Javascript is currently not supported, or is disabled by this browser. Please enable Javascript for full functionality.

   
    Mar 28, 2024  
Catalog 2013-2014 
    
Catalog 2013-2014 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Massage Therapy, AAS


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Areas of Study in Alphabetical Order

No. of Credits: 60
Contact: L. Polk, Chair, Health Sciences Division; T. McManaway, Program Coordinator

This program prepares students to work as professional massage therapists in a variety of healthcare settings. Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissue structure of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, and stress; to improve body function and performance; to stimulate or enhance healing and recovery; as well as to promote health and wellness. Therapeutic massage is quickly becoming an important component of healthcare as providers and patients are increasingly recognizing the value of alternative medicine as a viable option for the prevention and treatment of certain health conditions. Massage therapists are employed in a variety of settings including chiropractic offices, rehabilitation clinics, long-term care and acute care facilities, health clubs, spas, salons, as well as private practice environments.

The program consists of lecture, laboratory, and clinical instruction and practice. Students are required to provide proof of immunization status, a completed health form, proof of current CPR certification for healthcare providers, and a criminal background check at the students’ expense. In addition, students may be required to provide proof of current health insurance and a negative drug screen at their own expense. Clinical training will be conducted at selected healthcare sites in the area. To practice in Maryland, graduates must be licensed or registered. Applicants for licensure or registration in Maryland must be 18 years of age and have passed an examination approved by the Maryland Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy examiners.

The program is approved by the Maryland Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Examiners. A minimum grade of “C” or better is required in every course to advance in the program. This may be a competitive admissions program determined by student instructor ratios and clinical space available. Students who have completed a 500-hour certificate in massage from the Baltimore School of Massage or PMTI may be eligible to receive transfer credit applied to the AAS in massage therapy.

The maximum number of credits accepted in transfer from other institutions to this program is 45.

Click to learn more about your Program

Career Opportunities:

massage therapist

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will

  1. Integrate knowledge of biopsychosocial arts and sciences in the application of massage therapy theory, principles, and techniques.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the theories, principles, techniques, and applications of therapeutic massage and associated treatment modalities.
  3. Perform therapeutic massage to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, and stress; to improve body function and performance; to stimulate or enhance healing and recovery; as well as to promote health and wellness.
  4. Utilize technical, critical thinking and problem solving skills in clinical performance.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate and interact with coworkers, clients, the lay community, and members of the health care professions the goals of massage therapy and its profession.
  6. Practice within the ethical and legal guidelines of therapeutic massage with recognition of and sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic differences.

Required Courses and Recommended Sequence:


The following is a recommended sequence of courses for completing this program. College Prep and prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Course availability within the program sequences is specifically intended for full-time students who begin their course work with the fall semester. Students should always consult their online program evaluation or an academic advisor to better understand typical course availability and individual program planning.

Notes:


* Courses requiring a prerequisite

** Program option

*** special criteria for required general education courses

**** Pending MHEC approval

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Areas of Study in Alphabetical Order