Program Description:
Program CIP Code: 51.3501
Program SOC Code: 31.9011
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the massage industry to grow 22 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will likely increase as more health care providers understand the benefits of massage and these services become part of treatment plans. After earning a massage license, many massage therapists find employment quickly and report high job satisfaction.
People who choose this career to help clients de-stress, improve circulation, and reduce pain, but it can also be therapeutic to the massage therapists who perform it. Massage therapists may work in serene spa atmospheres with less stress and tension. Job security is another reason people choose this career. Although more and more jobs in general are being outsourced or eliminated through automation, it’s unlikely that robots will be able to replace the hands-on work of massage therapists in the foreseeable future. Flexible work schedule and healthy lifestyle are some other benefits of working in this industry.
The massage therapy program at Cosmotek College is an appealing option for many people. It is more affordable and much quicker to complete. The first 500 hours of our unique curriculum including the best of Eastern, Western and Ancient practices provides the strong foundation that a student requires for entering the massage field. The course provides introductions into several areas within the profession, with lessons devoted to spa massage, lymph massage, clinical massage techniques, therapeutic procedures, athletic massage, and massage in medicine. The somatic modalities lesson has been augmented with expanded discussions on chair massage, reflexology, Asian bodywork, and chakra balancing. The remaining 250 hours focuses on reflexology works, Shiatsu & acupressure, and Thai massage. Students will learn different techniques and treatment processes for each massage modality to best address the needs of the patient.
Our massage therapy program offers an affordable option to those who need financial help. Cosmotek College offers low cost tuition as well as scholarships and financial aid to qualified students.
Upon completion of our Massage Therapy program, you will gain in–depth educational skills that increase your knowledge and develop specialized techniques of massage; you will have all the tools you need to succeed as a certified Massage Therapist.
Educational Goals:
As a student in this program, you will
- learn about general safety policies and precautions take when providing massage services.
- learn about educational requirements, scope of practice, state and local regulations, codes of ethics, and standards of practice.
- learn basic business skills that provide the basis for a successful massage practice.
- learn a basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology.
- be able to adjust the massage treatment to the needs of the client and to maximize desired results.
- learn to recognize certain irregularities or conditions and make appropriate decisions either to work on a client or refer that client to a doctor.
- learn the physiologic effects, psychological effects, and benefits of massage.
- learn about contraindications that warrant a massage not being done, or not being done to a specific area.
- learn about endangerment sites, and why they should be avoided in a massage routine.
- learn one of the popular treatments that can be used in conjunction with massage use water in its various forms to warm or cool a part of or the whole body for therapeutic purposes
- learn complete body massage procedure.
- learn the spa industry and how to set up a spa
- learn the four basic steps therapeutic procedure which include assessment, planning, performance, and evaluation.
- learn to help athlete prevent injuries, to prepare the body for athletic activity and maintain it in optimal condition, and to help athletes recover from workouts and injuries.
- will explore the role of massage therapy as it relates to special populations
- gain basic skills in eastern modalities, such as hand & foot reflexology, traditional Chinese medicine, energy work, acupressure, Shiatsu, and Thai massage.
- learn how reflexology works: by applying pressure to “reflex” points on the hands and feet, you can help to stimulate the body’s natural powers self-healing.
- learn more than 100 step-by-step techniques and treatment sequences, detailed foot and hand relfex charts, and a directory of treatment for 30 common ailments, from back pain to constipation, arthritis to high blood pressure.
- learn Shiatsu massage helps restore balance to the body’s natural energy flow.
- learn to use finger and palm pressure to stimulate acupunture energetic pathways or meridians on the body.
- learn the fundamental concepts, history, and philosophy of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing system in which Thai Massage has its historical roots.
- learn using thumb, hands, palms, elbows, knees and feet with bending and streching in different yoga positions.
Careers:
After graduation, you will be facing a diversity of job possibilities including entry-level employment as a message therapist or to run your own practice.
