Massage Therapy Program (Diploma)
Program Description and Objective
Massage Therapy, 600 Clock Hours, 7 months.
Delivery Method: Residential
The Massage Therapy diploma program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as Massage Therapists. The program offers a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training, enabling students to learn and apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, massage techniques, ethics and professionalism, and business practices. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
The objective of our program is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare them for entry-level Massage Therapist positions, enabling them to provide quality therapeutic care to a diverse clientele.
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Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate proficiency in massage therapy techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, and others.
- Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to tailor massage therapy treatments to individual clients' needs.
- Implement proper body mechanics and ergonomics to ensure client and therapist safety during massage therapy sessions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using massage therapy equipment, including tables, chairs, and oils and lotions.
- Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients, colleagues, and healthcare professionals.
- Adhere to ethical and legal standards of the massage therapy profession, including maintaining client confidentiality and respecting boundaries.
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic business principles, including marketing, customer service, and record-keeping, to operate a successful massage therapy practice.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess clients' needs and develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural diversity of clients and respect cultural differences in providing massage therapy services.
- Prepare for and pass the Florida massage therapy licensure examination to become a licensed massage therapist in the State of Florida.
Admissions Requirements
All students must be 18 years of age; otherwise, a parent or legal guardian must consent and register the student with the approval. Enrolling students must show proof of high school diplomas (can be from a foreign school if it is equivalent to a high school diploma) or GED. Acceptable proof of graduation can also be an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. A copy of the diploma or transcript showing graduation date must be on the document provided. A foreign school’s diploma will need to be translated and authenticated. All home- schooled students must show proof of his or her homeschooling self-certification that is recognized by the pertinent state.
Program Outline
| Courses | Clock Hours |
|---|---|
|
MT 100 - Anatomy and Physiology - Body Systems |
80 |
|
MT 101 - Musculoskeletal Anatomy Upper Extremity |
80 |
|
MT102 - Musculoskeletal Anatomy Lower Extremity |
80 |
|
MT 103 - Massage Theory and Practicum I |
80 |
|
MT 104 - Massage Theory and Practicum II |
80 |
|
MT 105 - Sports and Medical Massage |
80 |
|
MT 106 - Eastern Modalities |
80 |
|
MT 107 - Professional Business Practices & License Review |
40 |
|
|
Total: 600 Clock Hours |
Course Description
MT100 – Anatomy and Physiology – Body Systems: (80 clock hours) Students learn the scientific language and concepts of the body’s systems. This in-depth study includes descriptive observation, lectures, and demonstrations. Upon completion of classes, students have a working knowledge of the components and functions of the integumentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, urinary, and lymphatic systems. Pathology as well as indications and contraindications for massage pertaining to these systems are also addressed in this class.
MT101 – Musculoskeletal Anatomy of Upper Extremity: (80 clock hours) Students learn the scientific language and concepts of the skeletal and muscular systems, specifically the upper extremity. This in-depth study includes descriptive observation, lectures, demonstrations, and applied anatomy labs. Related pathologies as well as indications and contraindications for massage pertaining to these systems are also addressed in this class.
MT102 – Musculoskeletal Anatomy of Lower Extremity: (80 clock hours) Students learn the scientific language and concepts of the skeletal and muscular systems, specifically the lower extremity. This in-depth study includes descriptive observation, lectures, demonstrations, and applied anatomy labs. Related pathologies as well as indications and contraindications for massage pertaining to these systems are also addressed in this class.
MT103 – Massage Theory and Practicum I: (80 clock hours) Students are introduced to the five categories of Swedish massage, and the numerous variations of strokes in each category. Special attention to proper body mechanics and draping procedures are addressed. Further labs consist of structured massage classes where students are taught a basic routine pertaining to each body part. Students practice on fellow students to hone their massage skills. This practicum offers the student time to explore learned techniques at their own pace and needs with an instructor present. Students will also learn the procedures for processing medical intake forms and proper charting of findings and treatment progress.
MT104 – Massage Theory and Practicum II: (80 clock hours) Labs consist of structured classes where a basic routine pertaining to each body part is taught. Students will learn how on-site chair massage can be utilized and the benefits of chair massage in building a practice. After this class students may participate in optional off campus events such as health fairs and conventions.
MT105 – Medical & Sports Massage with Hydrotherapy: (80 clock hours) Students learn to apply their knowledge of different pathologies studied during the anatomy and physiology course regarding possible indications or contraindications for the use of massage. Approach and protocol for treatment in situations where massage is indicated are covered. Practical, hands-on sessions consisting of addressing specific conditions of various body areas which will incorporate modalities learned in previous classes. Sports massage addresses injuries common to particular sporting activities, in which way massage can help, and how pre- and post-event massage can reduce the frequency of such injuries. Students will also learn indications, contraindications, and use of various water therapies including saunas, steam baths, whirlpools, contrast baths, and hot and cold packs is covered. Students practice on fellow students to hone their massage skills as well as clients that come to the massage clinic for services.
MT106 – Eastern Modalities: (80 clock hours) Students are introduced to a large variety of specialties of the massage industry. This class is designed to acquaint the student with various modalities. The purpose of Asian bodywork is to give the students a basic understanding of the Eastern philosophies of the human body, health, and bodywork. Chinese medicine, meridian systems and Japanese shiatsu are discussed, demonstrated, and practiced. The awareness of energy is discussed with hands-on practice of working with various light or no-touch techniques. Physical, emotional, and social problems faced by the elderly are discussed along with indications, contraindications, and appropriate treatment. Techniques are demonstrated and practiced. A variety of spa therapy techniques are instructed, demonstrated, and practiced by students to experience an assortment of treatments being offered in spas including prenatal and infant massage. Students are introduced to the manual technique for manipulation of the reflex points on hands and feet, based on the theory that specific points affect other body organs and areas. The class includes demonstrations and practice. This is an introduction to the realm of Thai massage, which is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines combined with yoga postures. The class includes demonstrations and practice.
MT107 – Professional Business Practices and License Review: (40 clock hours) Proper professional skills are of the essence for massage therapists- HIV/AIDS, Florida Laws, and Rules. This course covers industry awareness and job search basics; practical ideas for promotion and marketing are examined and reviewed with students. Students learn more advanced charting with appropriate medical terminology. Students are presented with necessary skills to successfully find employment in their field of choice after graduation. Topics include HIV/AIDS, Florida Laws and Rules, scanning and understanding job offers, resume writing, presentation and grooming, interview skills, and salary negotiations. Additional topics include business plan basics, business entities, budgeting and financing, business registration, tax information, business accounts; SBA resources, choosing liability insurance, establishment license, and basic accounting skills. Attention is directed towards the importance of efficient marketing techniques in order to acquire and keep a solid client base. Students will learn how to write a marketing plan, target specific markets, build a website, select efficient advertising, get publicity for their business, network, and acquire solid marketing tools (business cards, gift certificates, brochures, flyers, and postcards)
Graduation Requirements
- Passed all required courses in the student’s program, and
- Earned an overall cumulative 2.0 (“C” average) or better on a 4.0 scale, and
- Meet the attendance requirements; and
- Completed the program within the time frame as defined by Satisfactory Academic
Progress (SAP).
