Equine Massage Therapy Certificate

Program Details

• Admission Requirements

  • 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2

  • 50% or better in Math 20-1 or Math 20-2

  • 50% or better in one of Biology 20, Chemistry 20, or Science 20

  • Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement

  • Submit an Applicant Questionnaire: Starting for applications in 2028-29, and going forward, applicants are required to complete an applicant questionnaire and submit it to Olds College. This is the applicant’s opportunity to demonstrate their experience and knowledge of horses to be successful in the course material. Students are also required to submit 50 hours of job shadowing an equine industry member with an active business in equine bodywork (massage, osteopathy), equine veterinarian, farrier, or a combination. Further details are forthcoming.

  • Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.

  • Transfer Options: Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements

  • Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.

  • International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.

• Tuition, Fees & Affordability

  Estimated Tuition & Fees for Domestic Applicants

  Year	Tuition	Fees	Books & Supplies	Estimated Total
  Year 1	$6,400.00	$1,600.00	$1,000.00	$9,000.00

  • These fees are provided as estimates only based on the current academic year.
  • The estimate only includes tuition, mandatory fees and books & supplies.
  • Refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule for the most up to date information.
  • International students pay a differentiated tuition rate and should refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule.

  Tuition, Fees & Payments

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  Housing & Meal Plans

  Olds College offers two residence options — Centennial Village and College Courts. Students living on campus are required to choose a meal plan. Housing and meal plan costs are based on the full academic year (September to April), but students in single-term programs will only pay for the corresponding term. 

  For more details, visit Dining at Olds College and Campus Housing.

  Scholarships & Student Awards

  Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.

  For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards 

  Student Funding

  For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.

  Entrance Awards Available!

  Entrance awards range from $250 - $1,500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.

  Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
  Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.

• Courses

  For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.

  Academic Calendar: Equine Massage Therapy

  Term 1

  • Completed the following:

    • EQN1310 - Equine Anatomy and Physiology
    • EQN1320 - Introduction to Equine Massage Theory, Techniques, and Routines
    • EQN1330 - Equine Biomechanics
    • EQN1015 - Equine Husbandry, Behaviour and Handling
    • EQN1380 - Equine Massage Therapy Business and Relationships

  Term 2

  • Completed the following:

    • EQN1360 - Rehabilitation and Massage Care for Injury
    • EQN1370 - Advanced Massage Therapy Techniques and Routines
    • EQN1340 - Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics
    • EQN1390 - Equine Massage Field Placement
    • EQN1350 - Investigating the Equine Nervous System

• Admitted Students

  Program Dates

  Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.

  Class Registration

  You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

  Technology Recommendations

  It is required that you come to Olds College with the following technology:

  A laptop (no tablets or iPads)

  As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:

  • Go to portal.office.com
  • Enter your Olds College email address and password
  • Once logged in, there is a button on the right that says “Install Office Apps”
  • This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer.

  Materials & Supplies
  
  The following items are required before the start of your program:

  • Boots for chores, suitable for any weather conditions. Boots are not required to be steel-toe, but reinforced boots are recommended.
    

  • Appropriate clothing for barns and being around horses (including outdoor and cold weather attire)
    
    
  • Pencil crayons for anatomy class
    
    
  • Information on textbooks and further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.
    

  Additional Information

  Dress Code - Dress appropriately for inclement weather, including attire and boots. Portions of class time will be outside. Boots are mandatory for lab participation. 

  
  Time Requirements - Because this program involves hands-on learning with animals, students will play an active role in animal care on campus. Responsibilities may take place before classes, during lunch hours or after scheduled class times. Students are expected to participate in daily chores and routine animal care activities that support the animals used in the program.
  
  Physical Fitness - This is a physically demanding program that requires strength, stamina and good body mechanics. Students will spend long periods standing, bending, reaching and performing hands-on techniques. Maintaining a good level of physical fitness will help to perform the work safely and effectively while reducing the risk of injury. Students should be prepared for the physical nature of this profession.

   

  Fingernails - Students are required to maintain short, clean and neatly trimmed nails for hygiene and animal safety. 

   

  Driver’s license and/or reliable transportation - A core component of EQN 1390 involves conducting five field-based case studies (25 massages) at various rural sites. Students are fully responsible for their own travel logistics. A valid driver’s license and independent access to a reliable vehicle are required to fulfil these off-campus course commitments. 

   

  Horse selection for field study - Horses selected for the case studies in EQN 1390 must be sport/performance horses and independently sourced. If students are having difficulty finding five horses, they may connect with their instructor for guidance.

   

  Additional Skills - Equine massage is a hands-on profession, so it is important to understand horse behaviour and proper handling techniques. You must be confident and comfortable working around horses and handling their limbs safely. We strongly recommend shadowing an equine industry professional to gain insight into the daily demands and expectations of a career in equine massage.