>>Click Here to Learn About Special Continuing Education Class for Massage Therapists<<
Join one of the fastest growing professions in the country...
Massage is a healing art and science that requires a balance of academic and technical knowledge, clinical skills, manual dexterity, sensitivity and awareness. The profession has made tremendous advances and has become part of main-stream health and healing. According to The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, massage therapy is the most common complementary profession used in hospitals in the United States.
The field of massage therapy is growing rapidly in response to the public’s expanding interest in forms of health care that promote well-being and a higher quality of life.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the need for massage therapists, who work in spas, chiropractic offices, fitness centers and doctor’s offices is expected to increase by 19 percent by 2018. Growing interest in alternative medicine and holistic healing will translate into new openings for those skilled in massage therapy. The health care industry is using massage therapy more often as a supplement to conventional medical techniques for ailments like muscle problems; some sicknesses and diseases and stress-related health problems. In addition, Salary.com, reports that the annual average earnings of a massage therapist is $47,000.
In the ACC Massage Therapy program you will develop the skills needed to start working in this growing industry. This one-year intensive program features both classroom instruction as well as hands-on training. Also, to help you transition from student to practitioner, you will also complete an internship where you will work directly with clients to provide massages. At the end of the program, you will be ready to take the National Massage Therapist Exam, become licensed in the state of Texas and go into practice as a massage therapist.
Program Admissions and Prerequisites
For admission to the Massage Therapy Program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be physically, emotionally, mentally and financially able to complete the program
- Must be free of communicable diseases
- Complete a health form to be signed by a doctor
- Have no criminal record
- Provide three letters of recommendation (one of the three should be from a licensed massage therapist)
- Interview with the director of massage therapy
- Furnish a current photo ID (valid Texas driver’s license or ID card)
Click here for the Licensed Massage Therapist Program Information Packet
Massage Therapy Courses
The Massage Therapy Program at ACC is designed to meet the needs of individuals planning to apply for the National Certification Examination and State Jurisprudence Examination. Our 500 hour program satisfies the minimum hour requirement for State Licensing and also offers additional (optional) classes to further your knowledge in nutrition and critical thinking.
Massage Therapy Fundamentals I
This is a 125-hour course taught by a licensed massage therapy instructor and includes information on:
- The history and significance of massage therapy
- Massage therapy tools and products
- Client preparation and draping
- The effects and benefits of massage therapy
- Contraindications, and the practical application of the techniques involved in the manipulation of soft tissue.
The majority of the course hours are dedicated to the study and practical application of Swedish massage therapy techniques.
Fundamentals of Massage Therapy II
A continuation of Fundamentals of Massage Therapy I, this 75-hour class will help you refine your technique as well as gain exposure to different techniques including, but not limited to, myofascial release, eastern influenced techniques and chair massage.
Human Health and Hygiene
This is a 23-hour course dedicated to the study of health, hygiene, first aid and universal precautions.
Recognized methods of sanitation and the prevention of disease are addressed in terms of their affect on the massage therapist and client. You will gain an understanding of personal hygiene and personal care, including the benefits of therapeutic exercise and physical development of the massage practitioner.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
This is a 78-hour course with 52 hours dedicated to the study of anatomy and 26 hours dedicated to the study of physiology. The course work will include an in-depth study of the human body and will help you develop a basic understanding of the medical terminology and organization of the body. The course will also provide you with a more detailed look into each of the systems and their intricate anatomy and functions.
Business Practices and Professional Ethics
Massage therapy laws and rules; business practices and professional ethics standards are addressed in this 45-hour class. You will also learn the basics of setting up and running your own independent massage practice and includes the study of standard bookkeeping, accounting and office practices; advertising and the ethical practices for massage therapists as established by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS).
Kinesiology
This is a 50-hour course dedicated to the study of applied anatomy and kinesiology. The course will cover the scientific-based medical principles towards the analysis, preservation and enhancement of human movement in various settings and populations. You will gain an integrated understanding of anatomy, physiology, the associated biomechanics and movements of muscles and joints, and the neurological components of body position and reflex systems.
Pathology
This 40-hour course is dedicated to understanding disease and infection as well as its counterpoint, health and wellness, including the concept of preventative health care as related to massage therapy. The student will learn to identify contraindications related to massage therapy and define common indications for massage therapy. You will also analyze the etiology of various conditions and disorders of each major body system; understand psychological and emotional states of disease; and gain a basic understanding of pharmacology as it relates to massage.
