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Program Requirements

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Program Requirements

Massage Therapy - Advanced Practice

Associate Degree 10-537-1

www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882

Start Dates: August

Effective: August 2025

First Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
537-100 Massage Therapy 1 3 1st 8 weeks | 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-101, 537-102, 537-104 This course introduces the foundations of the massage therapy profession. Topics include general theory, equipment, and safety techniques. Learners will develop skills related to safety of self, clients, and equipment.
Course #: 537-100
Title: Massage Therapy 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 1st 8 weeks | 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-101, 537-102, 537-104 This course introduces the foundations of the massage therapy profession. Topics include general theory, equipment, and safety techniques. Learners will develop skills related to safety of self, clients, and equipment.
537-101 MT Ethics & Business Practices 3 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-100, 537-102, 537-104 This course explores the historical and cultural foundations of massage therapy, while also developing learners' professional ethics, standards, and legal knowledge. Learners will apply these principles to create a personalized business plan, develop effective professional collaboration skills, and establish a professional development plan to enhance their massage therapy practice. Through hands-on experiences and theoretical exploration, learners will gain the necessary skills to succeed in the massage therapy industry.
Course #: 537-101
Title: MT Ethics & Business Practices
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-100, 537-102, 537-104 This course explores the historical and cultural foundations of massage therapy, while also developing learners' professional ethics, standards, and legal knowledge. Learners will apply these principles to create a personalized business plan, develop effective professional collaboration skills, and establish a professional development plan to enhance their massage therapy practice. Through hands-on experiences and theoretical exploration, learners will gain the necessary skills to succeed in the massage therapy industry.
537-102 MT Applied Kinesiology 1 3 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-100, 537-101, 537-104 This course builds on foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology while focusing on the basic principles of kinesiology relating to massage therapy. Learners will identify and describe the anatomical organization and general physiological principles of the human body. For all systems of the body, learners will demonstrate knowledge of structures, functions, and pathologies encountered in the practice of massage therapy.
Course #: 537-102
Title: MT Applied Kinesiology 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 806-177 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-100, 537-101, 537-104 This course builds on foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology while focusing on the basic principles of kinesiology relating to massage therapy. Learners will identify and describe the anatomical organization and general physiological principles of the human body. For all systems of the body, learners will demonstrate knowledge of structures, functions, and pathologies encountered in the practice of massage therapy.
537-104 Massage Therapy 2 3 2nd 8 weeks | 806-177 and 537-100 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-101, 537-102 This course builds upon the concepts of Therapeutic Massage 1. Students will progress in depth and breadth of skills and techniques in therapeutic massage.
Course #: 537-104
Title: Massage Therapy 2
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 2nd 8 weeks | 806-177 and 537-100 or concurrent; Corequisite: 537-101, 537-102 This course builds upon the concepts of Therapeutic Massage 1. Students will progress in depth and breadth of skills and techniques in therapeutic massage.
806-177 Gen Anatomy & Physiology 4 836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test Score Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.
Course #: 806-177
Title: Gen Anatomy & Physiology
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test Score Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.
  Total Credits: 16  
Total Credits: 16

