of their main priorities. You can read more about their road to regulation by clicking here.

Can I work in any other province after graduation?

Yes, you can work across Canada with your Wellington College diploma, however, you will need to complete further examinations in regulated provinces.

You are free to work without further examination in unregulated provinces.

Click here to view BC’s process for becoming registered.

Click here to view Ontario’s process for becoming registered.

Click here to view Newfoundland’s process for becoming registered.

Click here for New Brunswick’s process for becoming registered.

Click here for P.E.I.’s process for becoming registered.