You will learn to create and run an effective massage practice. You will feel confident in your ability to think about business situations in a new ay and establish a thorough plan for the creation of your dream massage practice.
You may look for employment in a health club, at resort, hotel, or spa, on a cruise ship, in conjunction with a medical facility, chiropractor office, nursing homes or as a freelance professional.
Equipment / Supply List:
PC / Notebook, pens and pencils, internet access, massage table, massage chair, and massage supplies.
Bolsters, pillows, mat, pelvic sacral blocks, knee pad, ball, foot rollers, and stone heater.
Human skeleton model, charts, posters, massage equipment are inside classroom.
Download Complete Anatomy Platform app (optional).
Chart – Trigger point therapy chart
Poster – Thai Tradition Massage Body 24 Basic Posture Picture
Poster – 40 Steps Thai Oil Massage Basic Aroma Therapy
Book: Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, latest edition (by Mark F. Beck. Publisher: Milady)
Book – Encyclopedia of Thai Massage Therapy and Acupressure (by C. Pierce Salguero PhD, David Roylance) – available on Scribd
Book – Reflexology: Health at your Fingertips (by Barbara & Kevin Kunz)
Book: Acupressure’s Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach
Prerequisite:
None
Instructional Method:
Students may choose to learn the entire course on-campus or instructor-led (synchronous) distance education.
The program does not require internships or externships.
Distance Education:
Students may earn up to 285 hours (38%) of the program.
Sessions:
Begin weekly on Mondays
Curriculum:
| Course | Descrption | Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAS101 | Ethics & Massage Business | 40 |
| MAS102 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 80 |
| MAS103 | Contraindications / Health & Hygiene | 40 |
| MAS104 | Swedish / Massage Movements / Complete Body Massage | 160 |
| MAS105 | Hydrotherapy / Clinical / Lymph / Therapeutic / Sport Massage | 120 |
| MAS106 | Special Populations / Somatic Therapies | 60 |
| MAS107 | Reflexology | 60 |
| MAS108 | Acupressure Points | 80 |
| MAS109 | Thai Massage | 110 |
| Subject | Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAS101 | Ethics & Massage Business | 40 |
| Historical Overview of Massage | The subject shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures:Explain why massage is known as one of the earliest remedial practices for the relief of pain and discomfort.Explain why massage is a natural and instinctive remedy for some illnesses and injuries.Identify three historic Greeks who professed the benefits of exercise and massage.Explain how developments in the nineteenth century influenced modern massage therapy.Describe the basic differences in massage systems.Explain why massage practitioners should understand massage history. | |
| Requirements for the Practice of Therapeutic Massage | Explain the educational and legal aspects of scope of practice.Explain how state legislation defines the scope of practice of therapeutic massage.Explain why the massage practitioner must be aware of the laws, rules, regulations, restrictions, and obligations governing the practice of therapeutic massage.Explain why it is necessary to obtain a license to practice therapeutic body massage.Explain the difference between certifications and licenses.Give reasons why a license to practice massage might be revoked, canceled, or suspended. | |
| Professional ethics for massage practitioners | Define the meaning of professional ethics.Explain how the practice of good ethics helps to build a successful massage practice.Differentiate between personal and professional boundaries.Designate at least eight areas to consider when establishing professional boundaries.Define a therapeutic relationship and a client-centered relationship.Explain the effects of a power differential in the therapeutic relationship.Explain the effects of transference, countertransference, and dual relationships in the therapeutic setting.Discuss why sexual arousal can occur during a massage session and what to do if it does.Discuss why and how to desexualize the massage experience.Define supervision and its importance to the massage professional.Discuss the importance of good health habits and professional projection.Discuss the importance of human relations and success attitudes.Discuss ways to build a sound business reputation | |
