PIMT Calgary News

Twenty Years of Excellence and We Continue to Grow

2011-12-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

At Professional Institute of Massage Therapy we are always striving to provide relevant courses for the market place. In Calgary for instance, we have both a Massage Therapy Diploma and a Relaxation Massage Certificate.
The Massage Therapy Diploma course is a therapeutic massage program that develops the skills needed for a clinical setting. Assessment is the key component in this program, and it is getting you ready for the regulated industry.
The Relaxation Massage Certificate is our spa program. Here you learn the keys to providing wonderful massage experiences that are found in spa and resort settings.
Both programs have the added benefit that they can be taken partially in an online setting. All of our academic materials are available online and our "hands-on" or practical material are provided in our classrooms.
Our schools provide everything you need - hydrocollators, cold packs, skeletons, anatomy and trigger point charts, massage tables (standard and hydraulic) - in order to have the most positive learning experience.
We have been in existence for close to 20 years. We have grown with the market. We provide quality, affordability, and professionalism that is unsurpassed.
Give us the opportunity to grow with you and your massage therapy career. You will be thankful you did.
Apply now at www.pimtmassage.com.

Online Learning a Reality in 2012!

2011-10-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Did you know that we have two great programs at the Calgary campus of PIMT? Not only that, but did you know that the Calgary campus also has online learning options?

We are proud to announce the implementation of the PIMT Online Campus beginning January 2012! This on-line initiative will provide learners with off-site options to learn large components of the Massage Therapy Diploma and Relaxation Massage Certificate programs.

To visit our online campus and try a demo, go to www.pimtmassage.com/ONLINE.

To apply for one of our January programs, go to www.pimtmassage.com.

We hope to see you soon!

Our Relaxation Massage Certificate - A New Beginning

2011-08-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

At Professional Institute of Massage Therapy we are proud to offer a 12-weekend course in Relaxation Massage. This Certificate provides many people with the opportunity to maintain employment during the week while going to massage school on the weekend. Upon graduation, you can begin work in the Spa industry, which this program was specifically designed for.

We are so pleased to be a preferred educational provider for Massage Heights Canada (www.massageheightscanada.com). Their confidence in our programs assists in providing employment for our grads.

To check out our programs, go to www.pimtmassage.com. Our next Relaxation Certificate begins September 17th, 2011. Apply now!

What is PIMT Pride?

2011-08-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

At Professional Institute of Massage Therapy try to instill a culture of pride in every facet of our organization. This "PIMT Pride" is built upon our students and graduates and moves through our staff and administration.

PIMT Pride comes from the fact that our students become outstanding ambassadors to the massage therapy industry. Not only have our graduates held some very challenging positions in prominent physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics, but our grads have even been recruited to help run other schools!

PIMT Pride is built on the high retention and employment rates that we achieve. We try to ensure that the material that students are learning is relevant and keeps them absorbed and focused on their goals. We don't offer material just to fill time; we offer material to make our students the best massage therapists. We want our grads to get jobs, but we also want our students to have the best chance at actually completing their program. This is achieved by relevance in the classroom.

PIMT Pride is shown in our care for the community. We try to provide experiences to our students that allow them to build on their caring nature. Volunteer work is often the most rewarding work. The experiences we have given through the Kidney March, through the Grey Cups and Tim Horton's Briers, and through events for various United Way campaigns can last a life time.

PIMT Pride is built on the staff we have. Our staff has a passion to deliver their classes that the students can see and feel. This passion leads to excellence in teaching and I thank our teachers for that passion.

PIMT Pride is the factor that sets us apart from other schools and what makes our students great! We will continue to strive for the excellence that will foster the growth of PIMT Pride!

Relaxation Massage Certificate

2011-08-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

We are proud to be a preferred educational institute for Massage Heights Canada.
With that in mind, we remind everyone that we are accepting applications for our Relaxation Massage Certificate beginning September 17, 2011. This 12 weekend program is recognized by the NHPC (Canada's largest body of massage practitioner recognition) and meets City of Calgary licensure requirements.
We still have spots, but expect that they will fill up soon. If you want to go to a school where the curriculum is relevant and care for the student is a priority, then you should really consider PIMT!

Open House on August 10th!

