Massage Therapy Overview
Massage therapists relieve pain, reduce stress, and just plain make people feel better. As a professional massage therapist you learn to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of clients to produce relaxation, improved health and other benefits. With more than 80 types of treatments, massage therapists can specialize in deep-tissue, acupressure, reflexology, sports massage, and other areas. Often, massage therapists become experts in several modalities, all of which require specific skills and techniques. Those seeking the services of a massage therapist include spa clientele, athletes, the aging population, and a wide range of individuals seeking relaxation and rejuvenation from the stresses of everyday life.
The length and type of massage provided typically depends on the client's condition and desires. Massage therapists either work for an employer in a variety of environments including spas and hospitals or are self-employed with their own small business. Regardless of the working arrangement, massage therapists should employ effective techniques based on sound principals, the value of safe practices and professional integrity.
Massage Therapy Possible Career Track
Upon completion of the Massage Therapy Program, Licensed Massage Therapists could possibly pursue entry-level employment opportunities in a variety of settings including:
- Spas
- Fitness Institutions
- Wellness Centers
- Private Practice
- Professional Sports Teams
Massage Therapy Outcomes
- Graduates are expected to safely assist with the treatment and care of patients while practicing standard precautions and adhering to HIPAA and OSHA guidelines.
- Graduates are expected to identify all major muscles of the body (actions, attachments, and palpation), systems within the body, and the medical terminology associated with massage therapy.
- Graduates are expected to assist with functional restoration through one or more soft tissue manipulation techniques to increase range of motion, flexibility, and stability, provide pain relief, relaxation, or stress reduction.
- Graduates are expected to demonstrate good oral and written communication skills and essential job search skills.
- Program provides comprehensive preparation of graduates to be successful on the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered through The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and meet requirements within the state.
Massage Therapy Curriculum
Program Requirements
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MED100 | MED100 Medical Terminology | 1.50 |
| MTP113 | MTP113 Swedish Massage | 1.50 |
| MTP117 | MTP117 Introduction to Massage Therapy | 1.50 |
| MTP118 | MTP118 Medical Massage | 1.50 |
| MTP119 | MTP119 Special Populations | 1.00 |
| MTP120 | MTP120 Fundamentals of Kinesiology | 1.00 |
| MTP121 | MTP121 Musculoskeletal Anatomy I | 1.50 |
| MTP122 | MTP122 Musculoskeletal Anatomy II | 1.50 |
| MTP209 | MTP209 Pathophysiology | 1.50 |
| MTP210 | MTP210 Massage Therapy Clinical | 1.00 |
| MTP211 | MTP211 Professional Ethics & Business Practice | 1.00 |
| MTP212 | MTP212 - Massage Therapy Externship | 1.00 |
| MTP214 | MTP214 Exam Prep | 0.00 |
| Credit Hour(s) total | 15.50 | |
Visit the ECPI University Catalog for the most current program information.