Massage Therapy

Objective

A branch of alternative health care, massage therapy has witnessed rapid growth as people today become more and more aware of the therapeutic functions of massage and find wider applications of this traditional method that rehabilitates and facilitates healing of the human body. Massage therapists are allied health professionals that contribute to the well-being of others. With the increased awareness of holistic healthcare alternatives comes a growing need for competent and qualified massage practitioners. The objective of the Massage Therapy program is to prepare graduates with a strong foundation of healthcare knowledge and practical skills that enable them to seek entry-level employment in the field of massage therapy.

Description

The Massage Therapy program is built upon a solid set of core courses that provide the competencies needed for graduates to be successful in their chosen career. Students learn anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and hands-on skills needed for entry level massage therapy positions. These skills include Swedish massage, sports massage, spa techniques, kinesiology, and business aspects of massage therapy. The training provides the knowledge and skills a student needs to sit for state and national certification or licensure and to function as an ethical, entry-level massage therapist.

Supervised Clinic

A supervised clinic component is included in this program. During the clinic experiences, students perform a series of massages supervised by a massage instructor. Students also assess new clients and develop treatment plans using the techniques and skills acquired during the program. Students also have the opportunity to learn to be responsible for clinic management under instructor supervision. Students are not paid for work performed in the clinic experiences.

Credentialing Exams

Graduates are eligible to take the Massage or Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Graduates must be licensed in order to be employed as a Massage Therapist in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared to seek entry-level employment in positions such as: Licensed Massage Therapist, Clinical Massage Therapist, Deep Tissue Massage Therapist, and Medical Massage Therapist.