An original building at the Kitchener - Doon campus was transformed from an administrative building into a sleek new learning space for Massage Therapy students that will also open its doors to community members for both relaxation and treatment-focused massage sessions.
Technologist Christian Gomez shows off the top-of-the-line tables in the new learning space for students in Conestoga's Massage Therapy program at the Kitchener - Doon campus.
“The new lab space represents Conestoga's commitment to excellence in education, providing a dual benefit of advanced training for our students and therapeutic care for the public,” said Melanie E. Lévesque, registered massage therapist and massage therapy professor and program co-ordinator.
The first phase of the $6.85-million project started in winter 2024 created the new massage therapy space, including two clinics equipped with 10 massage tables each. The second phase of the renovation now underway includes two labs for the new Pharmacy Technician program launching in fall 2024.
The Employee Services Building (ESB) was constructed in the 1970s as one of Doon’s original buildings for administrative employees. When those departments were relocated, the building became available for repurposing into the Therapeutic Sciences Building (TSB).
“Our new massage therapy lab space is a game-changer, offering students state-of-the-art equipment in a thoughtfully designed environment that promotes effective learning and instills pride in our program,” Lévesque said.
“Every aspect of our lab has been carefully crafted with meticulous attention to detail. From the colour scheme to the flooring selection and everything in between, we ensured that our space offers tranquility while creating an inspiring and welcoming environment for everyone who enters.”
The renovated building’s entrance opens into a large reception space and lounge area. This area is a key part of allowing the program to invite the public into the space, giving students the opportunity to practice their clinical skills and prepare for their registration exams, which permit them to practice in Ontario.
Massage therapy is a steadily growing profession. The number of registered massage therapists in the province jumped by 30 per cent from 2013 to 2023, according to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Conestoga’s massage therapy program was named among Canada’s best in 2024 by CourseCompare, ranking third out of 19 colleges and universities on the list.
Each clinic in the renovated Doon building is equipped with 10 top-of-the-line massage tables and privacy curtains on two sides of the room. The tables allow for a wide variety of adjustments to position the client comfortably. The table functionality also ensures that student therapists can work with proper ergonomics.
“These tables are honestly amazing,” said Christian Gomez, technologist in the massage therapy program.
Between the massage tables is a row of desks where the students sit while the instructor covers theory, before moving to the tables to practice what they learned. Students practice on each other to hone their skills and begin treating members of the public in their second year. Once they have advanced to the third year of the program, they start treating more clinically complex clients and conditions.
This September, one-hour massages by a student therapist will be offered to the public for a nominal fee - also giving students invaluable hands-on experience. As a standalone building separate from the main Doon building, the space offers a unique opportunity with easy access to a parking lot that will be open for free to massage therapy clients.
“These new programs are an exciting expansion of the Health & Life Sciences portfolio at Conestoga,” said project manager Justin Cole. “With these new lab spaces, students will have an exciting opportunity to use state of the art equipment, and learn in simulation environments that will prepare them for the work force.”
Conestoga’s Massage Therapy three-year advanced diploma is designed to meet the educational requirements for certification through examination as a Registered Massage Therapist by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. This fully integrated program covers the basic biological sciences such as anatomy and physiology, massage therapy specific knowledge and skills, and clinical reasoning and therapeutic decision making.
Conestoga’s School of Health & Life Sciences offers a range of credentials to assist in becoming a health-care professional. From pre-health programs, through to certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates and degrees, the school delivers the most up-to-date training provided by expert faculty and staff in state-of-the-art facilities.
Construction at Conestoga
This is part of an ongoing series highlighting construction and renovation projects at Conestoga’s campuses. Continue reading about the college’s investments in the communities it serves here: