Dedicated to your growth, your practice and your calling
At AIM, our mission goes far beyond teaching techniques. We’re here to support students and massage therapists who are not only exceptionally trained and highly skilled, but also deeply fulfilled, purpose-driven, and ready to make a meaningful impact
We’re incredibly proud of our graduates…their personal growth, their career success, and the way they show up with professionalism, compassion, and confidence in every treatment they provide. Watching them thrive isn’t just rewarding…it’s why we exist.
Commonly known as A.I.M., the Alberta Institute of Massage is one of the most recognized and respected massage therapy schools in Canada. Whether you're just starting out or returning to elevate your knowledge, we're committed to delivering the best professional massage therapy education available…in an environment that’s personal, intentional, and inspiring.
And most of all, our quiet hope is this:
That through our work…and through yours…we help make the world a healthier, more compassionate place to live.
Student Clinics - Refined Pricing
Looking for a great massage at a feel-good price? Come experience the calming, healing hands of our student practitioners in AIM’s supervised student clinic.
These sessions are more than affordable…and they’re a vital part of each student’s hands-on training, helping them build skill, confidence, and professional presence. Every session is fully supervised by experienced supervisors, ensuring a safe, effective, and educational experience for both client and student.
Sessions take place in our dedicated clinic room, designed to feel like a spa with a side of learning. Soft lighting, warm energy, and the occasional nervous giggle…it’s all part of the journey.
Whether you’re a loyal regular or trying massage for the first time, you’ll walk away feeling great…and you’ll be helping a future therapist find their rhythm.
Support learning. Feel amazing. Repeat.
Apply Today
Your massage journey starts here…with AIM’s first-year Certificate program,
the stepping stone to our full Diploma Program and your RMT status!
Some students crave the energy of a full classroom, clear direction, face-to-face support, and the fast track to graduation.
That’s where our full-time In-Class program shines: finish in just 6 months with more structure, momentum, and a whole lot of high-fives along the way.
Need flexibility or more slipper time?
Our Distance Learning format is ideal for career-changers, parents, and independent learners. Study at your own pace (in your coziest socks), with just one weekend a month on campus. It’s flexible, it’s accessible, and it means you can commute only when it really counts.
You'll graduate from Year 1 as a massage practitioner, ready to begin working…or continue into Year 2 for your full Diploma and professional designation.
Two formats. One calling.
All the support you need
Welcome to the Alberta Institute of Massage
Where Small Classes Lead to Big Possibilities!
At AIM, we don’t do everything…we do massage therapy education. And we do it really, really well.
For over 30 years, we’ve focused on training capable, compassionate massage practitioners in an environment that’s personal, purposeful, and full of heart (and the occasional skeleton prank…just ask Jeffrey).
We’re a small school by design, because at AIM, you’re never just a number. You’re a name, a story, a future RMT in the making. Our instructors know you. Our admin team cheers you on. You become part of something bigger than a program…you become part of the AIM family. Our students feel supported, seen, and known, never lost in the shuffle. You will be part of a tight-knit, high-support environment where your success is everyone’s mission.
Our Red Deer campus blends warm hospitality with hands-on learning, and when you're ready to step into the clinic, you’ll treat real clients in beautiful,
well-appointed rooms, complete with electric tables, cozy table warmers and supportive supervisors to help you grow your confidence.
And it all happens in Red Deer, Alberta, where small-town heart meets big-city access. We’re proud to be part of the local community, offering our hands and hearts through outreach, fundraisers, and wellness events that make a difference, touching lives in meaningful ways. AIM students are active in the community, this city has supported us for over three decades…and we love showing up in return.
AIM is licensed under the Private Vocational Training Act, and our programs are recognized by trusted professional associations including NHPC and CMOTA. We’ve spent decades building strong industry relationships, and it shows in the way our grads are welcomed into the field.
So whether you're fresh to the path or ready to redirect your calling, we’re here to guide, mentor, and celebrate your journey.
Ready to AIM high? Your future clients are waiting.
APPLY NOW
Massage Therapy Certification
Workshops & Education
First Year Full-Time In-Class Certificate
First Year Full-Time Distance Learning Certificate
Second Year Full-Time In-Class Advanced Diploma
Second Year Full-Time Distance Learning Advanced Diploma
We offer specialized workshops in the areas of massage, hot stone massage, and reflexology. Check back often for new courses and dates.