2011-08-09T11:41:00.001-07:00

Please remember that we are hosting an open house at the Calgary campus from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM on Wednesday, August 10th. We look forward to seeing anyone interested in a career in massage therapy. We will highlight both our programs.

Still Time for September

2011-07-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks!

I am away for a bit of a holiday but will be back the 8th of August. That doesn't mean you can't still apply for our September program. At the moment we have four spots still open. To apply go to www.pimtmassage.com and click on the "Calgary Campus" page.
While CCMH may be gone from the Calgary market, we are still here to give you specialized massage education compared to the "BIG BOX" schools that simply cannot provide the same care as massage therapists running a massage therapy school.
I look forward to hearing from you and we will see you on the 8th!

We are Here to Help CCMH Students

2011-07-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

As you may now be aware, CCMH Calgary is closed. Professional Institute of Massage Therapy is pleased to help students who have been negatively affected by the closure.
We will help with tuition and classroom credits in order to keep you on the right track to your massage career.
Call us at (403) 247-4319.

WEB SITE IMPROVEMENTS!

2011-05-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have taken the past few days and made some changes to our web site. This includes some additional links to sites of interest as well as some links to student loans information.
I hope that the web site gives you all of the information you need without drowning you in details. We want to make the site as honest and informative as possible.

A few changes in the colour scheme may not hurt either, but please, let me know if you can think of any other improvements.

Our next start date for classes is in September. Apply now for the few spots that are left!

Looking Past the Long Weekend

2011-05-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

As I head off into the sunset of a long weekend in Calgary (a rainy one, I might add), I just wanted to thank our students who will be graduating from here at the end of May.
I am very fortunate to have met each and every one of these students. They are great people, will do great things in the massage community and I wish them all the best as they embark on new careers.
There is never a time that a person cannot learn something new from someone else. I am very fortunate that in my work I am able to meet so many wonderful people who continue to teach me more each day.
Have a great long weekend!

Weekly Meanderings of A Massage School Administrator.....

2011-04-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

This week is starting off with a bang! Monday April 18th sees us doing massage therapy at the Chix With Stix Women's Hockey Tournament. This tourney is close to my heart as it raises money to fight breast cancer.

This past Friday saw us host an open house at the Calgary campus. It was well-attended and we hope that all attendees found it useful and informative.

I hope you visit our facebook page that you can reach through our website at http://www.pimtmassage.com/. We are putting some polls on the page that hope to guide us in the programs we deliver. We are a supporter of regulation in massage therapy, but what does the regulated environment look like? Please help us try to look into the future.

Our relaxation Massage Certificate begins May 14th. You can apply until May 7th.
Our Massage Therapy diploma begins on June 1st. Applications will be accepted until May 21st.

Have a great week!

June is the last chance for a great opportunity!

2011-03-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

The JUNE start date in Calgary will be the LAST time you can receive the 1,000 hour program in SEVEN months. After that the program will start in MAY and take EIGHT months. Apply now for June and take advantage of this last opportunity!!

We Have Two Great Programs!

2011-03-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

We have two programs designed for the Calgary / Alberta market that meet two unique needs.
Our 1,000 hour Massage Therapy Diploma is a full-time, Monday to Friday program that is completed in 8 months. This is a rehabilitation and assessment based program that meets the needs of those looking to work in a more clinical setting.
Our 250 hour Relaxation Massage Certificate is a weekend program that provides training for those looking to enter the spa environment. This is a 12 weekend program and deals with relaxation techniques and '"general" pain relief.
Our next Massage Therapy Diploma program begins June 1, 2011 and our next Relaxation Massage Certificate begins May 14, 2011. Check out our web site at http://www.pimtmassage.com/ or visit our open house on April 15th.

Open House April 15, 2011

2011-03-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

We will be hosting an open house at the Calgary campus of Professional Institute of Massage Therapy on April 15, 2011. We will have presentations and information available for anyone interested in joining our massage therapy diploma (MTD) or relaxation massage certificate (RMC)classes.
Our next RMC program begins May 14, 2011. Our next MTD program begins June 1, 2011. The school is located at:

805 14th Street NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 2A4

Anyone interested in attending can contact Rob Thomas at calgary@pimtmassage.com.

