Associate of Applied Science Degree in Massage Therapy
Course descriptionThe Massage Therapist plays an important role in the growing Health Care fields of preventative health care, fitness, and stress management. Massage Therapy students learn Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology of the body as it relates to soft tissue injury and treatment. Students engage in supervised "hands-on" training in traditional Swedish massage and other related modalities such as, hydrotherapy, sports massage, deep tissue, chair massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage and spa treatments.
The student is trained in the use of proper body mechanics for their own well-being and injury prevention. In addition, students are taught sanitation procedures, First Aid, and become Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certified. The Massage Therapy student participates in a Supervised Clinic designed to provide experience in a clinic setting, both in practical application of a variety of techniques and practice management. An important part of this Massage Therapy program is the comprehensive study of skills needed to start and operate an independent Massage Therapy business.
The Massage Therapy Diploma program equips the graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the requirements of an entry-level Massage Therapist. Graduates of the Massage Therapy program are prepared to secure positions in a wide range of health related workplaces, such as: sports medicine clinics, pain management clinics, hospice facilities, Orthopedic offices, Physical Therapy offices, nursing homes, naturopathic clinics, Chiropractic offices and Psychiatric offices. In addition, Massage Therapists may be employed in athletic clubs, resorts, spas, yoga retreat centers, golf courses, beauty salons, dance studios, and cruise ships.
The Massage Therapy program prepares the graduate for the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). Certification and Licensing requirements vary by state therefore if the student is interested in relocating to another state, he is responsible for verification that his education meets that state's requirements.