Curriculum & Outcomes

Massage Practitioner 

Associate of Applied Science Degree

92 Credits

Program Mission: The Massage Practitioner AAS degree prepares students for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam and the Washington State licensing exam and to enter the job market as licensed massage practitioners.

The program will provide high-quality training in the profession of Massage Therapy and assist graduates in finding employment, as desired, within the profession. The program also aims to enhance the understanding of massage practitioner as a viable method of treatment for a variety of pathological conditions within the medical and private sectors/communities.

The American Massage Therapy Association defines Massage Therapy as “a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques and may apply adjunct therapies with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client”. Massage is often used to aid in recovery from injury, to promote health and well-being, and as a treatment for illness or pain. LWTC students will have a Swedish massage foundation with exposure to treatment and other massage modalities. Graduates will find employment in institutions such as clinics, spas, hospitals, as well as private practice.

The program has been developed in accordance with the standards and guidelines outlined by the Washington State Board of Massage and the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) and will adhere to the requirements outlined by the Washington State Department of Health, Health Professions Quality Assurance Board of Massage for curriculum components and clinical sites, in order to ensure that students will be eligible to sit for the Washington State Massage Practitioners License exam (RCW 18.108.070) upon completion.

Massage Practitioner AAS degree graduates will:

• Be prepared for an entry level position in the field of massage with the skills to be independently employed

• Be prepared for NCTMB and state certification exams

• Demonstrate industry ready skills in business planning, billing, and record keeping

• Demonstrate collaboration skills and communicate effectively with other health care professionals

• Apply knowledge to create a network of complementary providers within the field and provide excellent client care

• Exhibit ethical behavior and analytical thought

• Demonstrate critical thinking, teamwork, communication, intercultural appreciation , and technical and information literacy skills

• Meet Social Science, Humanities, Written Communication, and Quantitative Reasoning distribution area outcomes

It is the student's responsibility to discuss sequencing and work out their individual schedule with a counselor or adviser. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to complete may increase the program length.

Admission Date: Fall

Prerequisite: HIV/AIDS/CPR

Program Requirements

Academic Core Requirements - 20 Credits

See Academic Core for a list of all applicable courses for each of the categories listed above.

Massage Practitioner

Certificate of Proficiency

62 Credits

Massage Practitioner certificate prepares students to become a professionally licensed massage practitioner. Students will develop a strong Swedish massage foundation with exposure to treatment and other massage techniques. Graduates will be prepared for employment in settings such as clinics, spas, hospitals, as well as private practice.

Massage Practitioner certificate graduates will:

• Be prepared to obtain an entry-level position in their field

• Be prepared to pass the state licensing exam

• Demonstrate Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Communication, Intercultural Appreciation, and Technical and Information Literacy skills

It is the student's responsibility to discuss sequencing and work out their individual schedule with a counselor or adviser. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to complete may increase the program length.

Admission Dates: Fall, Winter

Prerequisites: HIV/AIDS/CPR

Program Requirements

Academic Core Requirements - 15 Credits

See Academic Core for a list of all applicable courses for each of the categories listed above.

Massage Practitioner

Certificate of Completion

19 Credits

The Massage Practitioner certificate exposes the student to advanced massage techniques. The student will also acquire the skills necessary to treat an increased variety of functions. They will also obtain the business skills necessary to operate a successful massage practice.

Prerequisites:

• Completed the 62-credit certificate program or licensed massage therapist or instructor permission.

• HIV/AIDS/CPR

Admission Date: Summer

Program Requirements