June Start Date for Massage Therapy Diploma

2011-02-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

This is a reminder that we will be starting a new Massage Therapy Diploma program on June 1st, 2011. This program is completed by Christmas and allows you to write the MTAA exam or join the NHPC - your choice!
We have great new staff here in Calgary and I truly believe that our program is second to none!
We will be having an open house at the end of March. Stay tuned for more details!

Helping Chix with Stix fight Cancer!

2011-02-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

It is now confirmed that we will be participating in the Chix With Stix Hockey Tournament to raise money for breast cancer. Our students will be offering massages and collecting fees which will then be donated 100% over to the Chix With Stix. Thanks to them and Crowchild Twin Arenas in Calgary for putting on this very worthwhile event!

Congratulations Juniors on your Massage Olympics Victory

2011-02-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

I would like to congratulate the Junior class on their victory over the Seniors in the First Ever Massage Olympics! After faltering in the table set-up and draping relay, they posted victories in the ROM Relay, and the Anatomy Relay to win a nailbiter, 22 - 18.5.

Congratulations Juniors on Winning the "Bragging Rights" Trophy!

Please Visit our New Website!

2011-02-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce our new website is now live at http://www.pimtmassage.com/.
This website will allow you to choose and sign up for any of the courses we offer. This site will also link you to our blogs and facebook pages!
Please check it out as soon as you can!

New job posting on our Facebook Page

2011-02-14T09:28:00.001-08:00

Find our Facebook page and the new job posting by going to http://www.pimtmassage.com/.

Check out the Great Video

2011-01-05T13:37:00.001-08:00

I found a quirky but informative video on YouTube. Go to the Facebook page for Professional Institute of Massage Therapy to check out the "FUZZ" video. It's a great way for the layman to understand restriction.

2011 is the beginning of the Golden Age of Alternative Health Care

2011-01-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and Welcome to the New Golden Age of Alternative Health Care!
The year was 1945. The war was over and men came back to Canada in droves from Europe. Thus began one of the greatest socio-economic phenomona to date - the baby BOOM!
Its hard to believe that 2011 marks the 65th year since the beginning of one of the greatest population bubbles to form in Canadian history. For the next 20 years, these boomers will be entering their golden years. Retirement and the good life so deservedly awaits. But the boomers are different. These people love life, are affluent and will do everything they can to avoid the aging process. They still participate in many activities, still have a youthful vigour about them and want to live their life to the fullest!
This is where massage therapy fits in. The boomers want and expect to take in all the advantages that they have at their disposal to stay healthy and vibrant.
As massage therapists, we will have great opportunities to provide the boomers with the services they seek. So happy 65th birthday boomers! We look forward to helping you enjoy your golden years!

This is a great time of year for massage therapy!

2010-12-17T08:28:00.000-08:00

Massage Therapists love the Christmas season and the approaching new year! We love Christmas because this is a time of the year when massage therapy gift certificates make a great gift, especially for the person who has everything. Massage therapists can provide instant relief for weary shoppers by providing an attractive gift certificate with nice packaging. Gift cards are also becoming more and more in vogue and POS suppliers often have programs you can participate in.
The new year allows us to focus on ourselves for a brief time. Very often, a gift to yourself of massage can get the year off in positive direction.
Unfortunately, ice and slippery conditions also mean that more people than ever will need our assistance due to pain from falls and collisions. This is a great time for all massage therapists to cosnider their continuing education requirements in order to keep their practice relevant.
Let me take this opportunity to wish all massage therapists a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hiring a New Instructor

2010-12-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Calgary campus of Professional Institute of Massage Therapy is looking to hire a new part-time instructor for our Relaxation Massage Certificate program. Instruction occurs on weekends for 12 hours per weekend.

To apply please e-mail calgary@pimtmassage.com.

Thank you.

Massage - its not just for old people!

2010-12-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

At Professional Institute of Massage Therapy, one of our madates is to educate people on the use of massage in their daily lives.
One trend we are helping to destroy is that you only need massage when you are old.
Massage should be a part of our healthy lifestyle and should be used as a preventative measure to increase health and decrease illness / pain.
We have always heard that a build-up of stress decreases wellness. Even research in sports massage is suggesting that the psychological aspect of massage may provide a positive benefit that outweighs the physical benefit in many instances.
My point is; massage can help us deal with our daily stresses no matter what the age.
Whether its a sixty year old worrying about work stresss or the eighteen year old worrying about college finals, massage therapy can act as a huge benefit that will enhance the ability to cope AND enhance wellness.

