Therapeutic Massage

Due to the job outlook in the district, Madison College is no longer admitting new students to the Therapeutic Massage program. Contact the School of Health Sciences with questions.

The Madison College Therapeutic Massage program (800 hours, 28 credits) is designed to provide you with a thorough foundation in the theory and practice of therapeutic massage. You will gain the knowledge you need to become a licensed massage therapist. 

As an entry level training program, you will develop expertise in western massage techniques and learn to adapt those skills to a variety of clients, including pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with various other health challenges. Significant emphasis is placed on professional skills, the therapeutic relationship, treatment planning and enhanced body-mind awareness.

In the second semester, you will be introduced to clinical approaches to therapeutic massage such as trigger point therapy and sports massage. You will also explore spa therapies such as hydrotherapy, hot stone and aromatherapy. You will gain a foundational understanding of eastern bodywork theory and technique and examine a variety of specialized modalities.

In the final course of the program, you will synthesize and refine your massage techniques and treatment planning skills within a professional clinic setting. You will learn valuable skills such as appointment-scheduling, record keeping, customer service and professional communication. 

Upon admission to the Therapeutic Massage program, you will be required to complete a background check and provide documentation of current required-immunizations and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification. Wisconsin law requires background checks for persons who provide care for others or have access to people who receive care. This law applies to students in many School of Health Sciences programs. Please review the Caregiver Background Check information on the School of Health Sciences Forms and Policies.

Therapeutic Massage classes are offered at these Madison College campuses:

• Madison - Truax

To Enroll:

1. Must be admitted to the Therapeutic Massage program; see Admission tab. 
2. Meet the Registration Requirements Below in order to Register for Therapeutic Massage classes. 

Algebra

Students must demonstrate algebra competency in one of the following ways:

1. Test Scores: Minimum test score cannot be more than two years old:

• ACT Math 17+
• Accuplacer (Arithmetic) 76+
• Accuplacer Next Gen (Arithmetic) 250+

2. Courses: Madison College courses that satisfy this requirement are:

• Elementary Algebra with Apps (10834110) or higher
• College Math (10804107)
• Mathematical Reasoning (10804134) or higher
• Applied Math for Chemistry (77854756)
• Math for Health (77854788)

English

Students must demonstrate English competency in one of the following ways:

1. Test Scores: Minimum test score cannot be more than two years old:

• ACT English 17+
• Accuplacer Write 5+ and Sentence 86+
• Accuplacer Next Gen Writing 260+

2. Courses: Madison College courses that satisfy this requirement are:

• Written Communication (10801195) or higher
• English 1 (20801201) or higher
• Intro to College Writing (10831103)

Reading

Students must demonstrate reading competency in one of the following ways:

1. Test Scores: Minimum test score cannot be more than two years old:

• ACT Reading 19+
• Accuplacer Reading 80+
• Accuplacer Next Gen Reading 261+

2. Courses: Madison College courses that satisfy this requirement are:

• Written Communication (10801195) or higher
• English 1 (20801201) or higher
• College Reading Strategies (10808101) or Intro Reading & Study Skills (10838105)

Chemistry or Biology

Students must demonstrate chemistry or biology competency in one of the following ways:

1. One year of high school chemistry or biology with lab components; high school chemistry classes must be college-preparatory.
2. One semester of college-level chemistry or biology with lab components. Madison College courses that satisfy this requirement are:

• Body Structure and Function (10501153) *Preferred*
• General Chemistry (10806134) or higher
• Chemistry for Non-Science Majors (20806200)
• General Anatomy & Physiology (20806206) or higher

Note:  Chemistry for the Community or similar classes do not satisfy this requirement

The Therapeutic Massage Student Clinic offers massages in the spring and fall semesters.

Careers

Madison College's Therapeutic Massage program prepares you for valuable work as a professional:

• Wisconsin Licensed Massage Therapist

Upon successful completion of the Therapeutic Massage Program, you will be eligible for the state and national licensing exams. 

After passing the state licensing exam and the national licensing exam (MBlex or NCETM), graduates will become Wisconsin LMTs eligible to work in a variety of settings: 

• Massage clinics
• Health clubs
• Spas
• Integrative healthcare facilities
• Beauty salons
• Private practice