Second Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
537-106 MT Pathology & Pharmacology 2 1st 8 weeks | 806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-108, 537-110, 537-112 This course examines medical terminology, disease mechanisms, and physiological systems in the context of massage therapy. Learners apply medical terms in practical scenarios, assess disease processes and contraindications, and evaluate pharmacological concepts relevant to client care. Through critical thinking and hands-on assessments, learners determine the suitability of massage therapy based on pathology, risk factors, and client health history.
Course #: 537-106
Title: MT Pathology & Pharmacology
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 1st 8 weeks | 806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-108, 537-110, 537-112 This course examines medical terminology, disease mechanisms, and physiological systems in the context of massage therapy. Learners apply medical terms in practical scenarios, assess disease processes and contraindications, and evaluate pharmacological concepts relevant to client care. Through critical thinking and hands-on assessments, learners determine the suitability of massage therapy based on pathology, risk factors, and client health history.
537-108 MT Applied Kinesiology 2 3 806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-106, 537-110, 537-112 This course builds on foundational knowledge from MT Applied Kinesiology 1. The learner analyzes functional movement patterns, assesses functional restrictions, and evaluates muscle tissue. Emphasis is placed on applying advanced assessment techniques to identify and address movement-related issues.
Course #: 537-108
Title: MT Applied Kinesiology 2
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-106, 537-110, 537-112 This course builds on foundational knowledge from MT Applied Kinesiology 1. The learner analyzes functional movement patterns, assesses functional restrictions, and evaluates muscle tissue. Emphasis is placed on applying advanced assessment techniques to identify and address movement-related issues.
537-110 Massage Therapy 3 3 806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-106, 537-108, 537-112 This course expands on the concepts introduced in Massage Therapy 2, guiding learners in applying the scope of practice within a Wellness model. Students will create therapeutic environments, utilize hydrotherapy techniques, and foster professional client-therapist relationships. The course also focuses on using therapeutic techniques for athletes, providing sports massage for performance enhancement and injury prevention, and delivering customized, client-centered sessions.
Course #: 537-110
Title: Massage Therapy 3
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-106, 537-108, 537-112 This course expands on the concepts introduced in Massage Therapy 2, guiding learners in applying the scope of practice within a Wellness model. Students will create therapeutic environments, utilize hydrotherapy techniques, and foster professional client-therapist relationships. The course also focuses on using therapeutic techniques for athletes, providing sports massage for performance enhancement and injury prevention, and delivering customized, client-centered sessions.
537-112 Massage Therapy Practice 1 1 2nd 8 weeks | 806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-106, 537-108, 537-110 A practical experience course where students will apply foundational knowledge and skills regarding all aspects of a massage clinic. Students will learn how to provide a positive client experience and beginner-level therapeutic massage treatments.
Course #: 537-112
Title: Massage Therapy Practice 1
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments: 2nd 8 weeks | 806-177 and 537-100 and 537-101 and 537-102 and 537-104; Corequisite: 537-106, 537-108, 537-110 A practical experience course where students will apply foundational knowledge and skills regarding all aspects of a massage clinic. Students will learn how to provide a positive client experience and beginner-level therapeutic massage treatments.
801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Comm 3   Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
Course #: 801-196
Title: Oral/Interpersonal Comm
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
809-198 Intro to Psychology 3   This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.
Course #: 809-198
Title: Intro to Psychology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.
  Total Credits: 15  
Total Credits: 15

Summer Term
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
537-114 Massage Therapy Practice 2 2 537-106 and 537-108 and 537-110 and 537-112 This course applies the clinical application of hydrotherapy, pre- and post-sports massage, and sports injury treatment within therapeutic massage sessions. Learners assess client needs, select appropriate techniques, and integrate hydrotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes. Emphasizing injury prevention and recovery, learners develop customized treatment plans, perform targeted massage techniques, and provide home care education. Accurate documentation and client-centered communication are reinforced to support athletic performance and overall wellness.
Course #: 537-114
Title: Massage Therapy Practice 2
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 537-106 and 537-108 and 537-110 and 537-112 This course applies the clinical application of hydrotherapy, pre- and post-sports massage, and sports injury treatment within therapeutic massage sessions. Learners assess client needs, select appropriate techniques, and integrate hydrotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes. Emphasizing injury prevention and recovery, learners develop customized treatment plans, perform targeted massage techniques, and provide home care education. Accurate documentation and client-centered communication are reinforced to support athletic performance and overall wellness.
  Total Credits: 2  
Total Credits: 2

Third Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
104-102 Marketing Principles 3   Marketing of products and services. Concentrates on product, price, place, promotion, market segmentation, target marketing, pricing, market research, physical distribution and distribution channels.
Course #: 104-102
Title: Marketing Principles
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Marketing of products and services. Concentrates on product, price, place, promotion, market segmentation, target marketing, pricing, market research, physical distribution and distribution channels.
537-115 MT Special Populations 3 537-114; Corequisite: 537-116 This course examines the application of massage therapy techniques for special populations, focusing on pregnancy, oncology, geriatrics, and individuals with unique neurological or physical differences. Learners will explore the benefits, contraindications, and safety considerations for these populations, and develop skills in assessing client needs, creating targeted treatment plans, and using appropriate techniques. Emphasis is placed on adapting positioning, techniques, and environmental factors to ensure effective and safe massage therapy for diverse clients.
Course #: 537-115
Title: MT Special Populations
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 537-114; Corequisite: 537-116 This course examines the application of massage therapy techniques for special populations, focusing on pregnancy, oncology, geriatrics, and individuals with unique neurological or physical differences. Learners will explore the benefits, contraindications, and safety considerations for these populations, and develop skills in assessing client needs, creating targeted treatment plans, and using appropriate techniques. Emphasis is placed on adapting positioning, techniques, and environmental factors to ensure effective and safe massage therapy for diverse clients.
537-116 Massage Therapy Practice 3 3 537-114; Corequisite: 537-115 A practical experience course where students will participate in all aspects of a massage clinic. Students will progress their specialized therapeutic massage skills for special populations and patients across the lifespan.
Course #: 537-116
Title: Massage Therapy Practice 3
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 537-114; Corequisite: 537-115 A practical experience course where students will participate in all aspects of a massage clinic. Students will progress their specialized therapeutic massage skills for special populations and patients across the lifespan.
801-136 English Composition 1 3   This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.
Course #: 801-136
Title: English Composition 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.
809-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies 3   This is a course that draws from several disciplines to reaffirm the basic American values of justice and equality by teaching a basic vocabulary, a history of immigration and conquest, principles of transcultural communication, legal liability and the value of aesthetic production to increase the probability of respectful encounters among people. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the topics of ageism, sexism, gender differences, sexual orientation, the disabled and the American Disability Act (ADA) are explored. Ethnic relations are studied in global and comparative perspectives.
Course #: 809-172
Title: Introduction to Diversity Studies
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This is a course that draws from several disciplines to reaffirm the basic American values of justice and equality by teaching a basic vocabulary, a history of immigration and conquest, principles of transcultural communication, legal liability and the value of aesthetic production to increase the probability of respectful encounters among people. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the topics of ageism, sexism, gender differences, sexual orientation, the disabled and the American Disability Act (ADA) are explored. Ethnic relations are studied in global and comparative perspectives.
  Total Credits: 15  
Total Credits: 15

