Meet Ali van Yzendoorn, a recent graduate of Bryan College’s Massage Therapy program. Ali is deeply passionate about helping people through exercise-based rehab, and she longed for a hands-on way to address muscle imbalances that exercise alone couldn’t fix.
At the time that Ali signed up for the program, she was also enrolled in a full-time program for osteopathy. She talked to the Bryan College instructors ahead of time about her busy schedule, and she said the support she received from them was a key factor in her choice to enroll.
"It was a huge draw-in to know that I had the support of the people that work there because honestly, if it wasn't for them, I probably wouldn't have been able to do it. So I'm very grateful for that,” she said. "The teachers and staff at Bryan College made me feel so supported at all times, which made it possible for me to get through."
Ali said the program is very science-based and she found that her background as a personal trainer and kinesiologist provided her with a great foundation to build on. In the future, she aspires to work in the rehabilitation world, possibly even sports massage therapy.
Out of everything the program covered, Ali said the hands-on courses stood out the most. They helped connect the scientific and theoretical knowledge in a tangible, meaningful way. "The practical, hands-on time we had was really valuable — to learn what we're going to be doing for the rest of our lives,” she said.
Bryan College students also take part in the student clinic, which provides real-world, hands-on experiences. Ali said the clinics require a lot of critical thinking and teach you quickly if the field is right for you or not.
"You need to be in a situation where you know you're supported by the clinic instructor but you also have to be professional and safe, and you need to make sure the problems the person presents with are dealt with,” she said. “It's a great opportunity to test your comfort level and delve right into what you're going to be doing in the profession."
In addition to critical thinking, Ali said problem-solving skills are essential for completing the program. "It's not just black and white, it's a lot of problem-solving," she said. "Using the science background you have with the skills you have and the knowledge of the human body and illnesses and putting all of that together for a safe treatment.”
Overall, Ali said her experience in the program was great, particularly the instructors. "There wasn't a time I didn't feel supported," she said. "I feel so grateful to have been at that school solely for the instructors. They want you to succeed, so they push you, but they also work with you, knowing that everyone is from different walks of life. They were so incredibly supportive."
Ali’s advice for anyone passionate about massage therapy who might be on the fence about enrolling in a program is: “You just have to go for it.”
"Being curious really helped me, and asking for help when I knew I needed it really helped me be successful,” she said. "If you really commit to it, and you're open to learn and open to ask for help, and you care about what you're doing and you have a passion for people, then it's not difficult."
Do you have a passion for helping others? Massage therapy offers job stability, flexibility, and a chance to help others improve their physical and mental well-being. Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, like health and wellness resorts, spas, rehabilitation centers, and more.
Learn more about Bryan College’s Massage Therapy Diploma program today!
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Registered as a career college under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
Member of OCPMTC
