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 students 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 a student in the Therapeutic Massage 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. 

Please note that 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

Therapeutic Massage is on a career pathway that includes this technical diploma. It will prepare you for a good job and advanced training. Learn at your own pace and increase your earning potential with credentials that keep you moving on your career path.

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; these courses are offered during the day.
  • Sample day-time schedule
• The spring cohort begins in January and students graduate in December of same year; these courses are offered during the late afternoon/evenings.
  • Sample evening schedule

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

This program is not offered online.

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 a New Student 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

Students admitted onto the waitlist for the Spring 2017 term or prior should continue to use their Academic Requirements Report and review emails from their academic advisor.

Students admitted into a pre-petition status for the Fall 2017 term or after should complete the Therapeutic Massage Petition Requirements.

Questions?

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

Curriculum

Curriculum

The courses listed below outline the requirements for completion for students officially admitted in the 2016-2017 academic year. Requirements for completion may vary depending on the semester in which a student is admitted or may be completed by other equivalent courses. Current/continuing students should consult their Academic Requirements report available through their student account for specific requirements and equivalent courses.

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: 

• Provide therapeutic massage services.
• 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