Central Arizona College

Massage Therapy AAS

Semester Hours: 60
Effective Term: Fall 2017

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED; RDG094
Corequisites: None

Program Description: Massage Therapy includes 735 hours of basic curriculum which prepares individuals for entry-level positions performing massage therapy in a variety of settings. With additional classes in general education and expanded medical courses, students may attain the AAS in Massage Therapy with a 1140 hour certificate. This program includes relaxation massage, therapeutic massage, massage therapy for special populations and spa treatments and hydrotherapy. Included in the program is a Chiropractic Assistant certification program. Additional topics include physiotherapy, body mechanics, acupuncture, anatomy, pathophysiology, business skills, and complementary and alternative medicine.

For Fall 2016: LMT154 replaces HCC111.

Recommended Proficiencies: High School Diploma or GED; RDG094

Course Requirements
Massage Therapy AAS Total Credits: 60 Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED; RDG094 College Reading (3) Program Admission Requirements: Apply for admission to the degree program with the Massage Therapy Program Director before enrolling in the specialty requirements. General Education Requirements (19-20) Written Communications (3) Select one: ENG101 English Composition III (3) ENG121 Applied Technical Writing (3) Oral Communications (3) Select one: COM100 Fundamentals of Human Communication (3) or higher COM101 Interpersonal Communication (3) COM263 Intercultural Communication (3) Art and Humanities (3) Select a course numbered 100 or above from the following: ART, HMC, LIT, MHL, PHI, and THE. Students may also choose any course from the Art or Humanities AGEC lists. The required courses must represent two different departments for the Art and Humanities category. For example, students may not take a HIS course to fulfill their Art and Humanities requirement, if they are using another HIS course to complete their Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement. Social and Behavioral Sciences (3) PSY101 Introduction to Psychology (3) Or select a course numbered 100 or above from the following: ABS, ECN, GEO, HIS, POS, and SOC. Students may also choose any course from the Social and Behavioral Sciences AGEC list. The required courses must represent two different departments for the Social and Behavioral Sciences category. For example, students may not take a HIS course to fulfill their Art and Humanities requirement, if they are using another HIS course to complete their Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement. Physical and Biological Sciences (4) Select one: BIO160 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (4) BIO201 Human Anatomy-Physiology I (4) AND BIO202 Human Anatomy-Physiology II (4) Mathematics (3-4) Select one: BUS101 Business Mathematics (3) MAT118 Essential Mathematics (4) or higher Core and Elective Requirements (6) HCC100 Introduction to Health Care (3) HCC116 Medical Terminology Accelerated (3) Specialty Requirements (35-39) Select one: BIO160 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology* (4) BIO201 Human Anatomy-Physiology I (4) AND BIO202 Human Anatomy-Physiology II* (4) *Also fulfills Physical and Biological Sciences Requirement HPM173 Pathophysiology (3) LMT136 Business Skills for Massage Therapy (3) LMT150 Chiropractic Assistant Training (2) LMT151 Study of Acupuncture for Healthcare Professionals (1) LMT152 Study of Physiotherapy for Healthcare Professionals (1) LMT154 Complementary and Alternative Medicine (3) LMT160 Applied Anatomy for Massage Therapy (3) Prior to enrollment in any practicum courses, mandatory requirements must be met. CPR certification must be current for at least six months at the start of the Practicum. LMT175L Practicum - Massage Therapy, Relaxation Massage (1) LMT175M Practicum - Massage Therapy, Therapeutic Massage (1) LMT175N Practicum - Massage for Special Populations (1) LMT175O Practicum - Massage Therapy, (Spa Treatment/Hydrotherapy) (1) LMT180 Therapeutic Massage I (3) LMT181 Therapeutic Massage II (3) LMT280 Therapeutic Massage III (3) LMT281 Therapeutic Massage IV (3) LMT282 Therapeutic Massage V (3) Elective (0-3) Select any college-level course numbered 100 or higher the minimum total number of credits for this AAS degree. Other Requirements: (3) Reading Competency: RDG094 College Reading OR Equivalent reading assessment test score Computer Competency (3): CIS 110 Fundamentals of Computer Literacy (3) Students must earn: a grade of C or better in all required courses; a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale; a minimum of 20 credits from CAC; a minimum of 60 credits.
Program Measurable Student Learning Outcomes
1. (Synthesis Level) Correlate the knowledge acquired in the general education courses with massage therapy concepts and practice. 2. (Evaluation Level) Demonstrate, explain and critique various methods of massage therapy. 3. (Evaluation Level) Apply knowledge of massage history, benefits and contraindications, body mechanics, draping, hygiene, sanitation and safety to critique client care. 4. (Synthesis Level) Apply medical law and ethics, including legal guidelines/requirements for health care, medical ethics and related issues and risk management in case studies. 5. (Synthesis Level) Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pathophysiology and psychology in application of various massages to clients with specific needs. 6. (Synthesis Level) Incorporate appropriate and effective communications, including verbal and nonverbal interactions with others. 7. (Synthesis Level) Adapt for individualized needs in massage therapy. 8. (Application Level) Demonstrate application of electronic technology in massage therapy. 9. (Synthesis Level) Combine professional components, including operating a business, personal attributes, job readiness and workplace dynamics as they relate to massage therapy. 10. (Evaluation Level) Critique and problem solve issues related to the field of massage therapy. 11. (Analysis Level) Summarize the roles of the chiropractic assistant in the chiropractic office atmosphere including professional standards of conduct. 12. (Evaluation Level) Demonstrate and critique entry-level competencies in administrative procedures in office management including history taking, record keeping, scheduling and phone etiquette. 13. (Synthesis Level) Apply the concepts of acupuncture and physiotherapy for chiropractic therapy to clients and create a care plan.
Standards for Program
The curriculum has been developed using the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) recommended curriculum and the Arizona State requirements of 700-hour core curriculum for Massage Therapy. AZ Requirements of 700-hour core curriculum for Massage Therapy: http://www.massageboard.az.gov At completion of the certificate, the students will be eligible to take the NCBTMB Certification Examination and apply for AZ license in Massage Therapy.