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Massage Therapy, Specialized Diploma

Overview

Narrative

The Massage Therapy Certificate Program integrates theory (classroom) and hands-on (lab) training for a career as a professional massage therapist. Students develop the knowledge necessary to develop therapeutic treatment plans and apply appropriate massage techniques with focus on whole body wellness. Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, medical offices, spas, health clubs, and private practice and are eligible to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).

While in the program, students will have supervised clinical instruction designed to develop client-based skills and techniques. The curriculum is designed sequentially, to allow the student to master basic skills and competencies first, before progressing to more challenging skills and techniques.

Features

The program includes 23 credits of general education courses and 13 credits of Massage Therapy instruction. The Massage Therapy courses will be offered at the Fowler Family Southside Center campus where a practice laboratory is located. Students must take the Massage Therapy courses sequentially to ensure that they build their knowledge and skills to practice techniques independently by the completion of the program. The third semester of the program provides students with 16 hours of practice time to refine their skills as an independent practitioner.

The program includes thorough study of human anatomy and physiology which provides the students with scientific basis for safe, competent practice. Students should consult an advisor regarding their preparation for these science courses prior to starting in the program.

View Gainful Employment information on the Licensed Massage Therapy certificate.

Admission Requirements

This is a selective admission program. Applicants shall have completed work equal to a standard high school course as evidenced by a diploma or GED and be 18 years of age prior to beginning the program. The minimum admission requirements for the program include: 1) one year of HS biology or NCC equivalent (BIOS107 or 115) with a grade of C or better, 2) complete the English Placement Test (EPT) and be eligible to enroll in English 101 and 3) have an overall HS or most recent college GPA of 2.5 or better.

After acceptance into the program, students are required to:

  • Submit results of Criminal History Record Information (CHRI), Child and Elder Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Clearance.
  • Submit certificate in Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:

  1. Plan, organize and safely provide a professional massage and bodywork session to clients from across the lifespan
  2. Execute skills required for an entry-level massage therapist utilizing seated, table and floor massage.
  3. Display professional behaviors congruent with core values, standards and ethics of the Massage Therapy profession.
  4. Demonstrate dignity and respect for cultural diversity, age, gender, lifestyle values and choices of others.
  5. Communicate effectively with clients, family members and other healthcare professionals in oral and written formats.
  6. Apply critical thinking skills and basic clinical decision-making when administering client centered massage and bodywork.
  7. Perform essential business planning and office management skills in the massage practice setting.

Courses

First Semester

COLS101College Success

1 credits

CISC101Introduction to Computers

3 credits

BIOS204Human Anatomy & Physiology I

4 credits

MASG101Massage Therapy Procedures I

4 credits

Total Credit Hours:12

Second Semester

BIOS254Human Anatomy & Physiology II

4 credits

CMTH102Introduction to Communication

3 credits

MASG102Massage Therapy Procedures II

5 credits

Total Credit Hours:12

Summer I Semester

MASG210Massage Therapy Procedures III

4 credits

Total Credit Hours:4

Total Credit Hours: 28

*NCC Massage Therapy Program meets the 600-hour requirement through both didactic and clinical courses required by PA State Licensing.