Workforce Development | Healthcare
MASSAGE THERAPY
Touch is as essential to a healthy and happy life as eating nutritious foods, getting proper sleep, and regular exercise. With the increase of technology used in our home and work environments, the need for healthy human contact becomes more vital. Massage Therapy offers an inviting, safe, healing refuge for people living in a fast-paced and overly stressed society.
The Alamance Community College Massage Therapy Program will give you the skills you need for success in this rapidly growing, dynamic profession. Our curriculum is designed to prepare you to practice as a professional Massage Therapist in a variety of employment settings. After completing the program, you will possess a sound knowledge of and exhibit proficiency in the techniques and principles of Swedish massage and Pain Management Techniques. You will also be introduced to a variety of advanced Therapeutic Massage modalities.
Mission and Philosophy
Our courses are designed to work consecutively and symbiotically. From the beginning, you will immediately develop a solid foundation in Massage Therapy. As you progress, you will feel assured you have acquired the essential skills and knowledge to effectively assist your clients with relaxation, stress, and chronic pain. The knowledge gained of western and eastern techniques will help address each client’s concerns and discomfort with a multifaceted approach.
Upon completion of ACC’s Massage Therapy Program, students will be eligible to test for the MBLEx licensure exam and apply for a North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy License required to practice professional massage therapy in North Carolina.
Questions? Contact Us.
Joseph Zajkowski Wright
Massage Therapy
jewright050@alamancecc.edu
336-532-5018
Massage Therapy ClinicMake an appointment today! Book an Appointment |
-
Minimum age of 18 to enter the program
-
Submit a copy of high school OR college transcripts OR diploma
-
English proficiency at a minimum 10th grade level
-
Submit a copy of a recent criminal background check obtained from any local North Carolina Clerk of Courts office
Begin the process by completing an application for entry into the program. Once submitted, you will be contacted to set up an interview with the Program Director.
Please keep in mind space is limited for each new class start. Don't delay!
Should you have any questions, contact the Program Director at
(336) 532-5018
Apply Today
-
Students must comply with attendance requirements (see handbook).
-
Students will be required to wear grey scrubs and comfortable, close toed shoes to all classes.
-
Students must achieve a minimum average grade of 80% in both Modules 1 and 2, including the Public Clinic, in order to successfully graduate ACC's Massage Therapy Program.
-
All requirements for the individual classes and program must be met. All tuition must be paid in full prior to receipt of certification of successful completion of the program.
-
All graduates are required to pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBlex) as part of the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy Licensing requirements in order to become licensed in North Carolina.
-
Students may not accept payment, gratuities, or gifts for therapeutic massage and bodywork services until they are a fully licensed massage and bodywork therapist.
-
When applying for a license to practice massage and bodywork, a background check will be conducted by the NC licensing board.
-
Day students attend classes Tuesday-Thursday, 9-4, with public clinic offered on select Fridays.
-
Night students attend classes Monday-Thursday, 6-9, as well as 2-3 Saturdays per month, from 9-4.
-
All students will complete the program in under 1 year.
Massage Therapy I
Swedish or relaxation massage is the basis of Western Massage. From the initial strokes to a full body treatment, you will learn the essentials of Western Massage. Relaxation massage and foundational massage techniques will be the focus in Module 1 Massage Lab. Students learn and practice chair massage and self-care for career longevity. Additionally, students will study massage research and how massage therapy is increasingly advancing in the health care communities.
Massage Therapy II
You will move beyond the aspects for a relaxation massage, and begin becoming familiar with various types of targeted pain management. You will also learn about massage for special populations such as prenatal, geriatric, etc. Neuromuscular Therapy, reflexology, hydrotherapy, spa techniques, sports massage , assisted stretching, structural analysis and gait assessment will be included. You will also learn deeper tissue, targeted focus work.
Common Conditions
In Common Conditions, we will address the most common complaints for seeking Massage Therapy according to the American Massage Therapy Association. You will gain confidence in treating these complaints such as headaches of various kinds, frozen shoulders, torticollis (stiff neck), low back pain, and hip/knee issues to name a few.
Anatomy & Physiology
Students study the human body and its various systems at the chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, system and total body levels. An in-depth study of anatomy & physiology provides a foundational appreciation of the miraculous human body and how we benefit from massage therapy.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology and Musculoskeletal Anatomy teaches the musculoskeletal system starting with the types and names of bones, then advancing to the names and location of muscles, as well as the muscle movements. You will learn the origin, insertion, action, and nerve innervation of the major muscles in the human body.
North Carolina Law and Ethics
Ethics is a cornerstone of Massage Therapy. You will explore ethics as they pertain to the practice of massage therapy and how they relate to the components included in the laws of North Carolina. You will have a thorough knowledge of behaviors and directives to practicing massage therapy in NC.
Client-Therapist Relationship
Knowing how to interact with clients in a professional and ethical manner will keep them coming back! A variety of classroom techniques including role-playing will be used to build confidence in communicating with clients. Students will learn how to set boundaries, creating a safe place for both the client and the therapist. These boundaries help with establishing policies for best practices.
Business Practices
Whether wanting to go into business for yourself or to join an existing practice, a viable business plan is a must. You will explore subjects such as marketing, taxes, insurance, day-to-day operations, and determining the type of work environment that best suits you!
Student Clinic I & 2
You will be given the opportunity to practice newly learned massage and bodywork therapy techniques on the public.
Disclaimer: Costs are subjuect to change
| Items | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 tuition and books | $484.55 | Due before start date |
| Module 2 tuition and books | $254.55 | Due before start date |
| 2 Sets of Gray Scrubs | $100.00 |
Please note: Scholarship opportunities are available to students after each Module begins.
Information Sessions
Sign up for an information session
Interested in learning more about our program? Click on the link below and register for one of our information sesson.
Sign Up Today
Cohorts begin Mid-January and Mid-July annually
Apply to enter our program
I’m ready! I wish to apply for acceptance into the Alamance Community College Massage Therapy Program.
Apply Today
Upcoming Classes for Professional License Renewals
Cold Stone Facials
Starting March 2026
Expands student therapist’s knowledge and skills in the application of hot and cold stones to the face. Course instructs on advanced application, implementation, and execution of integrating cold stone facials into their current massage practice. Students practice with other options for providing heat & cold to support cold stone facial sessions. Introduction to Chakras, instruction in Chakra layout and Spinal layout sequence.
Exceptional Foot Massage
Starting June 2026
Expands student’s knowledge and skills in implementing a foot massage. Identifies indications & contraindications for feet, heat, and cold. A brief overview of the history of foot massage and foot baths. Instructs on advanced foot massage, as well as the essential oils that improve the effectiveness of the session, basic stretches, and an overview of reflexology (within our scope of practice). Ample opportunity to practice new techniques, to ensure clarity of skills learned and comfort in providing an exceptional foot massage.