Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Overview

Healthcare is one of the economy’s fastest growing sectors. If you like helping people, then experience the rewards of caring by entering one of healthcare’s more-satisfying professions.

The goal of the Massage Therapy program is to prepare students for an entry-level career in therapeutic massage as a Licensed Massage Therapist (North Carolina) or a Certified Massage Therapist (Virginia).

What You Can Learn in Massage Therapy

The program teaches the art and science of massage therapy while focusing on the medical and rehabilitative effects of massage. It is designed to teach sound business practices, thus preparing students for success in the workplace.

With the integration of clinical experience and hands-on work through an externship, the curriculum can provide the student with an opportunity to see and experience care as it is given to patients in various stages of health. Upon successful completion of the program:

• Graduates may apply to the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) to take the National Certification Exam.
• After passing the National Certification Exam, graduates may apply to the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy for their license OR to the Virginia Board of Nursing for certification as massage therapists in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Where You Can Go in Massage Therapy

Licensed Massage Therapist (in North Carolina) or Certified Massage Therapist (in Virginia) entry-level employment opportunities include:

• Spas
• Private Practice
• Private Industry
• Wellness Centers
• Fitness Institutions
• Professional Sports Teams
• Health Care Environments (i.e. Chiropractor, Pain Management Centers, Physical Therapists’ and Physicians’ Offices, Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers)

Degree Objectives

Program Purpose

This program has been designed to prepare students for an entry-level career in therapeutic massage as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT). The Massage Therapy program teaches the art and science of massage therapy using sound business practices, while also focusing on the medical and rehabilitative effects of massage. An externship course is included where students may work in conjunction or collaboratively with physicians, nurses, chiropractors, medical spas, and physical and occupational therapists to help treat and rehabilitate patients with specific health conditions. Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam offered through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work.

Program objectives include:

Graduates will be able to safely assist with the treatment and care of patients while practicing standard precautions and adhering to hipaa and osha guidelines. Graduates will be able to identify all major muscles of the body (actions, attachments, and palpation), systems within the body, and the medical terminology associated with medicine. Graduates will be able to assist with functional restoration through one or more soft tissue manipiulation techniques to increase range of motion, flexibility, and stabiliity, provide pain relief, relaxarion, or stress reduction. Graduates will be able to demonstrate good oral and written communication skills and essential job search skills.

About the Profession

As a Certified Massage Therapist a vast range of employment opportunities are available. Therapist may own and manage private clinics, or secure employment in chiropractic clinics, medical and health centers, spas, private physician offices, nursing homes, professional and amateur sports teams, fitness institutes and private industry.

Requirements for Typical Employment Opportunities

Massage therapists must pass the national certification exam administered by the national certification board for therapeutic massage and bodywork as well as abide by current regulations to become certified within the state/jurisdiction.

Entry Level Employment Opportunities By Job Title and/or Industry

Certified massage therapists typically are found in the medical field or in a spa environment. Many work alongside chiropractors, physical therapists and/or sports trainers. Others are found within spas or massage clinics.

Physical Requirements

Programmatically, students shall be able to hear their instructors and see and read the material given. Students shall be able to carry massage equipment as well as move and lift a clients limbs. They shall be able to stand for more than an hour and walk around a massage table while exerting effort in performing the massage routine.

Certifications Recommended for Entry Level Career.

Upon completion of the program the students will take the national certification board for therapeutic massage and bodywork (ncetmb) exam.

Program Policies

A grade of 76 or higher is required for the following courses: mtp 107 musculoskeletal i, mtp 110 musculoskeletal ii, and mtp 114 fundamentals of kinesiology and mtp 115 medical massage. Students must complete a total of 80 massages plus 6 preceptors and 2 outside events prior to graduation. They must also successfully complete cpr.

Student Evaluation

Students must complete 90 hours at an approved externship site. Students are monitored by an externship employee in the following areas: communication, organization, timeliness, professionalism, written skills, and manual skills.

Program Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Admissions test with passing score

Other Requirements:

Background check.

Recommendations:

Experience 2 professional massages before entering the program

Core Curriculum

¹The certifications listed in the "Potential Certifications" column are the actual certification exams that students may be prepared to take following achievement of student learning outcomes from a course or a set of courses. Some certifications may require additional outside preparation prior to taking the exams; and receipt of one or more certifications is not guaranteed. Students are strongly encouraged to take all appropriate certification examinations for their program of study. To facilitate student access to the certifications, ECPI offers its students access to the certification exams at a significant discount. Some programs may require the student to obtain one or more certifications as part of the curriculum.

Future Possible Careers For This Program

Success

Q

How long will it take to complete this program?

A

The program is designed to take 15 months to complete. 11% of graduates from this program finish in this time.

The median time for graduates to complete this program was 16.4 months.

Cost

Q

How much will tuition and fees be?

A

The cost of tuition and fees is: $25,800

Q

What about the cost of books and supplies?

A

The cost of books and supplies is: $1,000. Foundation course requirements can result in additional costs and increase the time to graduation.

Financing

Q

What are my financing options to pay for the program?

A

In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible, graduates used loans to finance their education. The median debt for program graduates is: