Associate of Applied Science Degree in Massage Therapy
ObjectivesThe 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.
Course descriptionThe 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. Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science Degree Program in Massage Therapy learn professional business practices, resume writing, marketing techniques, job interviewing and therapeutic communication skills. They are prepared to open and manage their own Massage Therapy Practice with the skills gained in the advanced courses.
The Diploma and Associate of Applied Science Degree programs equip the graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the requirements of an entry level Massage Therapist. Graduates of these programs are prepared to seek 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.
This 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.
Classroom procedures
Each course stands alone as a unit of study and is not dependent upon prerequisite training. A student may enter the program at the beginning of any course and continue through the sequence until completion of all courses.
Supervised clinic
The Supervised Clinic is undertaken upon the completion of all classroom courses. This Supervised Clinic is unpaid.