Therapeutic Massage - Technical Diploma
Imagine a career in which you're the best part of someone's day. As a licensed massage therapist, you make people feel better through your skills and expertise. In this 27-credit program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the human body and a high degree of professional technical skill, with an emphasis on personal and professional development, increased self-awareness, and sensitivity.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $4,514, Books: $300, Supplies: $675
This program is partially eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=305371
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following:
- High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript).
- College transcript.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Complete these prerequisite courses and requirements (unless already completed):
- Caregiver background check, vaccine records.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Program Outcomes
- Practice personal wellness techniques in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Develop and manage a business plan in order to generate professional income.
- Apply knowledge of human anatomy, pathology, kinesiology in the practice of therapeutic massage.
- Follow therapeutic massage clinic business practices.
- Provide therapeutic massage services.
- Demonstrate self-regulation, ethics, and professional appearance.
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Therapeutic Massage technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 30-537-XXX and 10-537-XXX courses. Students who withdraw or receive a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringStudents will learn the environmental considerations and equipment necessary to provide treatment, hygiene and safety, and legal requirements of therapeutic massage. Students will begin hands on training by mastering foundational skills such as draping and positioning, self-care and body mechanics, and basic massage techniques.
Course Typically Offered: FallThis course introduces students to the anatomy and function of the skeletal and muscular systems of the body. Students learn the names, locations, insertion points, and actions of many of the muscles of the human anatomy. Furthermore, students apply what they learn and develop the essential palpation skills to identify the bones and muscles that comprise the musculoskeletal system. Students also acquire necessary skills for practical range of motion movements.
Course Typically Offered: FallStudents will develop skills in assessment, record keeping, and documentation necessary to provide therapeutic massage. Students will expand their knowledge of massage techniques to include myofascial and deep tissue. Students will begin their clinical experience on assigned dates. Students must hold a current American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR card. (Prerequisite: 30-537-101, Therapeutic Massage 1, 10-537-120 Musculoskeletal Anatomy For The Massage Therapist)
Course Typically Offered: FallHuman body systems, structural formation. (Prerequisite: 2.6 GPA OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 15 OR 10-838-105, Intro to Reading and Study Skills OR equivalent).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringIn this course, students will be introduced to disorders that can occur in major body systems with their signs, symptoms and associated pharmacology. They will learn the types of diseases that affect each of the major body systems and more specifically the signs and symptoms of selected pathologies and disorders that could prove to be a contraindication to massage therapy. Students will also gain a foundational understanding of medical terminology, a basic understanding of pharmacology and the possible interactions between medications and massage.
Course Typically Offered: SpringProvides students the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of running a massage clinic. In the business section, topics covered include: ethics and legal requirements, national and state certification and licensing requirements; business startup and management; marketing and financial management. (Co-requisite: 30-537-111, Specialized Therapeutic Massage )
Course Typically Offered: SpringBuilding upon foundation knowledge from musculoskeletal anatomy, students deepen their understanding with an emphasis on muscle groups used to perform specific actions. Students directly apply this knowledge through the practice of ROM, postural and gait assessments to identify muscles involved in specific injuries. Students learn how to integrate assessment techniques into a treatment plan for more comprehensive approach to client care. (Prerequisite: 10-537-120, Musculoskeletal Anatomy for the Massage Therapist)
Course Typically Offered: Spring