Massage Therapy 500

The course also covers professional draping procedures and policies, body mechanics for the therapist, standards for quality hygiene, personal and environmental health both on campus, as well as in the profession, and assessment and customization of massage sessions. Cosmotek College follows the draping standards set by the American Massage Therapy Association, to assure the safety and comfort of our students, and Student Clinic clients. 

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 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.

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.

INSTRUCTIONAL MODE:

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 190 hours (38%) of the program.

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 190 hours (38%) of the program. 

Session:

Class start dates will be announced monthly.

Subject	Description
MAS101	This course is designed to provide massage therapists with essential knowledge in ethics, business practices, and the rich history of massage therapy, necessary for cultivating a successful therapeutic practice. Through four focused modules, students will gain insights into the historical roots of massage, understand the legal and educational groundwork required for practice, delve into ethical considerations specific to massage therapy, and acquire practical business skills for managing a successful practice.
MAS102	This module provides an in-depth look at human anatomy and physiology, emphasizing its relevance to massage therapy. Students explore the impact of stress and pain on the body, the healing process, and how massage fits into the wellness model. The course also covers essential medical terminology and the basics of human anatomy and physiology necessary for effective massage practice.
MAS103	This module equips massage therapists with comprehensive knowledge on the effects and benefits of massage, focusing on physiological and psychological impacts, contraindications, equipment and product selection, infection control, safety practices, consultation, and documentation. It explores how massage affects various body systems, highlights the importance of understanding contraindications to ensure safe treatments, and emphasizes the significance of maintaining a hygienic and safe practice environment. Additionally, the course teaches effective client consultation and documentation techniques, essential for professional practice.
MAS104	This course focuses on foundational techniques and practices essential for therapeutic massage. It begins with the classification of massage movements, encompassing the study of the forces used in therapeutic tissue manipulation and the major categories of massage methods. Participants will learn about the impact of various factors such as intention, direction, speed, rhythm, and pressure on the effectiveness of massage. The course also emphasizes the mastery of basic massage movements and the demonstration of passive and active joint movements.
MAS105	The Complete Body Massage course offers comprehensive training for massage practitioners, focusing on essential massage techniques, client preparation, and practitioner self-care. It emphasizes the importance of ergonomic practices and body mechanics to ensure the safety and well-being of both the practitioner and the client. Through practical demonstrations and exercises, students will learn to prepare clients for massage sessions, master full-body massage techniques in both supine and prone positions, and develop strong, flexible hands critical for effective massage delivery. The course also covers self-care practices and the benefits of grounding and centering for the practitioner.
MAS106	The Spa Massage Therapy course provides comprehensive training in spa services, hydrotherapy, and industry insights. Students will explore the use of water in treatments, learning about the therapeutic effects of heat, cold, and contrast therapy. The curriculum includes a brief history of spas, customer demographics, and popular spa services, including hot stone massage and aromatherapy. Hands-on training in procedures like exfoliation, body wraps, as well as instruction on specialized equipment, prepares students for spa employment. Emphasis is placed on developing customer service skills and understanding effective spa massage techniques, with a focus on career opportunities in the spa sector.
MAS107	This course combines advanced clinical massage techniques with lymphatic therapy to enhance therapeutic skills for massage therapists. It provides a deep dive into neuromuscular therapy, covering trigger point identification and treatment, muscle energy techniques, and the principles of passive positioning and position release techniques. The course also explores the distinction between superficial and deep fascia with myofascial technique demonstrations. In addition, it introduces the craniosacral system, offering insights into this advanced bodywork modality. The lymphatic therapy section covers the historical background, lymph circulation, and the function and location of lymph nodes, along with contraindications and primary techniques for lymph massage. Designed for immediate application in practice, this course equips therapists with clinical skills for effective therapeutic outcomes.
MAS108	This combined module offers an in-depth exploration of therapeutic and sports massage, tailored for therapists looking to advance their skills in assessment, treatment strategies, and specialized techniques for athletes. In the therapeutic segment, participants will learn the comprehensive process involving client intake, posture and gait assessment, and the identification of soft tissue barriers. Techniques to palpate tissue layers and textures, and strategies for releasing hypertonic tissue constrictions, are highlighted. The sports massage portion delves into the definition, purposes, and applications of athletic massage, including pre- and post-event techniques, and the role of massage in training and injury rehabilitation. Essential for understanding muscle fatigue, benefits, and contraindications, this program equips therapists with the knowledge and skills for effective practice in both therapeutic and athletic settings.
MAS109	This comprehensive course is designed to equip massage therapists with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective and safe massage therapy to diverse populations, including pregnant women, infants, children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those undergoing cancer treatment or in hospice care. Furthermore, the course delves into the integration of massage therapy within the broader context of allopathic and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), highlighting its role in integrative medicine, hospital settings, and interdisciplinary care teams. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, participants will learn to tailor their massage techniques to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring a holistic and therapeutic approach that supports overall well-being and complements medical treatment.
MAS110	This module offers an engaging exploration into specialized massage techniques, starting with chair massage and extending into foot reflexology, among other therapeutic practices. Participants will begin by mastering basic chair massage techniques, including a straightforward routine suitable for quick sessions. The course then shifts focus to reflexology, emphasizing the identification and stimulation of reflex points on the feet and hands to promote overall wellness. Additionally, students will gain insights into the safe application of stone massage, along with an introduction to the philosophies underpinning acupressure and acupuncture. The program rounds off with an overview of shiatsu and an explanation of the body’s seven chakras, enriching therapists’ skills with a variety of non-traditional massage methods.