Program Requirements

First Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

537-100Massage Therapy 131st 8 weeks | 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-101, 537-102, 537-104Introduction to the general theory, equipment, and safety techniques of the Massage Therapy profession. Students will begin hands-on foundational skills of therapeutic massage techniques.

537-101MT Ethics & Business Practices3806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-100, 537-102, 537-104This course introduces the legal and ethical requirements for practice and continuing professional development in massage therapy. Students will learn medical documentation skills, self-care strategies, and basic business skills.

537-102MT Applied Kinesiology 13806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-100, 537-101, 537-104This course builds on foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology and focuses on the basic principles of kinesiology relating to Massage Therapy. Students will enhance understanding of anatomical terminology, skeletal anatomy and function, muscles and joints and their functions, and palpation of muscles and other landmarks.

537-104Massage Therapy 232nd 8 weeks | 806-177 or concurrent and 537-100; Corequisite: 537-101, 537-102This course builds upon the concepts of Therapeutic Massage 1. Students will progress in depth and breadth of skills and techniques in therapeutic massage.

806-177Gen Anatomy & Physiology4836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test ScoreExamines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.

TOTAL CREDITS:16 

Second Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

537-106MT Pathology & Pharmacology21st 8 weeks | 806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-108, 537-110, 537-112This course identifies common health conditions of major body systems, including related pharmacology and medical terminology. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between massage, medications, and their effects.

537-108MT Applied Kinesiology 23806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-106, 537-110, 537-112This course builds upon foundational knowledge introduced in TM Applied Kinesiology 1. Students will progress to analyzing functional movement patterns, assessing functional restrictions, and assessing muscle tissue.

537-110Massage Therapy 33806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-106, 537-108, 537-112This course builds upon the concepts of Therapeutic Massage 2. Students will advance their knowledge of organizing an effective therapeutic massage session and learn how cultural differences affect the therapeutic relationship. Students will progress in assessing clients’ treatment needs and providing client-specific therapeutic massage treatments.

537-112Massage Therapy Practice 112nd 8 weeks | 806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-106, 537-108, 537-110A practical experience course where students will apply foundational knowledge and skills regarding all aspects of a massage clinic. Students will learn how to provide a positive client experience and beginner-level therapeutic massage treatments.

801-196Oral/Interpersonal Comm3Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

809-198Intro to Psychology3This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.

TOTAL CREDITS:15 

Third Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

537-114Massage Therapy Practice 22537-106 and 537-108 and 537-110 and 537-112A practical experience course where students will participate in all aspects of a massage clinic. Students will progress their treatment and assessment skills, enhance their business knowledge, and provide client-centered care.

TOTAL CREDITS:2 

Fourth Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

104-102Marketing Principles3Marketing of products and services. Concentrates on product, price, place, promotion, market segmentation, target marketing, pricing, market research, physical distribution and distribution channels.

537-115MT Special Populations3537-114; Corequisite: 537-116This course introduces the various special populations of clients commonly seen for Massage Therapy. Students will learn appropriate massage therapy interventions for these populations, including contraindications and precautions.

537-116Massage Therapy Practice 33537-114; Corequisite: 537-115A practical experience course where students will participate in all aspects of a massage clinic. Students will progress their specialized therapeutic massage skills for special populations and patients across the lifespan.

801-136English Composition 13This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

809-172Introduction to Diversity Studies3This is a course that draws from several disciplines to reaffirm the basic American values of justice and equality by teaching a basic vocabulary, a history of immigration and conquest, principles of transcultural communication, legal liability and the value of aesthetic production to increase the probability of respectful encounters among people. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the topics of ageism, sexism, gender differences, sexual orientation, the disabled and the American Disability Act (ADA) are explored. Ethnic relations are studied in global and comparative perspectives.

TOTAL CREDITS:15 

Fifth Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

102-112Principles of Management3This course explores the four key managerial functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Learners gain personal insights through assessments and feedback, while learning to apply theoretical concepts to their potential managerial practices. The course emphasizes global applicability, preparing learners for diverse leadership roles.

537-117Advanced Massage Techniques3537-115 and 537-116; Corequisite: 537-118, 537-119This course focuses on manual and assessment skills needed to provide individualized, advanced interventions to clients across the lifespan.

537-118Massage Therapy Practice 43537-115 and 537-116; Corequisite: 537-117, 537-119A practical experience course where students will participate in all aspects of a massage clinic. Students will become competent in assessing and treating complex clients.

537-119MT Lymphedema & Craniosacral3537-115 and 537-116; Corequisite: 537-117, 537-118This course will specialize in the lymphatic and craniosacral systems. Students will learn the theory and manual skills to treat health conditions associated with these systems.

TOTAL CREDITS:12