Many professionals believe that returning to school means starting over, but Adrian James saw it differently. After spending 12 years coaching competitive boxing and running his own club, he wasn't looking for a new career. He wanted to deepen the knowledge he had already built through years of working with athletes. That decision led him to Trillium College's Massage Therapy program, where he is combining practical experience with clinical knowledge to better support the people he coaches.
Why do people choose Massage Therapy as a career?
Adrian's decision was rooted in his passion for helping athletes recover, perform, and continue doing what they love. After 12 years of coaching competitive boxing and working closely with athletes, he saw Massage Therapy as a natural way to build on the experience he already had.
"The Massage Therapy program is something that I was interested in just through being a coach in boxing for 12 years," he says. "Being registered would just help my focus on what type of athletes I’ll be looking for now. I wouldn’t have to send them out to get the treatments. I would be able to do some of the treatments."
For Adrian, becoming a Registered Massage Therapist represents an opportunity to expand his knowledge and better understand the body, movement, and recovery. His goal is to combine his coaching background with the clinical skills he develops through the program to support athletes in a professional Massage Therapy setting after becoming registered.
Can you become a Massage Therapist if you already have another career?
Absolutely. Adrian's story shows that previous experience can become a strength in the classroom. As a boxing coach, he already understood stretching, mobility, and recovery. What he wanted was a deeper understanding of anatomy, physiology, and how the body responds to movement. That knowledge would allow him to make informed decisions while working with athletes and prepare him for a future as a Registered Massage Therapist.
What's it really like to study Massage Therapy?
Like many healthcare programs, Massage Therapy is both rewarding and challenging. "So far, so good," Adrian says. "It’s been challenging at times, but the new information has helped all of my skills already. Just knowing the attachments of the body, the physiology of the body and things and how everything works together. It’s just helped with everything I’ve already experienced.”
The program blends classroom instruction with hands-on learning in anatomy, physiology, assessment, therapeutic techniques, and professional practice, helping students build confidence before entering the workforce.
Can you go back to school while running a business?
One of the biggest concerns for mature students is balancing education with work. Adrian continued operating his boxing club while studying, adjusting his schedule to attend classes. "I didn't really ever stop working," he explains. "I've been doing both because I own my own club." He admits there were financial sacrifices along the way, but believes the investment will strengthen his business for years to come.
Does a Massage Therapy program prepare you to run a business?
One unexpected lesson for Adrian came from the business courses. "I never really had a business plan," he says. "I had a business passion." Learning about planning, organization, and business strategy has helped him think differently about the future of both his boxing club and his future Massage Therapy practice. For entrepreneurs considering returning to school, these skills can be just as valuable as clinical knowledge.
What can you do after graduating from a Massage Therapy program?
Adrian has a clear vision. After completing his registration exams with the CMTO, he plans to spend a few years building a client base of 60 to 70 regular clients while continuing to coach athletes. He also hopes the additional income will help him continue giving back by providing free boxing lessons and equipment to people in need. For him, Massage Therapy is about creating more opportunities to serve his community while building a sustainable future.
Is Trillium College's Massage Therapy program the right fit?
When asked who he would recommend the program to, Adrian gives an honest answer. "You have to be a go-getter. You have to be much more on the independent side. You have to have a focus and an end goal." He believes students who are committed to learning, willing to ask for help, and focused on their future will benefit most from the program.
Is it ever too late to invest in yourself?
Adrian's advice extends beyond Massage Therapy.
> “It doesn’t matter what stage you are in your life, you know, if you are looking to (do) better, just any idea that you have to go forward as yourself, but enhance it for yourself. It’s not something you should look at twice, but do it, enhance yourself, and find a way to do that. You know it’s that feeling inside of accomplishment; be courageous and go after bettering yourself.”
His journey reminds us that education isn't always about starting over. Sometimes, it's about building on the experience you already have and creating new opportunities for yourself and the people you serve.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If Adrian's story has inspired you, explore Trillium College's Massage Therapy program to learn how hands-on training, experienced instructors, and flexible learning can help you build a rewarding career in healthcare.