| Business Practices | Differentiate between being employed and self-employed.Create a résumé and cover letter for a prospective employer.Explain the relationships among attitude, self-image, and business success.List the major expenses related to starting a massage business.Explain the difference between a partnership, a corporation, and a sole proprietorship.Explain the advantages and disadvantages of operating your own business.List the various permits and licenses required to operate a massage business and where to obtain them.List the types of insurance a massage business owner should carry to protect the business.Describe a physical layout for a beginning business operation.Explain the importance of business location to the success of a personal service business.Explain why careful planning is important before opening a business.Explain why keeping accurate records is necessary in a successful business.List the major ingredients of a basic bookkeeping system.Explain the importance of marketing to business success.Define a target market.Make a checklist of factors to consider before opening a business. | |
| MAS102 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 80 |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | The subject shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures:Explain the meanings of the important terms in boldface listed in this chapter.Explain why a massage therapist should have a good understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.Explain the physiologic and psychological effects of stress and pain and the role of massage therapy in the management of stress and pain.Describe the healing functions of the body in terms of inflammation and tissue repair.Describe the wellness model and how massage can be a part of that model.Be able to derive the meaning of medical terms by breaking the terms into their parts and defining those parts.Demonstrate knowledge of basic human anatomy and physiology as a requisite in mastering the theory and practice of therapeutic massage.Name the anatomic planes, regions, cavities, and parts of the body.Name the ten most important body systems.Explain the structures and functions of the various body systems. | |
| MAS103 | Contraindications / Health & Hygiene | 40 |
| Effects, Benefits, Indications, and Contraindications of Massage The subject shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures: | Explain the physiologic effects and benefits of massage.Explain the psychological effects and benefits of massage.Describe the effects of massage on the circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems of the body.Describe the effects of massage on the skin.Explain the main contraindications for massage.Differentiate among absolute, regional, and conditional contraindications.Identify the major endangerment sites on the body | |
| Equipment and Products | Prepare a checklist of supplies and equipment needed for therapeutic massage.Describe various products and their use.Select a massage table.Check and adjust lighting for the massage room.Check all equipment for safety and readiness. | |
| Sanitary and Safety Practices | Explain the need for laws that enforce the strict practice of sanitation.Sanitize implements and other items used in massage procedures.Explain the difference between pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria.Explain the importance of cleanliness of person and of surroundings as protection against the spread of disease.Describe how various disinfectants, antiseptics, and other products are used most effectively.Explain the role of safety in the massage therapy business. | |
| Consultation and Documentation | Explain the importance of the consultation before a massage.Demonstrate how to screen clients while making appointments.Demonstrate how to determine the needs and expectations of the client.Explain why it is important to set policies during the first consultation.Define a treatment plan.Explain which records should be kept and why they should be updated. | |
| MAS104 | Swedish / Massage Movements / Complete Body Massage | 160 |
| Classical Massage Movements | The subject shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures:Describe the six major categories of massage movements.Explain Swedish (classic) massage techniquesDemonstrate mastery of basic massage movementsDemonstrate passive and active joint movementsExplain and demonstrate rhythm and pressure as applied to therapeutic body massage. | |
| Application of Massage Technique | Demonstrate mastery of various hand exercises specifically for the benefit of massage practitioners.Demonstrate correct standing posture and movements specifically for the benefit of massage practitioners.Explain why it is necessary and desirable for the massage practitioner to develop coordination, balance, control, and stamina.Explain why it is necessary and desirable for the massage practitioner to develop strong, flexible hands.Describe the concepts of grounding and centering and how these practices benefit the massage practitioner. | |
| Procedures for Complete Body Massage | Demonstrate the steps in preparing a client for a massage session.Demonstrate correct procedures for draping the client.Explain the importance of assisting a client onto and off of a massage table.Demonstrate a basic body massage (Massage 1).Demonstrate massage variations (Massage 2).Use correct anatomic terms when describing the part of the body being massaged.Demonstrate professional courtesies toward clients before, during, and after massage.Understand when and where certain massage movements should and should not be applied.Answer client questions concerning any after effects of massage. | |
