Massage Therapy, C.T.S.

CERTIFICATE OF TECHNICAL STUDIES PROGRAM
DIVISION: ALLIED HEALTH

The Massage Therapy Program provides academic and clinical education in the practice of therapeutic massage. The program includes instruction in massage topics such as its history, purpose, benefits, its place in a holistic approach to wellness, and an introduction to the variety of massage techniques for special populations.

Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to take the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Exam.

Admissions to the Massage Therapy program is by selection only, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.  Prospective students should contact the Allied Health Division on the City Park Campus to start the application procedure. Completed admissions packets must be submitted to the Allied Health division on or before March 1 to be considered for admission to the upcoming August class, and on or before October 30 to be considered for admission to the upcoming January class. 

To be eligible for a Certificate in Massage Therapy, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete all prerequisite courses by the spring semester preceding the August start date
2. Earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all college courses and a 2.5 in all science prerequisites (BIOL 161 and BIOL 163 or BIOL 251 and BIOL 252 and BIOL 253 and BIOL 254)
3. Complete a transcript evaluation by an Allied Health admissions advisor
4. Attend a mandatory massage therapy admission information session and complete the written interview
5. Provide evidence of a high school diploma or equivalent
6. Be eligible for ENGL 101  or ENGL 110  and MATH 098  as documented on the ACT, placement test or developmental course completion
7. Must have current C.P.R certification.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Massage Therapy Certificate of Technical Studies program, the learner will be able to:

• Master clinical competencies to function as an entry-level licensed massage therapist (SLO # 1)
• Evaluate human anatomy and physiology and disease pathologies to select appropriate massage therapy protocol (SLO # 2)
• Exhibit professionalism and adherence to ethical principles (SLO # 3)
• Support the principles of proper body mechanics when performing massage therapy (SLO # 4)
• Discuss business models utilized by massage therapy professionals (SLO # 5)
• Communicate verbally and non-verbally with the patient, health care personnel, and others in an effective and appropriate manner (SLO # 6)