Therapeutic Massage - Massage Practitioner I
Curriculum Description
The Therapeutic Massage curriculum prepares graduates to work in direct client care settings providing manipulation / massage of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress, and to promote health and wellness.
Courses include content in normal human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic massage, ethical /legal issues, business practices, and pathology. Students should be able to perform entry level therapeutic massage with various populations throughout the lifespan.
Employment opportunities include health care facilities, chiropractors ’offices, 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 program of study 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.
Certificate
C45750MA
NC CIP: 51.3501
Evening Part-time
POS Approved: Fall 2023
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| MTH 110AB | Fundamentals of Massage | 3 | 6 | 0 | 5 |
| Total: | 6 | 6 | 0 | 8 |
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 |
Total Credit Hours: 15
Additional Information
A grade of C or better is required in all MTH courses or the student will be dismissed. Readmission may be possible but requires reapplying and approval by the college and Program Coordinator. 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:
- The employment of fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license or the renewal of a license.
- The use of drugs or intoxicating liquors to an extent that affects professional competency.
- Conviction of an offense under any municipal, state or federal narcotic or controlled substance law until proof of rehabilitation can be established.
- Conviction of a felony or other public offense involving moral turpitude until proof of rehabilitation can be established.
- An adjudication of insanity or incompetency until proof of recovery from the condition can be established.
- Practice as a licensee under this Article without a valid certificate or renewal.
Upon completion of the Therapeutic Massage-Massage Practitioner I and Massage Practitioner II certificates, 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.
Students may receive a diploma upon completion of the Massage Practitioner I and Massage Practitioner II certificates and the following courses: BIO 163 or BIO 165 and BIO 166 or BIO 168 and BIO 169, PSY 118 or PSY 150, and an English elective. See your advisor for additional details.
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 Sciences section on www.forsythtech.edu.