| MAS105 | Hydrotherapy / Clinical / Lymph / Therapeutic Procedure / Sport Massage | 120 |
| Hydrotherapy | The subject shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures:Explain hydrotherapy as a therapeutic aid.Explain the effects of different water temperatures on the body.Explain the use of heat and cold in body treatments.Define cryotherapy and demonstrate at least three ways to apply it.Describe at least five ways of applying heat to the body.Describe the effects of various water treatments on the body.Explain contraindications, safety rules, and time limits for various hydrotherapy treatments. | |
| Massage in the Spa Setting | Describe the historical development of spas.Describe the current state of the spa industry, including customer demographics and the various types of spas in which therapists work.List and describe the most popular spa services performed by massage therapists.Describe the most important attributes of an effective spa massage.Demonstrate an ability to perform a spa exfoliation procedure and a spa body wrap procedure.Describe the specialized hydrotherapy equipment and other apparatuses used in modern spas.List and describe the qualities that make a massage therapist a good candidate for hiring by a spa, including customer service and other non–massage-related skills.Describe the job potentials for massage therapists in spas, including possible career paths over time. | |
| Clinical Massage Techniques | Describe the techniques used in neuromuscular therapy.Define a trigger point and describe its location.Differentiate between central trigger points and attachment trigger points.Describe how to treat trigger points.Describe the techniques used in muscle energy technique.Differentiate between post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition.Define passive positioning and list the bodywork styles that incorporate passive positioning.Demonstrate how to determine a position of ease when performing position release technique.Differentiate superficial fascia and deep fascia.Describe and demonstrate three myofascial techniques.Describe the craniosacral system. | |
| Lymph Massage | Name three people who have been influential in the development of lymph massage.Describe lymph circulation and differentiate between blood and lymph circulation.Describe the function and location of lymph nodes.List the major contraindications to lymph massage.Describe and demonstrate the primary technique used in lymph massage.Describe and demonstrate the sequence of movements for lymph massage on an area of the body. | |
| Therapeutic Procedure | Describe the four parts of the therapeutic procedure.Demonstrate a client intake procedure for a therapeutic massage session.Perform posture and gait assessment.Demonstrate assessment by passive, active, and resisted movement.Identify soft tissue barriers.Palpate and differentiate tissue layers and textures.Explain how assessment findings are used to develop session strategies.Determine performance strategies that are specific to a client’s needs.Demonstrate how to identify and release constrictions in hypertonic tissue.Explain the importance of evaluation. | |
| MAS106 | Special Populations / Somatic Therapies | 120 |
| Massage for Special Populations The subject shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures: | Explain the benefits of prenatal massage.Explain the contraindications for prenatal massage.Demonstrate proper positioning when massaging a pregnant woman during each trimester.Describe various maternal concerns (by trimester) that are considerations for massage.Describe the benefits of infant massage.Explain special considerations for providing massage services to children.Differentiate the considerations of working with older clients who are frail and those who are robust.Explain the accommodations and considerations for providing massage to people with various disabilities.Explain the major considerations when providing massage to people with critical illnesses such as HIV/AIDS or cancer. | |
| Massage in Medicine | Explain the historical significance that massage has had in medicine.Explain how massage reemerged in the United States as alternative medicine.Differentiate among the terms alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine.Explain the role of massage in integrative medicine.Describe the role of the patient in integrative medicine.Define CAM.Explain how massage might fi t into a hospital setting.Define medical massage.Demonstrate billing insurance for massage. | |
