Massage Therapy, AAS

About Career Opportunities

Student Learning Outcomes Required Courses and Recommended Sequence

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.

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.