Massage Studies - Associate of Applied Technology Degree
The Massage Studies AAT degree prepares successful students for employment and practice in a variety of workplace settings. Graduates from this program are qualified for positions at spas, clinics, hospitals and successful private practices.
Students develop a strong foundation in Swedish massage and deep tissue techniques. Clinical massage students benefit from advanced training in treatment applications and assessment. Teaching techniques are varied, addressing a wide variety of learning styles.
Therapeutic Massage centers around safe, therapeutic, non-sexual and non-judgemental touch. Clover Park Technical College's Massage Program adheres to the highest standards of professional conduct, including non-discriminatory and inclusive practice. Enrolled students are required to participate in the exchange of applied massage techniques with classmates in a supervised and professional setting. On-campus massages are performed in an open-concept clinic setting with privacy curtains in place. Participation in the student operated clinic allows students to gain clinical experience working with a diverse clientele under instructor supervision.
Topics covered include, but are not limited to, massage theory and practice, anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, orthopedic assessment, pregnancy massage, sports massage, deep tissue, myofascial techniques, lymphatic drainage, on-site seated massage, hydrotherapy, hot-stone massage, and mini-spa applications.
Business classes introduce the skills and theories necessary for successful employment, such as professional ethics, goal setting, business planning, insurance billing, networking and communicating with health care professionals, marketing, job networking, resume writing, and interviewing.
Included in the associate degree program are academic courses in communication (English composition, speech), quantitative reasoning (math), and social sciences (psychology, sociology) that provide knowledge and abilities that enhance personal development and serve as a foundation for technical skills. These classes are offered at various times outside the regular Massage program hours.
Students pursuing an AAT degree must complete all college degree requirements prior to graduation. This includes courses that meet the requirements for diversity, computer literacy, and the capstone project.
Physical Activity Requirements
Common physical requirements to perform massage include the ability to stand for up to two hours while applying practical application of massage strokes, the ability to successfully support and move client’s body parts including head, neck, and limbs, and repetitive use of the hands, fingers and thumbs to compress and manipulate tissue. This occupation requires medium physical activity and lifting/handling objects weighing 10-25 lbs. (occasionally up to 50 lbs.). Massage practitioners are often standing and bending for long periods of time (up to two hours) while performing massages. This profession tends to stress the wrists, shoulders, back, and neck of practitioners.
Employability Requirements - license required.
Graduates are able to apply for licensure from Washington State DOH after passing the Federation of State Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Board certification exam. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requires a minimum of 625 hours of training in Massage Studies by an approved educational program. A Washington State Patrol background check will screen for prior convictions in advance of state licensing. Persons with some types of criminal convictions may not be eligible for licensure. Upon meeting the requirements set forth by the DOH graduates are eligible to work in the industry as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in the state of Washington.
Program Length
The associate degree program may take up to six quarters, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.
Admission Dates
Fall quarter.
Program Outcomes
• Apply principles of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to inform massage therapy practice and treatment planning effectively.
• Navigate the complexities of healthcare settings with professionalism and integrity, adhering to ehical guidelines, industry standards and state regulations.
• Perform a kinesiology assessment to identify musculoskeletal imbalances, movement dysfunctions, and postural deviations in clients.
• Communicate with diverse clients and healthcare professionals to establish rapport, coordinate care, and facilitate collaboration for comprehensive client care.
• Prepare for the Washington State approved Licensure Exam for massage.
• Perform a diverse range of massage techniques tailored to meet the individual wants and needs of clients.
• Use SOAP charting, both in relaxation and clinical settings, to document accurate client records.
Completion Requirements
In addition to successfully passing all of the courses, students must also meet the requirements of the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) in order to sit for the licensure examination. These include completing at least 625 hours of training, a criminal background check, and certification in American Red Cross first aid and American Heart Association CPR or the equivalent. CPR training must be in person. Additional information regarding the DOH requirements can be found here: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/massage-therapist.
Prerequisite(s)
Students must have documentation of training in American Red Cross first aid and American Heart Association CPR or the equivalent prior to progressing to second quarter. CPR training must be in person. A Washington State Patrol check will be required during the first quarter of study to progress to the second quarter. Some results from the background check may prevent individuals from participating in certain classes.
Program Course List
Computer Literacy Requirements: Complete an approved computer literacy course or successfully pass the computer literacy exam.