Massage Therapy

MASS 101 2 Credits

Introduction to Massage
Provides an overview of massage therapy, including history, benefits, and introduction to musculoskeletal
anatomy and hands-on training. This course covers basic massage techniques including fundamental
massage strokes, chair massage, and massage for a fully clothed individual. Safety and infection control are
emphasized. NOTE: Course offered every fall, spring and may be offered during additional sessions.
Prerequisite: RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052
MASS 110 3 Credits
Musculoskeletal System: Structure and Function
Provides an in-depth exploration of musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology. Foundational concepts of
kinesiology are emphasized. Applications to massage therapy, bones and bony landmarks, muscle structure
and function, muscle attachments, muscle actions and palpation skills are covered. NOTE: Course offered
every fall, spring and may be offered during additional sessions.
Prerequisite: RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052; and MASS 101 with grade of "C" or better. BIOL 109
with grade of "C" or better or written permission from program director required. Taken concurrently with
MASS 210
MASS 210 5 Credits
Level I - Massage
Explores the fundamental theories and physiological effects of massage, professionalism, ethics, law,
documentation, hygiene and infection control, safety, beginning assessment and treatment planning.
Bodywork lab provides training in relaxation massage and includes Swedish techniques, hydrotherapy
concepts and spa techniques. NOTE: Course offered every fall, spring and may be offered during additional
sessions. Lab Fee: 10.00
Prerequisite: RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052. MASS 101 with grade of "C" or better. BIOL 109 with
grade of "C" or better or written permission from program director required. Taken concurrently with MASS
110
MASS 212 3 Credits
Kinesiology for Massage Therapy
Teaches a variety of methods for observing and analyzing movement, compensation patterns and postural
distortions in massage therapists and clients. The focus is on the interaction of functional muscle groups with
the joints of the body for optimal ease of movement, prevention of dysfunction and interventions to restore
balance. It explores body mechanics, body awareness and self-care for the massage therapists through
intellectual and experiential exercises. Concepts of Somatic Therapies and Energetic Body are discussed and
demonstrated. NOTE: Course offered every fall, spring and may be offered during additional sessions.
Prerequisites: MASS 220 with a grade of "C" or better or permission of Program Director
MASS 220 6 Credits
Level II - Massage
Teaches deep tissue massage therapy techniques and builds on relaxation massage techniques learned in
Level I. Students are taught to analyze client posture and functional muscle movement and integrate these
techniques to facilitate change in the body. Lab and clinic allow for practice of these techniques. Lab Fee:

$20.00
Prerequisites: RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052; and MASS 110 with grade of "C" or better and MASS
210 with grade of "C" or better or permission of Program Director
MASS 221 4 Credits
Massage Modalities
Introduces key massage and bodywork modalities and explores the history and principles of these
techniques. This course provides students of Massage Therapy with a fundamental understanding of popular
modalities to enhance their palpation and treatment skills and to lay the foundation for further education in
specialized areas of study. Students are prepared to work with oncology and medical-surgical patients. A
supervised laboratory practice of selected techniques is included. NOTE: Course offered every fall, spring
and may be offered during additional sessions.
Prerequisite: MASS 220 or Consent of the Program Director.
MASS 222 3 Credits
Pathology for Massage Therapists
Defines concepts in pathology and provides information on a variety of the most common pathologies for
each body system. A deductive reasoning process for analyzing assessment data and developing safe and
effective treatment plans for massage clients with medical conditions is explored. NOTE: Course offered
every fall, spring and may be offered during additional sessions.
Prerequisites: RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052. Grade of "C" or better in MASS 110 and MASS 210 or
permission of the Program Director.
MASS 223 3 Credits
Massage Therapy Research
Explores concepts in clinical massage therapy research and evidence based practice. This course provides
the tools to explore online databases and critically evaluate peer reviewed publications and current massage
therapy research. Practical applications of massage therapy research are explored in the student clinic and
within the framework of a case study report. NOTE: Course offered every fall, spring and may be offered
during additional sessions.
Prerequisites: MASS 220 and MASS 222 with a grade of "C" or better, RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052;
or consent of the program director.
MASS 225 3 Credits
Client Assessment
Explores advanced client assessment techniques to determine appropriate therapeutic massage treatment.
Anatomy and physiology is reviewed as it applies to bodywork assessment. Functions of musculoskeletal
system are studied. Visual observation, palpation, kinesiology, listening, postural & locomotive assessment &
musculoskeletal disorders are emphasized. NOTE: Course offered every fall, spring and may be offered
during additional sessions.
Prerequisites: RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052. MASS 220 and MASS 222 with a grade of "C" or better
or permission of Program Director.
MASS 230 6 Credits
Level III Massage

Provides advanced training for students in fascial anatomy and myofascial techniques, theories and
approaches to bodywork. Stretching techniques that enhance myofascial effectiveness are also explored.
Myofascial protocols are practiced in lab. A deeper sensitivity and connection within the therapeutic
relationship is explored. Lab Fee: $35.00 NOTE: Course offered every fall, spring and may be offered during
additional sessions.
Prerequisites: RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052. MASS 220 with a grade of "C" or better or permission
of Program Director.
MASS 240 3 Credits
Seminar in Massage Therapy
Explores business principles and techniques necessary for students to start their own massage practice. This
course covers the ethical standards that govern scope of practice as massage professionals. Students review
all relevant material that governs their practice of massage in a variety of settings. NOTE: Course offered
every fall, spring and may be offered during additional sessions.
Prerequisite: RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052. MASS 220 with a grade of "C" or better or permission of
Program Director.
MASS 250 3 Credits
Pre and Perinatal Massage
Explores the history, benefits and techniques of massage as a therapeutic support to childbearing.
Psychological, physiological, structural and functional changes specific to each trimester are explored.
Draping, positioning, cautions/contraindications, safe practice, protocol are detailed and demonstrated. A pre
and perinatal massage protocol is taught. NOTE: Course offered once a year (fall or spring)
Prerequisites: RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052; Licensed Massage Therapist or Registered Massage
Practitioner, or consent of the Program Director.
MASS 251 3 Credits
Thai Massage
Explores the history, benefits and techniques of traditional Thai massage. The theory of Thai medicine,
indications and contraindications, a discussion of the sen (energy pathways), the role of the Buddhist
influence and specialized techniques and body mechanics are covered. A Thai massage protocol is taught.
NOTE: Course offered once a year (fall or spring).
Prerequisites: RDNG 052 or ESOL 054; or ACLT 052; Licensed Massage Therapist or Registered Massage
Practitioner, or consent of the Program Director.