Massage Therapy
http://www.miracosta.edu/instruction/massagetherapy/
Massage therapy is manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments) to enhance a person's health and well-being.
People seek massage therapy for a variety of reasons, such as to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, rehabilitate injuries, reduce pain, and promote overall health and wellness.
At MiraCosta College, students learn how to provide massage therapy as a healthcare professional. Graduates of the program seek employment in a variety of settings, such as physician offices, health and wellness centers, hotels and resorts, physical therapy centers, rehabilitation clinics and hospitals, sports organizations, day spas, cruise ships, and private practice.
The Massage Therapy certificates meet state requirements, and students are encouraged to obtain national certifications through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB) and/or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) governed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.
Contact Information
|
Chair: Robert Fulbright Dean: Al Taccone |
Department: Kinesiology, Health and Nutrition Office: Building 4800, 760.795.6811 |
Full-Time Faculty
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Gail Meinhold |
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
Holistic Health Practitioner (1000 Hours) Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to demonstrate advanced massage techniques when performing massage strokes, including massages for pain management and traditional Chinese medicine techniques.
Massage Therapist (500 Hours) Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to demonstrate advanced massage techniques when performing massage strokes, including a variety of soft tissue and myofascial release techniques.
Certificates
Certificate of Achievement
Holistic Health Practitioner (1000 Hours)
Based upon the medical model, this program requires comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, body systems, and business practices. It satisfies state and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) requirements, which include detailed knowledge of body systems (anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology), pathology, massage and bodywork assessment, theory and application, including in-class and supervised practice, and business and ethics. Becoming certified under NCBTMB increases employment opportunities within/between states. Graduates of the program seek self-employment in a private practice or can expect employment in health and wellness centers, hotels and resorts, physical therapy centers, rehabilitation clinics and hospitals, sports organizations, spas, and cruise ships.
| Required courses: | ||
| MASG 110 | Therapeutic Massage I | 3 |
| MASG 210 | Therapeutic Massage II | 3 |
| MASG 215 | Massage Clinical Practicum | 3 |
| MASG 218 | Chair Massage | 2 |
| MASG 220 | Sports Massage | 3 |
| MASG 230 | Integrative Therapeutic Massage | 3 |
| BIO 100 | General Biology (Lecture and Lab) | 3-4 |
| or BIO 101 | General Biology | |
| BIO 210 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
| BUS 130 | Small Business Management | 3 |
| HEAL 222 | Stress Management | 3 |
| KINE 190 | Introduction to Kinesiology | 3 |
| KINE 203 | Techniques in Athletic Training | 3 |
| NURS 155 | Basic Medical Terminology | 3 |
| NUTR 100 | Nutrition Today | 3 |
| or NUTR 105 | Human Performance and Sports Nutrition | |
| Recommended Elective: | ||
| Internship Studies | ||
| Total Units | 42-43 | |
Certificate of Achievement
Massage Therapist (500 Hours)
The Massage Therapist (500 Hours) certificate program satisfies both state and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCTMB) requirements to be certified as a massage therapist by requiring 500 hours of instruction. Based upon the medical model, the program requires comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, pathology, and physiology. Instruction addresses contraindications, health and hygiene, business ethics, and massage therapy techniques. To apply for state certification and/or take the NCTMB exam, applicants must be 18 years old and have completed the entire 500 hours. The certificate provides students with the necessary theoretical background and practical experience to work in the industry. Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, such as physician offices, health and wellness centers, hotels and resorts, physical therapy centers, rehabilitation clinics and hospitals, sports organizations, day spas, cruise ships, and private practice.
| Required courses: | ||
| BIO 100 | General Biology (Lecture and Lab) | 3-4 |
| or BIO 101 | General Biology | |
| BIO 210 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
| MASG 110 | Therapeutic Massage I | 3 |
| MASG 210 | Therapeutic Massage II | 3 |
| MASG 215 | Massage Clinical Practicum | 3 |
| MASG 218 | Chair Massage | 2 |
| MASG 220 | Sports Massage | 3 |
| HEAL 222 | Stress Management | 3 |
| Choose one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Small Business Management | ||
| Techniques in Athletic Training | ||
| Basic Medical Terminology | ||
| Nutrition Today | ||
| Human Performance and Sports Nutrition | ||
| Total Units | 27-28 | |
Courses
MASG 110: Therapeutic Massage I
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
This foundation course introduces students to the history, science, and practice of massage therapy. Topics include basic anatomy and physiology as they relate to massage therapy as well as professional standards expected of massage therapists. Students practice giving massages using beginning strokes and proper sanitation, hygiene, and body mechanics. (Formerly HEAL 110.)
MASG 210: Therapeutic Massage II
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
Students analyze and evaluate anatomical structures and assess common pathology. The course includes intermediate massage theory, methods and procedures of soft tissue techniques, and contraindications. It provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to facilitate employment in the medical massage and spa field. (Formerly HEAL 210.)
MASG 215: Massage Clinical Practicum
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 210.
Advisory: BIO 210.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
This course provides the clinical practice for massage therapy. Students focus on advanced therapeutic massage techniques, business practices, massage marketing, ethics, and clinic procedures of massage experience. (Formerly HEAL 215.)
MASG 218: Chair Massage
Units: 2
Prerequisites: MASG 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
This foundation course for the practice of chair massage builds on skills gained in HEAL 110 as students learn and practice chair massage techniques. Topics include physiological effects, related anatomy, contraindications, body mechanics, ethics, hygiene, and sanitation standards. Students are required to receive a professional chair massage. (Formerly HEAL 218.)
MASG 220: Sports Massage
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
This advanced massage course builds on the concepts and practices of HEAL 210 and specifically covers massage techniques and evaluation procedures for providing massage to athletes. It focuses on the athlete's condition, anatomy, and sport. Topics include muscles and movement, common sports injuries, basic postural analysis, contraindications, and sport massage techniques. (Formerly HEAL 220.)
MASG 230: Integrative Therapeutic Massage
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
This integrative massage course is broken up into two parts: traditional Chinese medicine and massage for special populations. The traditional Chinese medicine portion introduces students to theories of the mind/body interface drawn from recent scientific research. Students study and practice Shiatsu, Tai Chi, Tuina, acupressure, and other Asian bodywork therapies. Students develop treatment plans and perform indicated techniques in the areas of prenatal and geriatric massage, pain management, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. (Formerly HEAL 230).
