Are you drawn to a profession that helps others heal, relax, and feel their best? A career in massage therapy offers a flexible and rewarding path, whether you see yourself working in a clinic, a spa, or running your own practice.
If you’re considering massage therapy school in Calgary, it’s important to choose a program that equips you with the right skills and fits your lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what the first year at CITCM looks like—covering classes, clinic hours, and flexibility—and show you why the CITCM massage therapy program stands out as an excellent choice for your future career.
TL;DR
The CITCM massage therapy program offers a unique approach to massage therapy school in Calgary. Here’s what to expect from your first year in massage therapy school:
- Comprehensive training: Learn both Eastern modalities and Western techniques, including cupping, gua sha, acupressure, and relaxation massage.
- Integrated certifications: NHPC and CMMOTA pre-approve CITCM’s curriculum—no extra certificates required after graduation.
- Flexible schedule: Classes are only two days a week (Wednesdays & Thursdays), perfect for balancing work and family.
- Early career opportunities: After 1,000 hours, students can work as relaxation massage therapists before completing their program.
The CITCM First-Year Curriculum: What You’ll Learn
One of the biggest differentiators of the CITCM massage therapy program is our emphasis on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) foundations. In your first year, you’ll get hands-on experience in Eastern modalities alongside Western massage training.
At CITCM, you will learn:
- Cupping: An ancient technique using suction to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
- Gua Sha: Scraping the skin with a smooth tool to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation.
- Acupressure: Applying pressure to specific points to balance energy and alleviate pain.
- Full-body relaxation massage: A Western modality for comprehensive therapeutic relief.
This integrated approach ensures you gain a broad skill set from the very beginning of your education journey. Learn more about our We Integrated Orthopedic Massage Program.
Learn Eastern & Western Massage Techniques at CITCM
What Sets CITCM Apart from Other Massage Schools in Alberta?
With many options for massage therapy classes in Calgary, choosing the right program can feel overwhelming. CITCM stands apart for several reasons:
→ Many other schools in Alberta require separate cupping or Tui Na certificates. CITCM’s massage diploma already includes these modalities, and our curriculum is pre-approved for membership with associations such as NHPC and CMMOTA, removing the need for extra certificates.
→ CITCM teaches both Eastern and Western modalities from the very beginning, giving students a broader and more versatile skill set.
→ The program structure—class scheduling and early-employment opportunities—makes training accessible for adults balancing work and family.
Finding Your Balance Between Work and School
A common concern is whether you can work while studying. The answer is yes. CITCIM’s program is designed with life responsibilities in mind.
Classes are scheduled just two days a week (Wednesdays and Thursdays) rather than full-time Monday to Friday. That schedule gives you time to work, care for family, or manage other commitments while progressing through your training. This balance helps you learn without sacrificing income or personal responsibilities.
Hands-On Learning and Clinic Hours
Another cornerstone of Year 1 is supervised student clinic hours, where you’ll apply classroom learning with real clients under instructor supervision. These hours build practical confidence and prepare you for workplace settings.
By the end of your first year at CITCM, you’ll have the theory and practical experience needed for early employment opportunities.
👉 At CITCM, students gain 600+ hours of supervised clinical experience, small class sizes, and the unique WE Integrated Massage approach (Western + Eastern). This combination sets graduates apart and prepares them for flexible, in-demand careers.
Career Opportunities After Year 1
One of the most exciting aspects of CITCM’s program is the chance to start working before graduation. After completing 1,000 hours of training, students may be hired for relaxation massage roles while finishing Year 2.
That early employment lets you begin building a client base, earn income, and gain on-the-job experience while you finish your diploma—a clear advantage compared with programs that limit work opportunities until graduation.
Common Questions About Massage Therapy Classes in Calgary
Yes. With classes just two days a week, many students balance part-time work while they study.
CITCM includes TCM modalities like cupping and Tui Na in the core curriculum, so students don’t need separate certificates for these skills.
No. These modalities are built into the CITCM massage therapy diploma and recognized by NHPC and CMMOTA.
Schedules vary, but first-year students attend practical, in-person classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays while completing the theory-based courses online asynchronously.
Start Your Journey with CITCM’s Massage Therapy Program
Choosing the right massage therapy school in Calgary is the first step toward a rewarding career in health and wellness. At CITCM, your first year is designed to give you:
✓ A strong foundation in both Eastern and Western techniques.
✓ A flexible two-day class schedule.
✓ Hands-on experience through supervised clinic hours.
✓ The ability to start working as a relaxation massage therapist after just one year.
If you’re ready to take the leap, the CITCM massage therapy program gives you the training, support, and opportunities to succeed.
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