French language postsecondary education in the field of massage therapy: a first in the country

SUDBURY, ON, Dec. 4, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Collège Boréal and the Fédération québécoise des massothérapeutes (FQM) have reached a first in the country: they have ratified an agreement that will allow graduates of Collège Boréal's Massage Therapy Program to benefit from the title of Accredited Massage Therapist in the province of Quebec through exemptions from examination of provincial competencies. This initiative aims to contribute to skilled labour mobility in the field of massage therapy between Ontario and Quebec, which, in itself is unique.

Kim Morris, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, explains that this agreement aims to go beyond the recognition of titles and skills obtained after three years of postsecondary education: "This strong working relationship with the FQM could eventually lead to a greater sharing of French language pedagogical and teaching resources. By bringing competency profiles and its particular clinical approach to the table, Collège Boréal could eventually enhance this collaboration with FQM. Indeed, we are proud of this first step we are taking and truly believe that it will lead to the development of a greater partnership benefitting Francophones in both provinces."

"This rich collaboration demonstrates that the Fédération québécoise des massothérapeutes is willing to work more closely with young graduates from other provinces. These young professionals will not only benefit from quality education and training in French but also, from the notoriety and credibility emanating from the FQM as a whole. Indeed, we would like to thank Collège Boréal for their innovative and visionary approach", notes Sylvie Bédard, FQM's CEO.

This agreement applies immediately to all of cohorts of Collège Boréal's Massage Therapy Program, past and present.

About Collège Boréal
Established in 1995, Collège Boréal is a French-language postsecondary training and learning institution dedicated to the development and growth of Northern and Central-Southwestern Ontario communities. Collège Boréal has the highest graduation and graduate satisfaction rates of all 24 community colleges in Ontario.

About the Fédération québécoise des massothérapeutes
The Fédération québécoise des massothérapeutes is a regulated professional body aiming to support and provide guidelines to accredited massage therapists in the practice of their profession; its mission is to ensure quality and secure massage therapy services to the public.

SOURCE: Québec Federation of Massage Therapists

Marie-Eve Pépin
Strategic Communications and
Community Relations
Collège Boréal
705-560-6673, ext. 2720
[email protected]     

Alain Beauregard
Director of Communications and
Marketing
Fédération québécoise des massothérapeutes
1 800-363-9609, ext. 226
[email protected]