Massage Therapy, AAS

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No. of Credits: 60
Contact: Dr. Laura Polk, Dean, School of Science and Health

This program prepares students to work as professional massage therapists in a variety of 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. 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.

This program is completed as part of the Maryland Education Alliance. More information about this innovative model is available here: https://www.csmd.edu/programs-courses/credit/maryland-education-alliance/index.html

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

massage therapist

Transfer Options:

A complete list of all transfer opportunities can be found on the Transfer Services page.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, and massage theory to use critical thinking skills to plan and organize an effective massage therapy session tailored to each client’s specific needs.
Perform therapeutic massage demonstrating the use of massage therapy principles and a variety of techniques.
Develop and implement a self-care strategy.
Demonstrate ethical and legal behavior, cultural sensitivity, boundaries and effective communication with clients and professionals in the massage therapy profession.
Develop a strategy for a successful practice, business or employment situation.
Document massage sessions according to industry standards.
Prepare to pass the MBLEx and Maryland jurisprudence exam.
Integrate knowledge of pathology, medical devices, and functional and environmental limitations to develop a treatment plan for safe and effective clinical massage in a healthcare setting.

Health Pathway

Learn more about the Health Pathway.

Visit Career Coach for more information on this program, related programs, and job opportunities in Southern Maryland and the Washington D.C. Metropolitan region.

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.

Pre-Massage Therapy Required Courses at College of Southern Maryland

First Semester

ENG-1010 - Composition and Rhetoric* (E) (3)
ENG 1010 completed with a minimum grade of “C”

General Education Mathematics* (M) (3)

Acceptable:

See General Education Requirements and Courses Listing

General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences* (B) (3)

Acceptable:

See General Education Requirements and Courses Listing

General Education Arts and Humanities* (H) (3)

Acceptable:

See General Education Requirements and Courses Listing

Second Semester

Continue with Occupational Requirements at Anne Arundel Community College.

Notes:

* Courses requiring a prerequisite or co-requisite

**** Pending MHEC approval

Course Indicators: English Composition (E), Arts (A), Cultural and Global Awareness (C), Humanities (H), Biological/Physical Sciences (S), Social/Behavioral Sciences (B), Mathematics (M)