Overview
Narrative
The Massage Therapy Certificate Program integrates theory (classroom) and hands-on (lab) training for a career as a professional massage therapist. Students develop the knowledge necessary to develop therapeutic treatment plans and apply appropriate massage techniques with focus on whole body wellness. Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, medical offices, spas, health clubs, and private practice and are eligible to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).
While in the program, students will have supervised clinical instruction designed to develop client-based skills and techniques. The curriculum is designed sequentially, to allow the student to master basic skills and competencies first, before progressing to more challenging skills and techniques.
Features
The program includes 23 credits of general education courses and 13 credits of Massage Therapy instruction. The Massage Therapy courses will be offered at the Fowler Family Southside Center campus where a practice laboratory is located. Students must take the Massage Therapy courses sequentially to ensure that they build their knowledge and skills to practice techniques independently by the completion of the program. The third semester of the program provides students with 16 hours of practice time to refine their skills as an independent practitioner.
The program includes thorough study of human anatomy and physiology which provides the students with scientific basis for safe, competent practice. Students should consult an advisor regarding their preparation for these science courses prior to starting in the program
Admission Requirements
This is a selective admission program. Applicants shall have completed work equal to a standard high school course as evidenced by a diploma or GED and be 18 years of age prior to beginning the program. The minimum admission requirements for the program include: 1) one year of HS biology or NCC equivalent (BIOS107 or 115) with a grade of C or better, * 2) complete the English Placement Test (EPT) and be eligible to enroll in English 101 and 3) have an overall HS or most recent college GPA of 2.5 or better.
*High school courses must be college preparatory level. Equivalents from other colleges may satisfy requirements.
After acceptance into the program, students are required to:
- Submit results of Criminal History Record Information (CHRI), Child and Elder Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Clearance.
- Submit certificate in Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers.
Deadlines
Massage Therapy is a fall-start program. Students may apply to the clinical program starting October 1. Applications must be completed by April 15. Students will not be able to apply to the clinical program after April 15.
After April 15, students who wish to take general education courses toward the Massage Therapy specialized diploma may apply to the Health Sciences program of study.
Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for further information.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:
- Plan, organize and safely provide a professional massage and bodywork session to clients from across the lifespan
- Execute skills required for an entry-level massage therapist utilizing seated, table and floor massage.
- Display professional behaviors congruent with core values, standards and ethics of the Massage Therapy profession.
- Demonstrate dignity and respect for cultural diversity, age, gender, lifestyle values and choices of others.
- Communicate effectively with clients, family members and other healthcare professionals in oral and written formats.
- Apply critical thinking skills and basic clinical decision-making when administering client centered massage and bodywork.
- Perform essential business planning and office management skills in the massage practice setting.
Courses
First Semester
| COLS101 | College Success | 1 credits |
| CISC101 | Introduction to Information Technology | 3 credits |
| BIOS204 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 credits |
| MASG101 | Massage Therapy Procedures I | 4 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Second Semester
| BIOS254 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 credits |
| CMTH102 | Introduction to Communication | 3 credits |
| MASG102 | Massage Therapy Procedures II | 5 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Summer I Semester
| MASG210 | Massage Therapy Procedures III | 4 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 28
*NCC Massage Therapy Program meets the 600-hour requirement through both didactic and clinical courses required by PA State Licensing.