Therapeutic Massage

One Year Technical Diploma

Program number: 315371

• Overview
• Admission
• Curriculum
• Outcomes
• Careers

Overview

Overview

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.

Program Details

Students in the Therapeutic Massage program may attend full or part-time.

Students can choose to enter one of two cohorts, each year.

• The fall cohort begins in September and students graduate May of next year. Classes are offered during the day; Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• The spring cohort begins in January and students graduate in December of the same year. Classes are offered during the late afternoon/evenings; Monday through Friday 3 - 9 p.m.

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

Therapeutic Massage classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

• Madison - Truax

Explore financial aid eligibility for this program. 

All courses for this program are offered only in person.

Admission

Admission

To Apply

View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements.

• Review the admission checklist to learn how to apply to a program or certificate at Madison College.
• Attend an Academic Information Session to get started in the admission process.
• Visit MATC to learn more about the Madison College experience including campus tours and program open houses.

After Acceptance

Once you have been admitted in a pre-petition status, your next step is to complete the Therapeutic Massage Petition Requirements.                      

Questions?

Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or (608) 246-6210.

Curriculum

Curriculum

Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2018-2019 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

Current program students (including newly admitted), go directly to your Degree Progress Report (also referred to as an Advising Report or Academic Requirements) to view:

• Progress toward your specific requirements
• Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

If you have questions after reviewing your report, please see Advising Services.

First Semester

10-501-153

Body Structure & Function - Used in a variety of Degree Programs

3 credits

10-537-136

Musculoskeletal Anatomy for the Massage Therapist

4 credits

31-537-340

Therapeutic Massage 1

4 credits

31-537-342

Therapeutic Massage 2

4 credits

Second Semester

10-537-138

Kinesiology for the Massage Therapist

2 credits

10-537-139

Pathology and Medical Terminology for the Massage Therapist

3 credits

31-537-344

Specialized Techniques for Therapeutic Massage

4 credits

31-537-346

Therapeutic Massage Clinic and Business Practices

4 credits

Outcomes

Outcomes

After completing the Therapeutic Massage program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to: 

• Become a licensed massage therapist through successful completion of state and national exams.
• Provide therapeutic massage services.
• Apply knowledge of human anatomy, pathology, and kinesiology in the practice of therapeutic massage. 
• Prepare treatment area.
• Assess needs of clients through intake process.
• Modify massage service as a result of contraindication to treatment.
• Create treatment plan.
• Educate client on treatment plan.
• Accommodate client requests during massage service.
• Adapt skills to a diverse clientele.
• Use effective communication throughout the massage session.
• Complete post-massage assessment and educate client on future treatment plan.
• Maintain massage equipment and facility.
• Follow standard safety and sanitation precautions and emergency procedures.
• Demonstrate self-regulation, ethics, and professional appearance.
• Perform within the professional scope of practice for the state of Wisconsin.
• Abide by the recommended standards of practice and code of ethics as issued by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
• Apply mindfulness techniques for self-regulation.
• Follow therapeutic massage clinic business practices.
• Use professional verbal, nonverbal and written business communications.
• Schedule appointments.
• Maintain patient records.
• Perform financial transactions.
• Maintain office inventory.
• Utilize technology for use in promotion, scheduling and client follow-up.

Careers

Madison College'e 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