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Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Massage Therapy

Technical Diploma 31-537-1

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 3 806-177 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: 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 3 806-177 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: 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 2 806-177 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: 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 2nd 8 weeks | 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: 2nd 8 weeks | 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.
  Total Credits: 9  
Total Credits: 9

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

Course Title

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Course Description

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Minimum Program Credits Required: 27

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 11:54 a.m.  |  Printed: 11/4/2025 2:06 p.m.

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