| Athletic/Sports Massage | Define athletic/sports massage.Explain the purposes of athletic massage.Explain the causes of muscle fatigue.Explain the major benefits of athletic massage.Explain contraindications for athletic massage.Describe the three basic applications of athletic massage and the goals of each.Demonstrate massage techniques commonly used in pre- and post-event athletic massage.Explain the importance of warm-up exercises and massage to the athlete’s performance.List the therapeutic modalities used in restorative massage.Demonstrate how to locate the stress points of the body.List the therapeutic modalities used in rehabilitative athletic massage.Explain the relationship of certain athletic or sports activities to possible injuries.Differentiate between acute, subacute, and chronic athletic injuries and the treatment choices for each stage of injury.Describe basic chair massage techniques and demonstrate a simple chair massage routine.Define reflexology and be able to locate reflexology points on feet and hand maps and demonstrate a basic foot reflexology sequence.Explain the basic philosophy of acupressure and acupuncture.Describe shiatsu as related to pressure points of the body.Describe the location of the seven chakras. | |
| MAS107 | Reflexology | 60 |
| Reflexology | The subject shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures:Explain the benefits of reflexologyDemonstrate a complete hand reflexology sequenceUse reflexology to target particular health concernsDescribe a quick-reference chart listing relevant reflex areas to work for a wide range of health concerns. | |
| MAS108 | Acupressure | 80 |
| Acupressure | The subject shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures:Define acupressure and describe how it works.Explain the use of fingers to stimulate key points on the skin that, in turn, activate the body’s natural self-healing processes.Explain many ways potent points can be used to enhance many aspects of life.Locate acupressure points by referring to anatomical landmarks.Explain using the healing touch of acupressure can also be a practical way of deepening your spiritual life.Explain how to practice self-acupresure.Explore acupressure massage techniques and know how to firm pressure, slow motion kneading, brisk rubbing, and quick tapping.Explain how potent points help to relieve acne, tone facial muscles, and improve skin conditions.Explain how potent points help to relieve allergies, ankle and foot problems.Explain how potent points help to relieve anxiety and nervousness, arthritis, and nonarticular rheumatism, asthma and breathing difficulties, backache.Explain how potent points help to relieve constipation, cramps, depression, diarrhea, earaches, eyestrain, fainting, and hangovers.Explain how potent points help to relieve, headaches, and migrains, hiccups, hotflashes.Explain how potent points help to boost immune system.Explain how potent points help impotency and sexual problems.Explain how potent points help insomnia.Explain how potent points help to relieve frustration, jaw problems, knee pain, memory and concentration.Explain how potent points help to relieve cramps, motion sickness, nausea, neck tension, nosebleeds, and pain.Explain how potent points help pregnancy and infertility, shoulder tension, sinus problems, swelling, toothaches, wrist pain. | |
| Athletic/Sports Massage | Define athletic/sports massage.Explain the purposes of athletic massage.Explain the causes of muscle fatigue.Explain the major benefits of athletic massage.Explain contraindications for athletic massage.Describe the three basic applications of athletic massage and the goals of each.Demonstrate massage techniques commonly used in pre- and post-event athletic massage.Explain the importance of warm-up exercises and massage to the athlete’s performance.List the therapeutic modalities used in restorative massage.Demonstrate how to locate the stress points of the body.List the therapeutic modalities used in rehabilitative athletic massage.Explain the relationship of certain athletic or sports activities to possible injuries.Differentiate between acute, subacute, and chronic athletic injuries and the treatment choices for each stage of injury.Describe basic chair massage techniques and demonstrate a simple chair massage routine.Define reflexology and be able to locate reflexology points on feet and hand maps and demonstrate a basic foot reflexology sequence.Explain the basic philosophy of acupressure and acupuncture.Describe shiatsu as related to pressure points of the body.Describe the location of the seven chakras. | |
| MAS109 | Thai Massage | 110 |
| Acupressure | The subject shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures:Explain the fundamental concepts, history and philosophy of Ayurveda and Thai massage history.Define the four principles of Thai massage.Learn basic techniques: palm press, palm circles, thumb press, finger press, finger circles, forarm roll, elbow press, Thai fist, chop.Demonstrate the classic Thai massage routine.Explain the correlation of Thai massage and Yoga.Explain the use of herbs and massage.Explain the recipes for herbal compresses and other topical applicationsDiscuss homemade massage balmDesign a therapy routine |