Why is Massage a Great Profession?

2010-12-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

I met a gentleman today who asked me, "why is massage therapy such a good profession?"
I though about it for a moment and remembered why I went into massage so long ago (1992 to be exact). I wanted to be involved in health care. I wanted to be involved in people's rehabilitation. I wanted to solve their problems and help them overcome pain. I wanted to make a difference every day.
Now, there are many health care professions, but massage did a few things other professions could not do. First of all, it let me get to know my clients. There are many healthcare professions where patient / client contact is limited or even non-existent. Those professions were not for me.
Secondly, I was able to provide a plan of treatment. This meant I got to help people by providing a level of guidance. Again, there are other healthcare professions where you are reacting to others directions or conditions, but you aren't part of the planning stage. Massage therapy did give me the level of guidance I was looking for.
Finally, I liked that I could move to other places and still practice, and set my own hours. This portability and flexibility is not always available in a career choice. Massage therapy did provide me with that.
I have been involved in massage therapy for many years now. I still see the same thoughts going through the heads of our students that went through my head all those years ago. I am pleased to say that massage still offers all of the benefits, and even more today than it did back then.

The keys to studying

2010-11-30T11:52:00.000-08:00

Don't fret! Don't stress out! You can be great at studying if you follow certain steps and become a creature of habit.
First of all, don't cram. That may be easier said than done, but the fact is, by setting aside times during your day that you can build into your routine, you will make studying easier.
Secondly, schedule your study days. You probably have four, five, maybe even six finals. Prioritize which ones need the most time, and build your schedule around that. Some classes will have materials that will actually act as study time for other classes.
Third, find a quiet place to study. Make sure you are comfortable, have adequate light and perhaps a snack near by. By avoiding distractions you can enhance your study experience.
Finally, use your resources. If you have questions, approach a faculty member. Call a friend, maybe you are missing some material. Be careful using the internet as often the material may not be completely accurate.
good luck in exams!

NEW WEBSITE!!!

2010-11-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

Just finished producing my first website! Please view on http://www.pimtmassage.com/. I expect that soon we will add more bells and whistles, but please take a look!

Relaxation Massage Program

2010-11-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

In January we will once again be providing the Relaxation Massage Certificate Program over 12 weekends. This program is recognized by the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada and the City of Calgary Licensing Department.
If you are looking to work in the spa industry, then this is the program for you. To apply please go to http://www.pimtmassage.ca/.

January Program Filling Fast

2010-11-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have been receiving applications on a very regular basis for our January program. This program is fast-paced and exciting. The small class size means you get our instructors undivided attention.
If you want to be a massage therapist, come to the school with both excellent RETENTION AND EMPLOYABILITY rates. Compare apples to apples and you will see that Professional Institute of Massage Therapy is unrivaled in excellence!
To apply go to http://www.pimtmassage.ca/.

Supporter of Regulation

2010-10-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

George Fraser, the Executive Director of the Massage Therapists Association of Manitoba recently blasted me about not being a supporter of regulation. Here, in my defense, are the facts:
1) I was one of only two school administrators to present on the record at the Health Professions Advisory Committee meetings in October 2008. That meeting led to the Minister of Health recommending that the Health Care Act be amended to include regulation of massage therapy.
2) George Fraser also chastised me for not belonging to the Council of Schools in massage therapy. I was at the very first meeting. I will be the first to admit that I hate politics, so I chose to quit attending the meetings. That first meeting was in 1998. Twelve years have passed and we are essentially in the same place that we have been - three regulated provinces.
Now, as I said before, I support regulation. Our schools are constantly reviewing what is going on nationally and I am so proud at the effort my staff puts in to keep up to date. We have a great retention rate, great employment numbers, and a huge success rate in provincial massage exams. We are ready for massage regulation in Alberta and will be pleased to assist the new College of Massage Therapy of Alberta, when it is formed.
I am a trained massage therapist. I have a kinesiology degree. I have taught at a massage therapy school for the past 16 years. George, you are not even a massage therapist, and we haven't talked in four years. Please remember that next time you make such damaging statements.

