Massage Therapy State Program
Upon successful completion of this training program, the student is qualified to take a state approved massage therapy examination and may also be eligible for national certification through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
The course requirements are as follows:
- Swedish Massage Technique 125 hours
- Human Anatomy & Physiology 75 hours
- Human Health & Hygiene 20 hours
- Hydrotherapy 20 hours
- Business Practices & Ethics 45 hours
- Neuromuscular Therapy 75 hours
- Kinesiology 50 hours
- Pathology 40 hours
- Internship Program 50 hours
Total contact hours required: 500
Course Descriptions
Swedish Massage Technique
(125 hours)
Swedish Massage forms the basis of the contemporary western approach to massage. In this course, students learn to give and receive a full body Swedish Massage. Instruction includes theory and history of massage, contraindications, body mechanics, basic strokes (effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, tapotement, and Swedish Gymnastics movements), supervised practice, personal development, and guided relaxation techniques. The emphasis is on becoming comfortable with touch, and achieving competence in soft tissue manipulation. This course includes a Practical Examination, which must be passed to enter the Internship Program. Students will also be required to perform practice massages outside of class.
Human Anatomy & Physiology
(75 hours: 50 hours Anatomy, 25 hours Physiology)
Students will study the structure and function of the human body, its vital systems, and the relationship of its parts. Students become familiar with scientific thought and medical terms. Emphasis is on the musculoskeletal system specifically for the body worker. The lectures are designed to help the student appreciate the relationship between the science of the human body and its response to the healing art of massage. The systems covered include muscular, skeletal, integumentary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, urinary, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
Hydrotherapy
(20 hours)
Hydrotherapy is the use of water at various temperatures, in its solid, liquid, and gaseous forms, as a restorative agent. Students learn and apply basic hydrotherapy principles, contraindications, and specific psychological effects of various hydrotherapy techniques, which include; steam baths, contrast baths, compresses, paraffin, dry brushing, salt glows, hot and cold applications, Swedish shampoos, and soaks. This class includes Lab applications to enhance skills.
Human Health & Hygiene
(20 hours)
Students will study the basics of health and disease prevention as applied to massage therapy, and will learn first aid, Universal precautions, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Topics include recognized methods of sterilization, use of disinfectants, communicable disease prevention, proper care of equipment and supplies, personal health maintenance through exercise and nutrition, Yoga, and Tai Chi.
Business Practices & Professional Ethics
(45 hours)
Students will study Texas massage therapy laws and rules and discuss professional boundaries and ethical standards for the practice of massage therapy. This course also includes basic business philosophy, planning, and ethics. Students learn goal setting, prioritizing, time management, marketing skills, bookkeeping, business planning, taxes, advertising, and job placement and interviewing skills.
Neuromuscular Therapy
(30 hours)
Clinical massage begins with a solid understanding of the body and its functions. We must understand a variety of basic and advanced modalities in order to make the appropriate choices for treatment based on individual client needs. The best results come about by an educated approach to bodywork designed for the individual. We will begin with a presentation of theory, physiological laws, and postural analysis. The course covers various modalities and their applications, including deep tissue, sports massage, Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitated stretching, Myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, positional release, and concepts of cranio-sacral therapy.
Kinesiology
(50 hours)
The study of mechanical principles, movements, and actions applied to the human body; and kinesiology (the study of movement that combines the fields of anatomy, physiology, physics, and geometry, and relates them to human development). The course includes a neuromuscular anatomy review, and an introduction to kinesiology, postural analysis, and gait patterns. The course will focus on the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems of the body and will build a deeper understanding of body movements, muscular tensions, and imbalances that arise as a result of various body stresses.
Pathology
(40 hours)
Pathology is the study of structural and functional changes in molecules, cells, tissues, and organs that underlie disease. Students will learn indications, contra-indications, and caveats for massage for specific diseases, injuries and types of massage. Learn when and how to safely interview, assess, and apply proper techniques for specific pathologies.
Internship Program
(50 hours)
Students will receive practical experience functioning as a massage therapist in a supervised context. The student will make client appointments, interview clients, provide massage therapy to the public, review client evaluations with massage therapy instructor, and perform other tasks that are necessary to the business of massage therapy. The internship program may not begin until the initial 250 hours are successfully completed, including 100 hours of Swedish Massage Technique, and the student has passed the Technique Practical Examination. The Internship consists of 50 hours of massage and massage related spa services provided to the public. The Internship is a most useful preparation to becoming a therapist, as the student learns by doing. We believe that the Intern experience in our professional spa facility will better equip our graduates for successful employment as professional massage therapists.