Fourth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
102-112 Principles of Management 3   This course explores the four key managerial functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Learners gain personal insights through assessments and feedback, while learning to apply theoretical concepts to their potential managerial practices. The course emphasizes global applicability, preparing learners for diverse leadership roles.
Course #: 102-112
Title: Principles of Management
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course explores the four key managerial functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Learners gain personal insights through assessments and feedback, while learning to apply theoretical concepts to their potential managerial practices. The course emphasizes global applicability, preparing learners for diverse leadership roles.
537-117 Advanced Massage Techniques 3 537-115 and 537-116; Corequisite: 537-118, 537-119 This course expands upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in Massage Therapy 1, 2, and 3. Learners will delve into advanced massage techniques, focusing on Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT). Through hands-on practice, learners will apply PNF and NMT techniques to increase range of motion in both upper and lower body muscle groups. By integrating these advanced modalities into comprehensive therapeutic massage sessions, learners will be equipped to provide enhanced care and address more complex client needs.
Course #: 537-117
Title: Advanced Massage Techniques
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 537-115 and 537-116; Corequisite: 537-118, 537-119 This course expands upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in Massage Therapy 1, 2, and 3. Learners will delve into advanced massage techniques, focusing on Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT). Through hands-on practice, learners will apply PNF and NMT techniques to increase range of motion in both upper and lower body muscle groups. By integrating these advanced modalities into comprehensive therapeutic massage sessions, learners will be equipped to provide enhanced care and address more complex client needs.
537-118 Massage Therapy Practice 4 3 537-115 and 537-116; Corequisite: 537-117, 537-119 This course applies advanced clinical massage and bodywork techniques in the clinical setting. The learner develops proficiency in the application of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Positional Release Therapy (PRT), and Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) across various body regions including the head, neck, trunk, hips, glutes, and extremities. This course also incorporates lymphatic drainage and craniosacral therapy. The learner integrates comprehensive client assessment, justifies treatment plans, and delivers customized, client-centered sessions while providing essential homecare education.
Course #: 537-118
Title: Massage Therapy Practice 4
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 537-115 and 537-116; Corequisite: 537-117, 537-119 This course applies advanced clinical massage and bodywork techniques in the clinical setting. The learner develops proficiency in the application of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Positional Release Therapy (PRT), and Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) across various body regions including the head, neck, trunk, hips, glutes, and extremities. This course also incorporates lymphatic drainage and craniosacral therapy. The learner integrates comprehensive client assessment, justifies treatment plans, and delivers customized, client-centered sessions while providing essential homecare education.
537-119 MT Lymphedema & Craniosacral 3 537-115 and 537-116; Corequisite: 537-117, 537-118 This course will specialize in the lymphatic and craniosacral systems. Students will learn the theory and manual skills to treat health conditions associated with these systems.
Course #: 537-119
Title: MT Lymphedema & Craniosacral
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 537-115 and 537-116; Corequisite: 537-117, 537-118 This course will specialize in the lymphatic and craniosacral systems. Students will learn the theory and manual skills to treat health conditions associated with these systems.
  Total Credits: 12  
Total Credits: 12

Course Title

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Course Description

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Minimum Program Credits Required: 60

Grade of B- required for program core courses

Grade of C required for general education courses

2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.

Updated: 11/1/2024 11:42 a.m.  |  Printed: 8/25/2025 1:15 p.m.

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