Our Certificate program gives you a solid foundation in massage, with a strong focus on relaxation techniques. You’ll explore things like shiatsu, aroma-enhanced sessions, and other feel-good modalities that help clients unwind and release the stress. It’s a well-rounded first step, and a great lead-in to our second-year Advanced Diploma, where the focus shifts to treating specific conditions and building advanced clinical skills.
In Distance Learning, course information is delivered during the onsite sessions at the school and supplemented with take-home assignments.
Our Certificate program gives you a solid foundation in massage, with a strong focus on relaxation techniques. You’ll explore things like shiatsu, aroma-enhanced sessions, and other feel-good modalities that help clients unwind and release the stress. It’s a well-rounded first step, and a
great lead-in to our second-year Diploma, where the focus shifts to treating specific conditions and building advanced clinical skills.
The first year program plus the advanced diploma program certificate including an advanced rehabilitative approach to therapy and more.
(Only distance learning available at this time)
Our Advanced Diploma program takes everything you learned in the certificate program and kicks it up a notch. You’ll dive into more clinical, therapeutic approaches…like how to assess posture, understand pathologies, injuries and conditions, and create treatment plans that really make a difference.
This distance format still includes monthly weekends on campus for hands-on practice, so you get the best of both worlds…structured flexibility with instructor support all the way through.
It’s the final big step toward becoming a fully qualified, registered massage therapist.
.jpg)
How the Hours Stack Up
Your Massage Therapy Journey at AIM
Our First-Year Certification Program delivers a full 1,000 hours of foundational massage therapy education. You’ll explore anatomy, physiology, history, techniques, ethics, professionalism, safety, client care — everything you need to build strong, skilled, confident hands.
Your Second-Year Advanced Diploma Program adds another 1,200 hours of clinical learning, assessments, and treatment-focused practice. This is where your skills deepen, your confidence expands, and your therapeutic identity takes shape.
Complete both years and you’ll graduate with 2,200 hours of recognized training — the professional standard in Alberta.
Coming to AIM with First-Year Training?
If you’ve already completed a recognized 1,000-hour massage certificate at another school, you may be eligible to join AIM’s Year Two.
We’ll review your transcripts, experience, and previous coursework to ensure a seamless transition. From there, you can complete your full 2,200 hours with the support, community, and quality education AIM is trusted for.
Programs
We have had two therapists who did their schooling at Alberta Institute of Massage in Red Deer and have been very happy with the quality of care they learned.
Paradigm Chiropractic Lacombe
Gail
After starting a family, I decided to go back to school to be a massage therapist. I chose the Alberta Institute of Massage as they offered a course schedule that fit into my family life well. I enjoyed my time at the school, I learned a lot and met so many wonderful people. The school is warm and welcoming and has a great atmosphere for learning and gaining experience in the health and wellness industry. The instructors and faculty staff were always amazing and so helpful and knowledgeable. The course content was fascinating and taught with professionalism and was easy to follow and learn. I graduated in 2011 and have loved my career ever since!
Massage Addict Red Deer
Cora Hasna
I am very grateful for the quality of the Massage Therapy program you offer at Alberta Institute of Massage! Our clinic has been the benefactor of the excellent program you have developed. We have offered Massage Therapy and have had several Registered Massage Therapists in our clinic for over 35 years. During that time it has become very clear that graduates from your institute are exceptionally prepared and knowledgeable. This is evident not only in their practical and technical skills but they are extremely professional, empathetic and caring towards patients. It is fundamental in our multidisciplinary clinics that our practitioners are team players and it's obvious that your program has taught them to integrate and communicate with all members of a clinical team. This results in optimal and timely results for the patients we are here to serve. Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in educating and mentoring your Massage Therapy students and ultimately providing the most exceptional graduates. Our patients and our clinics have been blessed to work alongside them and applaud your continued dedication to the highest of standards.
Clinic Co-director
The Village Chiropractic Clinics
Dr. Greg Gellert
I have been a continuing education instructor at the Alberta Institute of Massage (AIM) for many years. I have always found the staff, students, and graduates to be very professional, well informed, and polite. The facility is warm, spacious and comfortable. I have no hesitation in recommending this educational facility to students and staff alike. I look forward to many years of continued education in this school.
Arthrokinetic Therapy ©
Mike Dixon - RMT