Our Awesome Staff

2010-10-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

I want to talk about my great Instructors today. I have some of the most dedicated staff.

Jon is always in the office early and working hard. He is always looking at techniques and exploring new trains of thought to stay absolutely current in the latest treatment regimens.

Sarah is full of knowledge and enthusiasm. She is always smiling and makes our students feel so comfortable.

I have the pleasure of working with wonderful people. Thanks for making it our small school a happy place to come to work!

Beware of the "Fear Factor" in Massage School Choices

2010-10-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I had the most disturbing experience today. One of my grads saw on a massage school web site that a "large insurance company" was now only accepting billing from 2,200 hour grads. Earlier this summer, another school referred to a "letter from the government" that regulation in massage was iminent.

What a bunch of bunk.

I will go on record as stating that I support regulation at 2,200 hours. In fact, only Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and Professional Institute of Massage Therapy presented at the Health Professions Advisory Committee meetings, and we both supported a change in legislation to that affect.

Now, schools are trying to use the infamous "letter" dated May 2009, that massage regulation is right around the corner - you need to go to their school!

That letter from the Minister of Health informed us that he recommended legislation to amend the Health Care Act to regulate massage. He also required the provincial associations to convene and form a steering committee. That committee was to develop a regulatory requirement based on 2,200 hours of education, to form a College of Massage Therapists to act as the regulating body, and to determine a path for grandfathering existing massage therapists into the new model.

Now, I have been involved in massage therapy since 1992. Been around the block a few times on this regulatory question. I always find it best to go to the government to see how the process is moving along. My contact stated that "the Government met with the Steering Committee in the later part of the summer and determined that the Steering Committee is till in the very early stages of their work. Regulation is still several years away."

Finally, please don't put any credence on "large insurance companies" changing their policies. I also contact "large insurance companies" and they tell me that because there is no regulation for massage in Alberta, that they have a list of associations that they accept. They really have no reason to be ultra-inclusive - its not good for their business to reject claims.

FINALLY MY POINT - If you want to take a 2,200 hour massage program, please do so. Do your homework and check your facts. If you want to save time and be eligible to write the MTAA exam, or join the NHPC, the two largest massage groups in Alberta, then you should really take a look at us. Our team of massage therapy instructors is excelllent, our curriculum is excellent, and our employment rate is excellent. If someone isn't willing to sell you a straight set of goods prior to signing the contract, how can you trust them to do it after you have signed the contract?

Thanks for reading the rant!

Welcome to the PIMT Calgary Blog!

2010-10-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy (PIMT) - Calgary Blog. Administration and Staff at the Institute consider it a privilege to be able to inform, discuss, and converse with you.
The Calgary campus is our newest campus (and our smallest)! Operating in Calgary since 2004, we are proud of our graduates and the level of competence they achieve. Even though we are the new kid on the block in the Calgary market, we already have a reputation for excellence.

We offer two programs at our campus - a 1,000 hour Massage Therapy Diploma and a 250 hour Relaxation Massage Certificate. Both meet very specific needs found in the Calgary market place.

At PIMT, we employ the highest academically trained staff to support our curriculum. Our staff have specialized training in their field of expertise. In addition, our massage instructors have no less than 2200 hours of full-time massage therapy or related education.

Our courses consist of academic and practical applications. In conjunction with Massage, we offer classes in Physiology, Pathology, Anatomy, Kinesiology, Remedial Exercise and Professional Development. These classes enable students to graduate with the appropriate knowledge to succeed in the massage therapy profession.

Our policies and procedures continue to develop as the Institute grows. Each year we gather as a staff to re-develop polices to meet the needs of our students to ensure that they reflect fair and reasonable commitments to the Institute by both staff and students.

Whether you are a student, staff member, alumni, or someone looking for more information about the ever-expanding field of Massage Therapy, we hope this blog helps you decide if massage therapy is the best option for you and if PIMT can offer both information and services to provide for your individual needs. We look forward to the possibility of educating, informing, or treating you in the future.

Thanks for dropping by. We will post again soon.