Massage Therapist

Allied Health
 

Department Chair: Barbara Larsson - (207) 453-5161

Massage Therapy Certificate Program

DESCRIPTION

Massage therapy is the scientific or skillful manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic or remedial purposes, specifically for improving muscle tone, circulation, promoting health, and physical well-being. Massage therapists employ techniques that affect the soft tissues of the body including skin, muscle, fascia, and tendons keeping them healthy and enhancing recovery from injury. Massage induces relaxation response, reducing stress related disease. Students will study anatomy, physiology, myology, and pathology as they relate to the massage therapy client.
 

Students will complete performance competencies for various forms of massage and manual therapies. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to offer therapeutic massage as an adjunct to health care practices and wellness lifestyles. The program is structured to be completed in two semesters with an emphasis on supervised practice of various hands-on techniques.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Applicants to certain programs should be aware that a criminal background check may be required while they are enrolled in the program or as a condition of employment in the field; that certain internship and/or practicum sites, such as health care facilities, may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record; and that certain licensing boards may refuse to issue a license to practice based upon prior or current criminal offense(s). To learn more about whether the program or profession you are interested in has such requirements or limitations, please see the department chair.

PROGRAM MISSION

The mission of the Massage Therapy Program is to prepare graduates with skills to perform as entry-level massage therapists. Because of the nature of the profession, the curriculum integrates professional and ethical behavior as an essential component of massage therapy work. Since many massage therapists work independently, an introduction to sound business practices will be taught and practiced within the program.

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Massage Therapy Program, the graduate is expected to:

1. Become licensed as a massage therapist.
2. Demonstrate professional behaviors that allow them to function ethically and responsibly by showing tolerance and respect for diversity of culture, age, and gender.
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills with clients.
4. Participate in activities that foster professional growth as life-long learners.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

 

Career opportunities are numerous. Massage therapists may work independently in private practice. Other employment opportunities include chiropractor offices, wellness and fitness centers, sports medicine clinics and outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Increasingly, massage therapists are working in nursing homes and hospice programs. The health industry is using massage therapy more often as a supplement to conventional medical techniques for disorders such as muscle problems, some diseases, and stress-related health problems. Employment opportunities for massage therapists are expected to increase faster than average.

 

CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION

 

Students must complete 32 credits in the Massage Therapy certificate program, achieve a minimum grade of "C" in all courses, and attain a final GPA of 2.00 or higher. Students must meet the attendance requirements.

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

FIRST SEMESTER		CREDIT HOURS
BIO213	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
MTS101	Massage Therapy Theory and Practice I	3
MTS103	Massage Therapy Theory and Practice Lab I	3
MTS107	Myology for Massage Therapists	4
SECOND SEMESTER		CREDIT HOURS
BIO214	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
MTS109	Massage Therapy Practical I	2
MTS110	Massage Therapy Theory and Practice II	3
MTS112	Massage Therapy Theory and Practice Lab II	3
THIRD SEMESTER		CREDIT HOURS
BIO216	Pathophysiology and Pharmacology	3
MTS114	Business/Ethics for Massage Therapists	2
MTS116	Massage Therapy Practical II	1
	TOTAL CREDITS	32