Program Overview

The Massage Therapy program is taught over approximately 7-8 months during the day and 12-13 months during the evening in some locations. The program covers the basic knowledge and skills required to become an entry-level Massage Therapist and prepares students to sit for certain certification exams offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Students complete coursework in basic massage techniques in addition to receiving coursework in specialty modalities.

Nature of the Work

Massage therapy is the practice of using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body. It is performed for a variety of reasons, including treating painful ailments, decompressing tired and overworked muscles, reducing stress, rehabilitating sports injuries, and promoting general health. Clients often seek massage for its medical benefit and for relaxation purposes, and there is a wide range of massage treatments available.

Massage therapists can specialize in more than 80 different types of massage, called modalities. Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure, sports massage, and neuromuscular massage are just a few of the many approaches to massage therapy. Most massage therapists specialize in several modalities, which require different techniques.

Massage therapists work in an array of settings, both private and public: private offices, studios, hospitals, nursing homes, fitness centers, sports medicine facilities, airports, and shopping malls, for example. Some massage therapists also travel to clients’ homes or offices to provide a massage. It is common for full-time massage therapists to divide their time among several different settings, depending on the clients and locations scheduled.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Massage Therapists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos295.htm.