Justin Wilson spent 10 years working as an accountant before changing careers to massage therapy. From the outside, accounting looked like a stable career, but something was missing.
After being laid off, he took the opportunity to reflect on what he really wanted from his next chapter. Instead of searching for another accounting position, he found himself thinking back to childhood memories that had stayed with him for years.
Those memories eventually led him to pursue a career in massage therapy.
Today, Justin is a student in CITCM’s Massage Therapy program, gaining hands-on clinical experience while preparing for a career focused on helping people improve their health and well-being.
We spoke with him about what inspired his career change, what it’s like to study massage therapy at CITCM, and the advice he’d offer to anyone considering the profession.
Justin Wilson: CITCM Massage Program Student in Calgary, Alberta
Can you tell us a little about yourself? What were you doing before CITCM, and what drew you to massage therapy as a career?
Like many students, Justin spent years building a successful career in a completely different field before realizing he wanted something more personally fulfilling.
Justin told us, “I was an accountant for 10 years but wasn’t happy with it. After being laid off, I reflected on childhood memories with my grandmother, helping her get her socks and shoes on before church and giving her a little foot rub. It meant so much to her, and those memories helped me realize that massage therapy could be a good career for me.”
Why did you choose CITCM for massage school? Did you consider other schools before deciding
After deciding to make a career change, Justin wanted a school where he could develop both professionally and personally. Feeling connected to his instructors and classmates was just as important as the curriculum itself. That’s one of the reasons CITCM stood out to him.
Justin said, “I liked that CITCM was a smaller school, as I figured it would have a deeper sense of community.”
Another factor that influenced his decision was the school’s unique approach to massage therapy education. “I also really appreciated the Western and Eastern integration.”
What did a typical week look like for you as a massage therapy student?
One of the things prospective students are often curious about is what life inside the program actually looks like. As students progress through the curriculum, their schedules naturally evolve, with more opportunities to apply classroom learning in real clinical settings.
Justin explained that there really isn’t a single “typical” week because the program changes from semester to semester. “Currently, [the work] involves multiple clinic shifts at school and at my practicum, and I get to see the progress with my returning patients, which has been really nice!”
The CITCM massage classes blend Western and Eastern approaches. What does that actually look like day-to-day? Was it what you expected?
One of CITCM’s defining features is its integrated approach to massage therapy, where students learn how Western and Eastern philosophies complement one another in patient care.
Justin says each perspective brings something different to the table. “The Western approaches feel more technical and knowledge-based while the Eastern approaches feel more spiritual and emotion-based, which is really cool,” he explained.
For him, the value comes from combining those perspectives rather than viewing them separately. As Justin put it, “Blending the techniques together, it’s possible to deliver incredible treatment to clients, and they seem very receptive to the combined approaches.”
What has the clinical training been like? Can you describe what it feels like to treat real patients for the first time?
Moving from practicing techniques in the classroom to treating real patients is one of the biggest milestones in massage therapy education. While classroom instruction builds the foundation, working with people who have real concerns and treatment goals introduces an entirely new level of responsibility.
Justin admits those first treatments were intimidating. “I was very nervous when I first started treating patients instead of just giving relaxation-based massages,” he recalled. In fact, he says, “I don’t think I did a very good job with my first patient.”
That uncertainty didn’t last long. With each clinic shift and patient interaction, his confidence continued to grow. Today, Justin says, “I feel incredibly confident now with my skill set and way of thinking.” One of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been watching patients improve over time. “I find it very rewarding when a patient is receptive and is achieving great progress towards their treatment goals.”
Were you juggling work or other responsibilities while studying massage therapy at CITCM? How have you managed the balance?
Returning to school often means balancing coursework, clinic hours, studying, and responsibilities at home. While every student’s situation is different, having a strong support system can make a significant difference throughout the program.
Justin considers himself fortunate in that regard. He shared, “I was very lucky to have the support of my spouse while attending the program.” That support allowed him to devote more of his energy to learning and developing his skills. As he explained, “I was able to apply more time and focus towards my education, clinic days, and treatments.”
What kind of career are you hoping to build after you graduate? Has that vision changed since you started?
One of the benefits of hands-on clinical massage education is that students often discover interests they didn’t expect when they first enrolled. As they gain experience treating different patients, their long-term career goals can naturally evolve.
Justin says that’s exactly what happened to him. Looking ahead, “I’m hoping to learn from some of the orthopedic clinics here in the city before, likely, returning back home to start my own practice.”
His vision has changed considerably since beginning the program. “I had originally thought I wanted to focus more on relaxation massage, but I fell in love with performing assessments and generating treatment plans to help people in need to achieve their goals.”
What would you say to someone considering massage therapy as a career but hasn’t taken the leap yet?
Changing careers can feel like a big leap, especially if you’re leaving behind a profession you’ve spent years building. Justin understands that uncertainty but says the rewards of helping others have made the journey worthwhile.
When asked what he’d tell someone who’s still on the fence, Justin didn’t hesitate. “I’d tell them how worthwhile it is when a patient expresses gratitude for an effective treatment plan and how rewarding a career it is.”
What would you say to someone who is deciding between massage therapy schools in Alberta?
Justin believes finding a supportive community should be high on every prospective student’s list. His advice is simple: “Choose a school where you’re more than just a number, a school that has a supportive and friendly community.” Looking back on his own experience, he adds, “The people you get to meet may be more important than the education itself.”
Thinking About Changing Careers to Massage Therapy?
Justin’s story is a reminder that there’s no single path into massage therapy. Whether you’re changing careers after years in another profession or beginning your post-secondary education for the first time, the right program can help you develop the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience needed for a rewarding future.
At CITCM, students benefit from a supportive learning environment, extensive clinical training, and an integrated curriculum that combines Western and Eastern approaches to massage therapy.
If you’re ready to explore a career where you can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day, we encourage you to learn more about CITCM’s WE Integrated Massage Therapy program or Double Major Plus Program.
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