Entrance Prerequisites | Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy

We’re excited you’re thinking about starting your journey to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)!

Starting your journey into our 2-year (22-month) RMT Diploma Program at OVCMT in Vernon, BC is simple:

High School Grade 12 graduation
English 12 with a grade of 70% or higher (or something equivalent, see details below)

But more than just meeting those basics, we want to see your passion for helping others and your dedication to this rewarding career. Reach out to Admissions to chat about your options, start dates, what to expect and more!

Program Prerequisites

1. Grade 12 Graduation or equivalent (or successful completion of ABE)

2. English Requirement may be satisfied through any of the following:

English 12 with grade of 70% or higher
OR - ABE English with grade of 70% or higher
OR - Successful completion of a college or university level English course at a recognized institution
OR - Successful completion of 2 years of full-time studies at an English speaking college or university
OR - Accuplacer Next Generation reading score-260+ writing score-250+ and write placer score 5+ (Accuplacer exams are conducted in person at our main campus, available to students who completed high school in an English-speaking program)
OR - IELTS Academic 6.5+ (no component score less than 6.0)
OR - CAEL 60+
OR - TOEFL 85+

Prerequisites also include

Additional Prerequisites

To apply for the RMT Diploma Program at OVCMT, you’ll also need:

Introduction to Massage Workshop:
A hands-on introduction to the profession, and get a feel for our learning environment

Successful Admissions Interview:
An opportunity for us to get to know you and your goals.

No science background? No problem!
You can complete our Human Science Preparation Course (exclusive to OVCMT applicants) before starting the program.

Keep in mind
This is a competitive entry program. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, so put your best foot forward, do your research and have a good understanding of the profession!

✅ Your Next Step:
Apply now or sign up for our Intro to Massage Workshop and discover if a career in massage therapy is the right fit for you.

Click here to start the application process or just to sign up for the Introduction to Massage Workshop and see if this profession is a good fit for you!

Check out our Massage Workshops

This 2-day Introduction to Massage Workshop is designed for applicants, and prospective applicants to OV's registered massage therapy program and introduces participants to the practical and professional aspects of massage, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience, as they explore this exciting career.

Completion of this course is a prerequisite for entry into the RMT program.

Our workshops are run over a 2-day weekend and take place in January, April, June, August and October

CLICK here for the Registration Form: : Massage Workshop Registration Form

* This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, skills and Training. As such PTIB did not review this program

Introduction to Massage Workshops

Upcoming Workshop Dates:

August 16-17, October 18-19, 2025, January 3-4, 2026

The workshop is 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Saturday and Sunday. The cost is $342.00 (includes tax) which includes 1 set of sheets that are required for the workshop, and will be used throughout your education at OVCMT.

Click here for the registration form: Introduction to Massage Workshop Registration Form

*Save this fillable registration form to your device before completing, save and send to info@ovcmt.com

Payment is due at time of registration and may be made by calling OVCMT at 250-558-3718. We accept Visa, Mastercard or e-transfer to payments@ovcmt.com (along with your name and what the payment is for). Registration may also be made in person at the college, during regular business hours.

This course must be completed, at a regulated college, prior to starting any RMT program in British Columbia.

Human Science and College Preparation Course

Thinking of pursuing an education in Registered Massage Therapy? Lacking basic biology, or it's been a few years?

Our Human Science College Preparation Course will help you to upgrade your science knowledge in preparation for the first year of the Registered Massage Therapy Program, including time management and study skills. This human biology review prepares students for the significant anatomy and physiology components of the program

Please contact admissions for dates and registration. info@ovcmt.com

Course Dates: Continuous entry and self-paced! Get started now!

January - April
April - July
September - December

*you can register and complete the course anytime within the following dates:

(This will roughly take 4-8 weeks to complete, each session is open approximately 14 weeks

Final Exam: Online

Hours: Self-paced, online, approx. 50 to 150 hours (4-8 weeks), open/accessible for approx. 14 weeks.

Course Cost: $200.00 (online)

Textbook: Anatomy & Physiology for the Manual Therapies (approximately $180.00, available through our online bookstore)

3 ways to register:

Registration Form: Human Science and College Preparation Course - 2025

*OVCMT Application form and fee ($150.00) must be received before access to the online prep course will be granted. Our Human Science & College Preparation course is for sole use of OVCMT applicants.

Application Form: OVCMT Application form

* This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education,Skills and Training. As such PTIB did not review this program

Language Proficiency Policy

Instruction is conducted in English. Students whose first language is not English must satisfy one of the admission requirements below. Students must also demonstrate, through the interview process, the language ability to successfully complete the program.

Language requirements:

Accuplacer Next Generation reading score-260 writing score-250 and write placer score 5 (Accuplacer exams are conducted in person at our main campus) Available to students who completed high school in and English-speaking program.
(TOEFL IBT) with a minimum score of 86 or better with a minimum score of 20 in each of the four components (listening, speaking, writing, reading)
International English Language Testing (IELTS academic) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no other component score less than 6.0
CAEL with a minimum socre of 60
Achieving 70%+ in English at a recognized college or university

OVCMT Graduation Requirements

Registered Massage Therapy diplomas are awarded at a formal graduation ceremony, upon completion of the following:

Successful completion of all terms, courses and components of the Registered Massage Therapy Program, including all required clinical practicum hours.
Compliance with all rules and regulations of the college, including the maintenance of professional standards of conduct.
Payment-in-full of all tuition and fees in accordance with the payment schedule.