About the School and Courses
What makes École Setsuko different from other massage therapy schools?
At École Setsuko, you’re more than just another student. We’re a small, holistic school that believes education should be personal, supportive and adapted to the individual.
Small classes and personalized learning
Everyone learns differently, and we understand that. Some students excel in practical training but struggle with exams. Others need a little more time to develop their confidence. Our smaller classes allow us to give students individual attention, adapt our teaching methods and work with them to overcome challenges.
A holistic approach to education
We believe massage therapy is about much more than learning techniques. Our training explores the connection between physical, mental and emotional well-being, encouraging students to look beyond symptoms and develop a broader understanding of holistic health.
We also believe that becoming a therapist can be a journey of personal growth. We strive to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable learning, asking questions and discovering their potential.
Experienced teachers who genuinely care
We’re proud of our instructors. They bring years of professional experience, extensive knowledge and a genuine passion for teaching.
We prioritize the quality of education over simply producing graduates. Our goal is to help students become knowledgeable, confident and capable therapists.
Preparing you for life after graduation
Learning massage techniques is only part of becoming a successful therapist. We also provide practical education in areas such as marketing, advertising and the skills involved in establishing and managing a professional practice.
Professional recognition and continuing education
We regularly review and update our curriculum to reflect developments in the profession and relevant association requirements.
Our training is recognized by various professional associations, including RITMA and ACTMD. Recognition and membership requirements vary, so we encourage students to confirm their eligibility with their chosen association.
More than a school
We want our students to feel supported throughout their education and beyond. Our goal isn’t simply to teach you a new profession. It’s to help you develop your skills, discover your strengths and grow both personally and professionally.
At École Setsuko, you’re not just a number. You’re part of our community.
What courses do you offer?
We offer many workshops that are general interest or advanced courses for therapists, we also offer diploma programs in Swedish Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Acupressure / TCM and Naturopathy.
How long will a full diploma program take?
Depending on the modality it can take anywhere from 4 to 18 months to finish a full program. Come and meet on of our student advisors and we can sit down and look at what your goals are and help you plan out your schedule.
Can I get a student loan from the government?
Unfortunately, the government will not offer student loans for students registered at private institutions, we do offer in house payment plans to help our students. Contact our student advisors if you would like more information about payment plans through our school.
How will I get hands on experience in my chosen course? Will I be able to work right after this program?
Throughout the whole training you will work on other students and teachers, the final step to graduation is clinic, where you will start to take real clients while being supervised. This will give you the opportunity to practice while knowing someone is there to help you if needed. Finding work once you have graduated is very easy, you have the option to start your own business or work for a SPA or center. Once you have graduated you can apply to one of the many associations, we are affiliated with to receive your insurance receipts.
Can I request a payment plan when registering?
If a payment-plan option is available for your program, you can select it during checkout. This submits a request; it does not automatically approve or establish a payment plan.
Our Accounting department will contact you to arrange your payments. Payment plans are generally available for Certificate and Diploma programs lasting longer than three months.
For questions, contact accounting@ecolesetsuko.ca.
How do I register for a course or workshop?
Choose your course or workshop on our website and complete the online registration process. If a deposit is required, the amount will be displayed at checkout.
You can pay online or select Interac e-Transfer. Your registration and payment information will be sent to the email address you provide.
What do my registration statuses mean?
Deposit Required – Payment Not Received: Your registration has been submitted, but we’re still waiting to receive your deposit.
Registered – Deposit Paid: We’ve received your deposit, and your registration is secured. You may still have an outstanding balance.
Registration Confirmed: Your registration payment has been processed.
For questions about outstanding balances or payment arrangements, please contact accounting@ecolesetsuko.ca.
When does online registration close?
Online registration automatically closes at midnight at the beginning of the course or workshop’s scheduled start date.
We recommend registering in advance to secure your place. Once online registration closes, please contact classes@ecolesetsuko.ca if you have any questions.
Why did I receive a separate invoice from Square?
Your initial registration and deposit are processed through our website. We use Square to manage remaining balances and approved payment plans.
If you receive a Square invoice, please follow the payment instructions and due date provided.
