This comprehensive one-year program will equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the equine massage field. Taught by experienced practitioners, you'll gain hands-on mastery of techniques that promote equine comfort, performance, and recovery.
Through practical instruction, you'll learn to identify areas of tension, develop targeted massage plans, and manage a range of equine musculoskeletal issues to address injuries, enhance performance, and provide therapeutic techniques and maintenance.
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate in Equine Massage Therapy.
Graduates are eligible to pursue their designation as a NBCAAM Certified Practitioner through the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage (NBCAAM).
As part of the Equine Massage Therapy program, you will complete a field placement where you will be required to complete 25 massages (minimum of 45 hours) on horses, off-campus, and a portfolio of work to show evidence of learning. Students are responsible for arranging their own field placements.
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.
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.
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.
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
| Year | Tuition | Fees | Books & Supplies | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,400.00 | $1,600.00 | $1,000.00 | $9,000.00 |
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.
For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar: Equine Massage Therapy
For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.
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
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.
Olds College has a solid reputation for working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.
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.
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.
It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:
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:
The following items are required to be purchased prior to the start of your program:
Information on other required textbooks and any 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.
Olds College offers on-campus horse boarding exclusively for students, providing access to arenas, paddocks, and top-quality care facilities. Boarding includes hay, shavings, shelter, and bedding—everything your horse needs while you focus on your studies.
Connect directly with the recruitment team at Olds College to get personalized support as you explore your pathway to post-secondary study. Whether you have questions about programs, admission requirements, campus life or next steps in your application journey, our recruitment specialists are here to help you make informed decisions and plan with confidence.
No. The program is designed to teach foundational knowledge in equine anatomy, handling and massage techniques. While comfort around horses is recommended, prior riding or horse‑care experience is not required for admission.
Students complete a field placement requiring a minimum number of horse massages (on campus or qualified facility) and compile a professional portfolio, ensuring hands‑on practice and real‑world skills before graduating.
In addition to tuition, fees and supplies, students should budget for living expenses, housing if needed, horse boarding costs if bringing a horse, and any personal equine gear required for handling or massage sessions.
Graduates may work as self-employed equine massage therapists, or work within rehabilitation centers, equine sports medicine businesses, stables or training facilities offering therapeutic and performance‑focused massage services.
The program runs over one year across two semesters, combining classroom learning, hands‑on practice and a required field placement component to build both theoretical and practical competence in equine massage therapy.
Applications for 2027-28 open Oct. 1, 2026, 9 a.m.
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