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Therapeutic Massage

Curriculum Description

The Therapeutic Massage curriculum prepares graduates to work in direct client care settings to provide manipulation, methodical pressure, friction and kneading of the body for maintaining wellness or treating alterations in wellness throughout the lifespan.

Courses will include content in normal human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic massage, ethical/legal issues, business practices, nutrition and psychology.

Employment opportunities include hospitals/rehabilitation centers, health departments, home health, medical offices, nursing homes, spas/health/sports clubs, and private practice. Graduates may be eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam. 

Effective December 31, 2010, the BMBT will only accept the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEX).

The following represents one way in which the diploma can be completed. Students who aren’t able to follow the recommended curriculum model below should consult their academic advisor to be sure that they take courses in the best order for their success.

Diploma

D45750
NC CIP: 51.3501
Evening
POS Approved: Fall 2019

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
ACA 111 College Student Success 1 0 0 1
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry REVISED REQUISITE 3 0 0 3
MTH 110AB Fundamentals of Massage 3 6 0 5
  Total: 7 6 0 9

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
MTH 110BB Fundamentals of Massage 3 3 3 5
MTH 125 Ethics of Massage 2 0 0 2
  Total: 5 3 3 7

Summer Term

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
PSY 150 General Psychology REVISED REQUISITE 3 0 0 3
___ ___ English Option 3 0 0 3
Select one:
Basic Anat & Physiology REVISED REQUISITE 4 2 0 5
  OR        
Anatomy and Physiology I REVISED REQUISITE (3) (3) (0) (4)
  AND        
Anatomy and Physiology II (3) (3) (0) (4)
  Total: 10 2 0 11

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
MED 121 Medical Terminology I REVISED REQUISITE 3 0 0 3
MTH 120AB Ther Massage Applications 3 6 0 5
MTH 121 Clinical Supplement I 0 0 3 1
  Total: 6 6 3 9

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
MTH 120BB Ther Massage Applications 3 3 3 5
MTH 130 Therapeutic Massage Mgmt 2 0 0 2
  Total: 5 3 3 7

Total Credit Hours: 43

Additional Information

English – Select one: COM 120, COM 231, ENG 112, ENG 114, ENG 115

A grade of C or better is required in all MTH courses and related courses or the student will be dismissed. Readmission may be possible but requires reapplying and approval by the college. Pursuant to General Statues 90-633. Disciplinary action. Among the reasons the North Carolina Board for Massage and Bodywork Therapy may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to license a massage and bodywork therapist or applicant include the following:

  1. The employment of fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license or the renewal of a license.
  2. The use of drugs or intoxicating liquors to an extent that affects professional competency.
  3. Conviction of an offense under any municipal, state or federal narcotic or controlled substance law until proof of rehabilitation can be established.
  4. Conviction of a felony or other public offense involving moral turpitude until proof of rehabilitation can be established.
  5. An adjudication of insanity or incompetency until proof of recovery from the condition can be established.
  6. Practice as a licensee under this Article without a valid certificate or renewal.

Upon completion of the Therapeutic Massage evening diploma students will be eligible to apply to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).

Upon successfully passing the MBLEx, students may apply to the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy for licensure.

Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screening
Clinical agencies require criminal background checks and/or drug screening for students assigned to their facility for clinical education. In addition, national and/or state registry and/or licensure boards may prohibit eligibility for registry or licensure based on criminal background records. Please refer to the Health Technologies section on www.forsythtech.edu.

D45750