If you have questions about your balance or payment schedule, contact accounting@ecolesetsuko.ca.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Registration deposits are non-refundable.
Workshops: Workshop registrations are generally non-refundable. If you need to change your workshop date, contact classes@ecolesetsuko.ca at least 48 hours in advance. Transfers may be possible if another date is available. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before a workshop, as well as no-shows, are not eligible for a refund, credit or transfer.
You may transfer your registration to another person, provided they meet the workshop’s prerequisites.
Certificate and Diploma Programs: If you need to withdraw from a program, please email classes@ecolesetsuko.ca and copy accounting@ecolesetsuko.ca. Refunds and outstanding balances are calculated according to the applicable program withdrawal policy.
For complete details, please review our registration terms and conditions.
Can I pay by Interac e-Transfer or cash?
Yes! You can select Interac e-Transfer directly at checkout and send your payment to info@ecolesetsuko.ca. Please include your order number with your payment.
Your registration will remain pending until we receive your payment.
Cash payments must be arranged with our Accounting department in advance. Please do not give cash payments to your instructor.
If you already have a Square invoice or an approved payment plan, please follow the payment instructions on your invoice or contact accounting@ecolesetsuko.ca before using another payment method.
Where can I check my remaining balance?
Your initial registration and deposit are processed through our website. However, any remaining balances or approved payment plans are managed separately through Square.
Your account on our website may not reflect payments made through Square, so please refer to your latest Square invoice for your payment details.
If you’re unsure how much you still owe, contact accounting@ecolesetsuko.ca. We’ll be happy to help.
When will I receive my certificate or diploma?
Once you’ve successfully completed all required coursework, practical training and exams, and your account is paid in full, you’ll be eligible to receive your certificate or diploma.
Certificates: Certificates are normally issued within a few business days after your instructor confirms that you’ve successfully completed your training and all payments have been received.
Diplomas: Diploma students must complete all graduation requirements, including their required student clinics. Printed diplomas are presented at our graduation ceremony. If you complete your requirements after the graduation deadline, you’ll be included in the next ceremony.
For questions about your certificate, diploma or graduation status, please contact classes@ecolesetsuko.ca.
Can I receive recognition for massage therapy training completed at another school or in another country?
Yes! École Setsuko offers an evaluation process for students who have completed previous massage therapy training, including international qualifications.
We begin by reviewing your existing education, certificates and supporting documents to determine which qualifications may be recognized and whether additional training or examinations are required.
Our administrative fee is $450. This includes the processing of international documents, evaluation of your training and the preparation of applicable certificates, diplomas or transcripts. Additional workshops or examinations may be required and are charged separately.
Recognition is assessed individually and is not guaranteed. We recommend contacting us before registering so we can explain the process and review your situation.
For more information, please contact classes@ecolesetsuko.ca.
Are your courses offered in English or French?
Most of our courses and workshops are taught in English.
For many programs, French course notes and written examinations may be available upon request. Please contact us before registering so we can confirm what’s available for your chosen course.
Some workshops, particularly those taught by international guest instructors, are offered exclusively in English. The language of instruction will be indicated in the workshop description.
For questions, contact classes@ecolesetsuko.ca.
What if I'm struggling with a course or need extra help?
Everyone learns differently, and we’re here to help!
Our smaller classes allow instructors to provide personalized attention and identify areas where students may need additional support.
If you’re having difficulty understanding the material, completing assignments or preparing for an exam, we encourage you to speak with your instructor as early as possible.
If you require learning accommodations, please contact us in advance so we can discuss your needs and determine what arrangements may be possible.
Our goal is to help you develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence you need to succeed.
General Questions
Where are you located?
We have two physical locations in Montreal. One is in Dorval and the other is in NDG.
Some of our classes are taught online, or at one of these locations or a hybrid of the two. Please see the Upcoming Page to see what courses are being offered where right now.
Not all of our massage services are offered at both locations. Please see our Massage Clinic Services page for more information.
About The Clinics
Where are you located?
We have two physical locations in Montreal. One is in Dorval and the other is in NDG near Vendome Metro.
Not all of our massage services are offered at both locations. Please see our Massage Clinic Services page for more information.