Central Arizona College

Massage Therapy AAS Degree

Semester Hours: 64
Effective Term: Fall 2014

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 2014: HPM154 replaces HCC111.

Recommended Proficiencies: High School Diploma or GED; RDG094

Course Requirements
Massage Therapy AAS Degree (64 Credits) Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED; RDG094 Pre-Program Requirements: Apply for admission to the degree program with the Massage Therapy Program Director before enrolling in the specialty requirements. General Education Requirements (19-23) Written Communications (3) ENG101 English Composition III (3) OR ENG121 Applied Technical Writing (3) Oral Communications (3) COM100 Fundamentals of Human Communication (3) COM101 Interpersonal Communication (3) COM263 Intercultural Communication (3) Or select a COM course. Arts and Humanities (3) Select an Art, Humanities, Literature, Music, Philosophy or Theatre course numbered 100 or higher, or an AGEC course. Social and Behavioral Sciences (3) PSY101 Introduction to Psychology (3) Or select Social/Behavioral Science course, or AGEC course. Physical and Biological Sciences (4) BIO160 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (4) OR (BIO201 Human Anatomy - Physiology I (4) AND BIO202 Human Anatomy - Physiology II (4)) Mathematics (3-4) Select a college-level Mathematics course BUS101 Business Mathematics (3) OR MAT101 Essential Mathematics (4) or higher Core Requirements (6) HCC100 Introduction to Health Care (3) HCC116 Medical Terminology Accelerated (3) Specialty Requirements (35-39) BIO160 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (4) OR (BIO201 Human Anatomy - Physiology I (4) AND BIO202 Human Anatomy - Physiology II (4)) (Also fulfills Physical and Biological Sciences Requirement) HPM136 Business Skills for Massage Therapy (3) HPM150 Chiropractic Assistant Training (2) HPM151 Study of Acupuncture for Healthcare Professionals (1) HPM152 Study of Physiotherapy for Healthcare Professionals (1) HPM154 Complementary and Alternative Medicine (3) HPM160 Applied Anatomy for Massage Therapy (3) HPM173 Pathophysiology (3) HPM175L Practicum - Massage Therapy, Relaxation Massage (1) HPM175M Practicum - Massage Therapy, Therapeutic Massage (1) HPM175N Practicum - Massage for Special Populations (1) HPM175O Practicum - Massage Therapy, (Spa Treatment/Hydrotherapy) (1) HPM180 Therapeutic Massage I (3) HPM181 Therapeutic Massage II (3) HPM280 Therapeutic Massage III (3) HPM281 Therapeutic Massage IV (3) HPM282 Therapeutic Massage V (3) Elective (0-1) Select any 100 or higher college-level course to meet the 65 credit degree requirement. Other Requirements: (4) PAC or DAN Course (1) Reading Competency: RDG094 College Reading Computer Competency (3): CIS 110 Fundamentals of Computer Literacy (3) (Recommended) or Transferable Computer Competency course (Consult the CEG.) 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. Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all required courses. Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students must earn at least one-third of the certificate credits from CAC. This A.A.S. Degree requires 64 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. (Evaluation Level) Summarize 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. (Evaluation Level) Summarize professional components, including operating a business, personal attributes, job readiness and workplace dynamics as they relate to massage therapy. 10. (Evaluation Level) Critically think and problem solve issues related to the field of massage therapy. 11. (Evaluation 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. (Evaluation 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/userfiles/Apply%20instructions%286%29.pdf At completion of the certificate, the students will be eligible to take the NCBTMB Certification Examination and apply for AZ license in Massage Therapy.