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 [California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC)] and national [National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)] requirements. After graduation students are encouraged to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) as part of their requirement to obtain a massage therapy license.
Contact Information
|
Chair: Gail Meinhold Dean: Al Taccone |
Department: Kinesiology, Health and Nutrition Office: Building 4800, 760.795.6811 |
Certificates
Certificate of Achievement
Holistic Health Practitioner (1000 Hours)
The Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) 1000-hour certificate program satisfies the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCTMB) requirements to be certified as a HHP. Based upon the medical model, the program requires advanced 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. After receiving the HHP certificate, students can take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) to receive CAMTC certification. For both CAMTC and NCTMB certifications, applicants must be 18 years old and have completed the entire 1000-hours. 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.
Program Student Learning Outcome Statement:
- Upon completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate advanced bodywork techniques when performing massage strokes, including a massage for pain reduction and an Asian style massage. Instructors will evaluate the student using proper techniques and body mechanics.
| Required courses: | ||
| MASG 110 | Therapeutic Massage Foundation | 3 |
| MASG 210 | Therapeutic Massage Development | 3 |
| MASG 215 | Massage Clinical Practicum | 3 |
| MASG 218 | Chair Massage and Aromatherapy | 3 |
| MASG 220 | Sports Massage | 3 |
| MASG 230 | Therapeutic Massage Integration | 3 |
| MASG 240 | Therapeutic Massage Implementation | 3 |
| MASG 250 | Therapeutic Massage for Special Populations | 3 |
| MASG 260 | Therapeutic Massage for Pain Management | 3 |
| BUS 130 | Entrepreneurship and 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 100H | Nutrition Today (Honors) | |
| or NUTR 105 | Human Performance and Sports Nutrition | |
| Recommended Elective: | ||
| Internship Studies | ||
| Total Units | 45 | |
Certificate of Achievement
Massage Therapist (500 Hours)
The Massage Therapist (500 Hours) certificate program satisfies the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) 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. After receiving the Massage Therapist certificate, students can take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) to receive CAMTC and NCTMB certifications, 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.
Program Student Learning Outcome Statement:
- 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.
| Required courses: | ||
| MASG 110 | Therapeutic Massage Foundation | 3 |
| MASG 210 | Therapeutic Massage Development | 3 |
| MASG 215 | Massage Clinical Practicum | 3 |
| MASG 218 | Chair Massage and Aromatherapy | 3 |
| MASG 220 | Sports Massage | 3 |
| MASG 230 | Therapeutic Massage Integration | 3 |
| HEAL 222 | Stress Management | 3 |
| Choose one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management | ||
| Techniques in Athletic Training | ||
| Basic Medical Terminology | ||
| Nutrition Today | ||
or NUTR 100H | Nutrition Today (Honors) | |
| Human Performance and Sports Nutrition | ||
| Total Units | 24 | |
How to Read Course Descriptions
For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available at http://www.miracosta.edu/governance/coursesandprograms/courseoutlines.html.
Courses
MASG 110: Therapeutic Massage Foundation
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
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.
MASG 210: Therapeutic Massage Development
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
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 obtain employment in the medical massage and spa field.
MASG 215: Massage Clinical Practicum
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 210.
Advisory: BIO 210 or BIO 210H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
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 and Aromatherapy
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
In this chair massage and aromatherapy course, students learn and practice chair massage and aromatherapy techniques. Topics include physiological effects and health benefits, related anatomy, body mechanics, contraindications, precautions, and safety. Students are required to demonstrate a proper chair massage and aromatherapy session.
MASG 220: Sports Massage
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
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: Therapeutic Massage Integration
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 110.
Advisory: MASG 210.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course introduces students to advanced massage theory, methods, and procedure of soft tissue techniques and contraindications. It builds on anatomy, physiology, and pathology related to massage therapy. Students are also introduced to traditional Asian and energy-based bodywork. Theories of the mind/body interface are drawn from recent scientific research and students study and practice Shiatsu, Tai Chi, acupressure, reflexology, and other Asian bodywork therapies.
MASG 240: Therapeutic Massage Implementation
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 210.
Advisory: MASG 230.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This advanced hands-on massage therapy course expands upon body systems relevant to massage. It covers ethics, pathology, and pharmacology related to massage and introduces students to other therapeutic modalities, providing students with the advanced knowledge and skills to be able to set up a client-centered massage therapy practice.
MASG 250: Therapeutic Massage for Special Populations
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 210.
Advisory: MASG 230 and MASG 240.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall or Spring
In this massage for special populations course, students develop treatment plans and perform indicated massage techniques for prenatal, pediatric, and geriatric populations along with massage for critically ill populations and clients with disabilities.
MASG 260: Therapeutic Massage for Pain Management
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MASG 210.
Advisory: MASG 230 and MASG 240.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall or Spring
This class prepares students to work with clients who suffer from specific pain and dysfunction resulting from disorders such as chronic low back pain, migraine headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica pain, and other specific medical conditions. Students learn how to apply various bodywork modalities to specific functional and structural pathologies of the body.
MASG 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.
