This 13-week Holistic Spa and Wellness certificate at Ascentia Career Institute in Kelowna trains you in the core techniques of spa therapy -- relaxation massage, hot stone massage, sport massage, reflexology, and hydrotherapy -- alongside the anatomy and physiology knowledge you need to apply them safely.

You will also cover professional ethics, client communication, informed consent, hygiene, and infection control. Knowing how to work with people is as important as knowing the techniques.

Supervised clinical practice is included. You will graduate ready to work in a spa, wellness centre, or resort setting in Kelowna and beyond.

Who Is This Program For?

The Holistic Spa and Wellness program in Kelowna is designed for anyone interested in a hands-on career in the spa and wellness industry. Whether you are passionate about helping people relax and recover, looking for a creative and physical career, or want to work in Kelowna’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector, this program gives you the skills to get started.

No prior experience in massage or bodywork is needed. If you enjoy working with your hands, care about people’s well-being, and want a career you can build on, this certificate program at Ascentia Career Institute is for you.

What You Will Learn

Over 13 weeks and 325 hours, the program covers a comprehensive range of spa and bodywork techniques:

Relaxation Massage — The foundation of spa therapy, covering Swedish techniques for stress relief and full-body relaxation
Hot Stone Massage — Therapeutic use of heated basalt stones for deep relaxation and muscle tension relief
Sport Massage — Targeted techniques for athletes and active individuals, addressing specific muscle groups and recovery needs
Reflexology — Pressure-point work on feet, hands, and ears to promote relaxation and support overall wellness
Hydrotherapy — The therapeutic use of water in spa treatments, including wraps, scrubs, and bathing techniques
Anatomy and Physiology — The structural and functional knowledge you need to apply techniques safely and understand contraindications
Professional Ethics and Communication — Client consultation, informed consent, boundaries, and professional conduct
Clinical Practice — Supervised hands-on practice treating real clients under instructor guidance

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Holistic Spa and Wellness program are prepared for roles including:

Spa Therapist in day spas, resort spas, and wellness centres
Massage Practitioner in wellness clinics and private practice
Reflexology Practitioner
Hydrotherapy Technician in spa and resort settings
Wellness Centre Associate

Kelowna’s tourism and hospitality industry, including its growing number of resorts, wineries, and wellness centres, creates strong local demand for qualified spa professionals. With approximately 3,000 related job openings projected across BC between 2023 and 2033, graduates have solid career prospects.

Note: This program is not a Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) program. Graduates are trained in holistic spa and wellness techniques, not regulated massage therapy. If your goal is to become a Registered Massage Therapist, a separate accredited program is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Holistic Spa and Wellness program?

The program is 13 weeks (approximately 3 months), including 325 hours of instruction and supervised clinical practice.

Is this program the same as becoming a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)?

No. This is a holistic spa and wellness certificate, not an RMT program. It trains you in spa-based bodywork techniques including relaxation massage, hot stone, reflexology, and hydrotherapy. Registered Massage Therapy is a regulated health profession in BC that requires a separate accredited program.

Do I need previous experience?

No prior experience is required. The program is designed for beginners and covers technique, anatomy, and professional skills from the ground up.

Can I work in a spa right after graduating?

Yes. The certificate prepares you to work in day spas, resort spas, wellness centres, and similar settings. Many graduates find employment in Kelowna’s hospitality and tourism sector.

How much does the program cost?

Total tuition and fees for the Holistic Spa and Wellness program are approximately $4,865 CAD. Interest-free payment plans are available. Contact our admissions team for details.

Start Your Career in Spa and Wellness

Ready to begin your career in holistic spa and wellness in Kelowna? Learn about admissions or request more information.

Explore our other programs: Early Childhood Education Assistant, Dental programs, or browse all programs at Ascentia Career Institute.

Program Highlights

Duration	13 weeks / 325 hours
Curriculum	What you'll learn to do: Apply spa and bodywork techniques -- including relaxation massage, hot stone, reflexology, and hydrotherapy -- safely and competently Use anatomy and physiology knowledge to make good treatment decisions and look after your clients Maintain hygiene, draping, and infection control standards throughout every session Communicate professionally with clients: listen, explain, and manage expectations clearly Recognize ethical boundaries and handle difficult situations with good judgment Apply sport massage and deep tissue techniques appropriately Understand contraindications and when to refer clients to other practitioners
Certification	Certificate
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code	51.3501 - Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
Compliance	Holistic Spa and Wellness was reviewed and approved by the registrar of The Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) within the System Integrity Branch (SIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
BC Job Openings, 2023-2033	3,000

Admissions Requirements

All candidates must meet with an admissions advisor before enrollment.
Candidates must provide ALL of the following supporting evidence prior to acceptance:
Age Requirements
- Be a mature student (minimum 19 years of age) OR a Grade 12 graduate (parent/guardian consent required if under 19 years of age)
Language Proficiency Requirements
- Candidates must provide ONE of the following:
  - Evidence of three years of full-time secondary instruction (Grade 8–12 or BC Adult Graduation Program) in English OR two years of full-time post-secondary education at a recognized institution listed under Approved English Speaking Countries. Language courses, such as English as a Second Language (ESL), cannot be considered in this calculation.
  - Evidence of achievement in a recognized standardized language test or assessment at an overall level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (Academic) or higher, such as:
    - Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: Overall score of 46
    - Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5
    - Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Overall score of 40
    - Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A): Overall score of 43
    - Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
    - Cambridge Linguaskill, LANGUAGECERT Academic, The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
    - iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
    - EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Tuition and Fees

Tuition	$3,995
Fees:
Books	$395
Consumables / Supplies	$45
Scrubs / Uniform	$140
Administrative Fee	$40
Application Fee	$250
Total Tuition and Fees	$4,865
Payment plans are available for all programs, interest-free , typically split into 3 equal monthly payments of approximately $1,622. Funding is available for those who qualify.