(3 1/2 Semesters)
The Massage Therapy Program provides classroom, laboratory, and student practicum instruction which prepares graduates to sit for the National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam.
One Certificate, one Associate of Applied Science Degree (see Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Technology), a Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science are available.
For Program Information Packets, use this link, where there are descriptions of each program in general, course descriptions, lists of course sequences, and the cost of books, tools, uniforms, fees, and other expenses.
Technical Certificate: Massage Therapy
Prerequisite Courses:
(Courses must be completed prior to acceptance into the program.)
HO 105 Introduction to Allied Health Careers 2 cr
HO 106 Medical Terminology 2 cr
BIOL 101 Biology I 4 cr
BIOL 101L Biology I Lab 0 cr
HO 111 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology 4 cr
Required Courses:
HO 208 Introduction to Pathology 3 cr
MSTH 101 Introduction to Massage Therapy 2 cr
MSTH 102 Palpation, Postural Assessment,
and Spinal Education 3 cr
MSTH 110 Myofascial Techniques and Theory 3 cr
MSTH 112 Nutrition in Massage Therapy 1 cr
MSTH 115 Massage Therapy Lab I 2 cr
MSTH 130 Energy and Reflexology 3 cr
MSTH 200 Special Issues in Massage 3 cr
MSTH 203 Oriental Theory and Techniques 3 cr
MSTH 205 Aromatherapy 1 cr
MSTH 210 Business Skills for Massage 3 cr
MSTH 220 Massage Therapy Lab II and Practicum 5 cr
Elective Credits
HO 107 Medical Law and Ethics 3 cr
Total 44-47 cr
Courses
MSTH 101 Introduction to Massage Therapy 2 credits. Introductory class that will provide an overview of what Massage Therapy is; how Massage Therapy fits with the health care and cosmetology industries; and various issues in Massage Therapy including ethics, legal concepts, and basic communication concepts. F
MSTH 102 Palpation, Postural Assessment, and Spinal Education 3 credits. Postural misalignment, common patterns of misalignment of muscle groups, palpation skills and how the spine works and various disfunctions of the spine will be covered. The arch of the foot and its impact on posture, as well as scoliosis will be discussed. F
MSTH 110 Myofascial Techniques and Theory 3 credits. In-depth techniques and strokes for individualized muscles and muscle groups will be discussed and demonstrated. The methods for releasing and lengthening hyper-constricted tissue, muscle, or group of muscles to restore balance in posture will be explained. F
MSTH 112 Nutrition in Massage Therapy 1 credit. This class will provide an overview of how nutrition impacts an individual’s health. The foods we eat, why we eat them, and how they affect our well being will be covered. Aurevedic principles will be covered. F
MSTH 115 Massage Therapy Lab I 2 credits. The fundamentals of ethics, touch, proper body positioning and care of the therapist’s body, draping procedures, the use of different oils and lotions, contra-indications, indications, and the benefits of massage will be discussed. F
MSTH 120 S.O.A.P. Charting 2 credits. This course will cover the importance of keeping detailed records of each client, and how to chart the progress of the client. S.O. A. P. stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. This is the method and theory of recording and charting clientele in the industry. This will be covered in detail. S
MSTH 130 Energy and Reflexology 3 credits. Polarity, Reiki, Cranial-Sacral, Chakra, Therapeutic Touch and Balancing will be covered. The body’s reflex response on the feet and hands and how to apply specific techniques for those areas will be reviewed and demonstrated. S
MSTH 200 Special Issues in Massage 3 credits. This class will cover the special needs of the elderly and how to effectively treat them with massage. This class will also cover the special needs of expectant mothers and how to effectively treat them in all three trimesters and after delivery. The class will also cover how to effectively treat an athlete with common injuries found in various sports. S
MSTH 203 Oriental Theory and Techniques 3 credits. This course will cover the body/energy systems from an Eastern or Oriental standpoint. Students will be introduced to acupressure, meridian lines, and the flow of energy (Chi) through the body. Shiatsu flow will also be covered. S
MSTH 205 Aromatherapy 1 credit. This course will cover the use of essential oils in massage therapy. S
MSTH 208 Chair Massage 1 credit. This course will demonstrate how to give massage while client is in a seated position. Two different protocols will be taught. A discussion of how to market chair massage will be covered. S
MSTH 210 Business Skills for Massage 3 credits. This course will cover a variety of business skills needs for a student to work for themselves and manage a budget wisely. Accounting skills, taxes, marketing (advertising, promoting, selling, and pricing) office management, telephone skills, customer service, and ethics will be covered. The course will also cover how to write a two-year business plan. Su
MSTH 215 NCBTMB Study 1 credit. This class is a study class to prepare students to set for the National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam. Su
MSTH 220 Massage Therapy Lab II and Practicum 4 credits. Capstone practicum, including Full body Swedish flow principles of massage. Classification of massage movements involving touch, gliding, kneading, friction, vibration, and range of motion and application to the body, using side protocols and four different starting points. Student will work with clients, using these techniques and others learned in the program. Su
