Learning Goals,
Values & Philosophy
At The Alberta Institute of Massage, we believe that massage therapy is a profession that blends head, heart, and hands.
That’s why we approach education with a balance of clinical knowledge, human connection, and professional integrity.
We’re big on purpose, structure, and personal growth. We’re also big on snacks. (There’s complimentary coffee, tea, and granola bars for our students ...Occasionally chocolate. Always community.)
Our Roots
We’re proudly based in Red Deer, Alberta, right between Calgary and Edmonton…but it’s not just geography that puts us in the middle of it all. Our school is woven into the local fabric through fundraisers, outreach events, massage clinics, and partnerships that connect our students to the real world in meaningful ways.
Want to know what it’s really like to study at AIM?
Just ask any one of our students, grads…or Joffre, our resident skeleton mascot. He’s always lurking somewhere.
Learning Goals
We don’t just want students to pass, we want them to transform.
At AIM, our goal is to graduate massage therapy students who are not only competent, but confident, curious, and deeply aligned with the work they’re stepping into.
We want our students to leave with:
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The technical skills to do the work
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The emotional insight to hold space for others
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And the clarity of purpose to know why they’re here in the first place
It’s not about memorizing muscle attachments (though, yes, you will). It’s about understanding how you’ll make a difference…through knowledge, presence, professionalism, and kindness.
Our Values
Massage therapy is more than a job. It’s a professional career, it's a a relationship with your clients, your mind/body, your energy, and your community.
That’s why AIM isn’t just a school…it’s a space where people come to reimagine what they’re capable of.
We teach anatomy and assessments, sure. But we also talk about intuition, burnout, boundary setting, nervous system regulation, and the art of being fully present with another human being.
We believe education should feel like an awakening, not a checkbox.
We believe small classes lead to big insights.
We believe in mentorship, not just modules.
And at the Alberta Institute of Massage, we believe that every single student who comes through our doors is here for a reason…even if they don’t know what that reason is just yet.
“You won’t just learn massage at AIM.
You’ll learn what it feels like to offer something that truly matters…
with your hands, your presence, and your whole heart.”
About Us
Why AIM? – We’re the School that feels like home, and you become part of the family.
At the Alberta Institute of Massage…better known as AIM…we’re proud to be a family-founded, family-driven school where people matter just as much as programs. Since 1990, we’ve built more than a school, we’ve built a community that cares.
We’re Small on Purpose
A boutique-style school with small classes mean you get noticed. You get mentored. You get the kind of support that makes you feel like you belong...because you do. You’ll never get lost in the crowd, because we don’t believe in crowds...we believe in connection.
We’re Big on Heart
Our instructors aren’t just experienced RMTs...they’re truly part of the AIM family, and they’re real people who care deeply about your growth.
All of our instructors have years of hands-on experience in the field. They bring the profession to life with insights, stories, and skills that go way beyond the textbook. You’re learning from the real deal, people who’ve walked the path you're on.
Add in Jeffrey (our skeleton-in-residence) and our occasional canine cheerleaders, Larry and Archie, and it’s safe to say we’re not your average school.
Flexible Learning, Focused Futures
At AIM, students learn either in-class (IC) or through distance learning (DL), which is a true hybrid. That means structured in-class training paired with guided independent study.
Whether you’re in the classroom full-time or weaving learning into a full life, AIM offers flexible options that work. Licensed under the Private Vocational Training Act, we also provide continuing education and personal-interest classes so your learning can keep evolving.
We Make Learning Real (and Fun)
You’ll get the technical skills, anatomy know-how, and hands-on hours you need to thrive in the massage therapy world—but you’ll also learn how to manage stress, understand others, and grow as a human. Our inclusion of HeartMath® and Colors™ Personality Typing makes sure your training goes beyond the table.
We’re Recognized—and Respected
AIM is proudly approved by the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) and the Canadian Massage & Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMOTA). Your education meets the standards that matter...to clients, employers, and professional associations.
We don’t just teach massage—we practice what we preach.
You’ll find AIM students and grads lending their hands and hearts to local fundraisers, wellness events, and service projects. Giving back is part of who we are.
We Celebrate You, Start to Finish
We’ll cheer you on through exams, help you through challenges, and when you graduate...we’ll feed you brunch. (A spectacular one, handcrafted by our director herself. Yes, really.)
What makes AIM different? We Believe in You…
Every school has programs…what makes AIM different is the FEELING you get when you walk through the door…and the community waiting to welcome you in.
Choosing a massage therapy school is a big decision. You’re not just picking a program…you’re picking a path, a community, and a launchpad for your future.
At the Alberta Institute of Massage, we get that. And we don’t take your trust lightly.
At the end of the day, what makes AIM different is simple: we believe in our students. We see your potential, we invest in your future, and we can’t wait to watch you succeed.
So... why AIM? Because you deserve more than a school. You deserve a place where you’re seen, supported, and set up to thrive.