Hydrotherapy/Therapeutic Modalities
This 20- hour course addresses the theory and use of hydrotherapy and the incorporation of various therapeutic modalities that can be used in massage therapy. You will study the history and terminology of hydrotherapy and learn the various forms of application and mechanisms governing functional responses of the body. You will also gain an understanding of the effects and benefits of hydrotherapy, contraindications for hydrotherapy treatments and also become familiar with equipment utilization.
Internship
This is a 50-hour course in which you will gain ‘real life’ experience under the supervision of a licensed massage therapy instructor. Students will demonstrate:
- Client scheduling
- Check-in and initial consultations
- Administrative duties including filing, money handling and other documentation
Students will also demonstrate massage applications that reflect the education and training received in this program and develop strategies for working with individual client needs to help generate repeat clients. Prerequisites : Successful completion of Anatomy and Physiology; Fundamentals of Massage Therapy I & II; Health & Hygiene; Pathology; Kinesiology; Business and Ethics; and Hydrotherapy.
Student with previous education and training may be exempt from some of the hours required for this course. You must have official transcripts sent to ACC and authorization for exemption must be granted by the program director prior to enrolling in classes.
Program Investment
The tuition for the Massage Therapy Program is approximately $3500*. Other costs include textbooks, scrubs, sheets, CPR certification and lab fees.
*Approximate costs were calculated using in-district tuition rates. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.
Special Continuing Education Class for Massage Therapists
Special Topics: Massage: Pre and Post Surgery
This course is designed to fulfill eight hours of CEU requirements for massage therapists and can help build their businesses.
This class will include information on interviewing skills to identify areas of spinal surgery for the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral zones, and how to take precautions based on the information gathered, and treatment techniques that are applicable and safe to use on those affected areas.
Hands-on training opportunities include:
• Initial muscle exam of the affective or identified area and how to establish a treatment plan
• Specific massage techniques for the surgery and surrounding muscle areas to reduce tightness, release of toxins and increase circulation
• Additional treatment recommendations and implementation of scheduled massages
• What symptoms to look for and what are the benefits to a spinal surgery massage
• Clinical procedures and techniques for pre and post spinal surgery clients
- Fundamental Concepts of Oriental Medicine
- Anatomical Pressure Point Location
- Introduction to Chinese Massage (Tui-Na)
Wellness Coach Training
Soothing Stone Massage
This 7-hour course is dedicated to learning the art and technique of soothing stone massage. Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones to warm and relax the muscles while massaging the soft tissue. Massage therapists earn 7 CEUs for this class.
Additional classes offered include:
Thai Reflexology
Bamboo Massage
Prenatal Massage
Spa Therapies
Insurance Billing and Coding
ALVIN CAMPUS
Day Program - Continuation of Fall 2011 Program
Hydrotherapy
Course No. Date(s) Time Day Room Instructor
CEMSSG 1005 01 03/05/2012 - 04/02/2012 09:00AM - 12:00PM MW H108 S Hill
Fee(s): Tuition IN $140.00 Tuition OD $160.00 Other Fees $28.00
Kinesiology
CEMSSG 2013 01 03/27/2012 - 07/17/2012 09:00AM - 12:00PM T H108 S Ebert
Fee(s): Tuition IN $350.00 Tuition OD $370.00 Other Fees $5.00
Pathology
CEMSSG 2014 01 04/05/2012 - 07/12/2012 09:00AM - 12:00PM TH H108 S Ebert
Fee(s): Tuition IN $280.00 Tuition OD $300.00 Other Fees $5.00
Fundamentals of Massage Therapy II
CEMSSG 2011 01 04/16/2012 - 07/16/2012 09:00AM - 12:00PM MW H108 S Hill
Fee(s): Tuition IN $525.00 Tuition OD $545.00 Other Fees $5.00
Evening Program
Massage Therapy Fundamentals I - Swedish Massage
Course No. Date(s) Time Day Room Instructor
CEMSSG 1011 11 02/06/2012 - 07/25/2012 06:00PM - 09:00PM MW H108 S Hill
Fee(s): Tuition IN $960.00 Tuition OD $980.00 Other Fees $26.00
Human Health & Hygiene
CEMSSG 1009 11 02/07/2012 - 04/03/2012 06:00PM - 08:30PM T H108 S Ebert
Fee(s): Tuition IN $173.00 Tuition OD $193.00 Other Fees $7.00
Human Anatomy & Physiology
CEMSSG 1013 11 02/09/2012 - 08/09/2012 06:00PM - 09:00PM TH H108 S Ebert
Fee(s): Tuition IN $563.00 Tuition OD $583.00 Other Fees $9.00
To learn more about this ACC program, contact Dr. Stacy Ebert
at sebert@alvincollege.edu or call 281-756-3787
