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massage therapy students

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 apply for a North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy License required to practice in North Carolina.

 

  • Minimum age: 18 (before the end of the program)
  • High School Graduate or Equivalent
  • Submit a completed application form along with your proof of high school education and background check information (you may bring these to the orientation session)
  • Fill out a Health History Form
  • Attend an orientation/interview session*
*Orientation/Interview for Cohorts:

Click the link beblow to select a date for orientation/interviews. Please advise if neither time works and we will find a time to meet with you. This is a requirement before beginning the program.

ORIENTATION SIGN-UP

  • Students must comply with attendance requirements (see handbook).
  • Students will be required to wear grey scrubs and comfortable, close toed shoes to all classes.
  • All classes will require a minimum grade of 80% on all examinations, papers, quizzes, and practical (hands on) work.
  • 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 gratuities or gifts for clinics or other bodywork applications.
  • When applying for a license to practice massage and bodywork, a background check will be conducted by the NC licensing board.

For more information about the Professional Therapeutic Massage Program at ACC, please contact Nancy Triplett at (336) 290-0543 or email nmtriplett696@alamancecc.edu

Module I

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology I

Systems of the body are broken down into two classes, Anatomy & Physiology and Kinesiology (Muscular/Skeletal Anatomy). A&P begins with the structure and function of a cell and advances to complete systems including nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, lymphatic and more. Pathology of each system will also be included. No prerequisite. (45 hours)

Kinesiology I

Kinesiology or Muscular/Skeletal Anatomy teaches the musculoskeletal system starting with the types and names of bones, then advancing to the names and attachments of muscles. You will learn the origin, insertion, action, and nerve innervation of the major muscles. Palpation is the hands-on learning of the location of bones and muscles. No prerequisite. (45 hours)

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 will be the focus along with research and how it has affected the advancement of massage, along with chair massage, self-care, and aromatherapy. No prerequisite. (156 hours)

North Carolina Law and Ethics

Ethics is the 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. No prerequisite. (24 hours)

Client-Therapist Relationship

Knowing how to interact with clients in a professional and ethical manner will keep them coming back! Most therapists lose clients through miscommunication. Role-playing will be used to build your confidence in communicating with clients. You will learn how to set boundaries, creating a safe place for both the client and yourself. These boundaries will also help you set policies and procedures best practices. Prerequisite is passing of Module II. (30 hours)

Student Clinic I

You will be given the opportunity to practice newly learned relaxation techniques on the public. Each clinic will last 4 hours instead of the usual 3 to provide ample time in between each of 3 clients per student. Each student will be required to participate in 10 clinics. Prerequisite: Passing of all Module I classes. (40 hours)

 

Module II

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology II

This class is a continuation of A&P I with the remainder of the systems and their structures and functions being taught along with the pathology of each. Prerequisite is completion and passing of Anatomy and Physiology I. (45 hours)

Kinesiology II

A continuation of Kinesiology I, the muscles and their origins, insertions, actions and nerve innervations that have were not covered in Kinesiology I will be addressed. Palpation is the hands-on learning of the location of bones and muscles. Prerequisite is completion and passing of Kinesiology I. (45 hours)

 Massage Therapy II

You will move beyond the aspects for a relaxation massage, and begin becoming familiar with various types of pain management. You will also learn about massaging special populations such as pregnancy, the elderly, those with handicaps, and infants and children. Reflexology, hydrotherapy, sports massage and stretching will be included. You will focus on the specific work for body parts rather than on the strokes. (135 hours)

Business Practices

Whether wanting to go into business for yourself or join an existing practice, a viable business plan is a must. You will explore subjects such as taxes, insurance, marketing, and determining the place of business that best suits you! Prerequisite is passing of Module II. (30 hours)

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. (30 hours)

Clinic II

You will be given the opportunity to practice newly learned techniques including hydrotherapy, joint mobilization and other pain management on the public. Each clinic will last 4 hours instead of the usual 3 to provide ample time in between each of 3 clients per student. Each student will be required to participate in 10 clinics. Prerequisite: Passing of all Module II classes. (40 hours)

Items Estimated Cost Notes
2 sets Gray Scrubs $100.00  
Tuition Module I $254.22 Due before start date
Tuition Module II $254.22 Due before start date
Professional massage session $80

Massage Envy usually sends coupons for a free massage

 



Total cost of these books is about $400

Editions subject to change

Ethics of Touch by Benjamin/Sohnen-Moe, 3rd Edition
Trail Guide to the Body by Biel, 6 th Edition
Trail Guide to the Body Student Workbook by Biel, 6 th Edition
Massage Therapy: Principles & Practices by Salvo, 7 th Edition
Business Mastery by Sohnen-Moe, 5 th Edition
Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists by Salvo, 5th Edition
Deep Tissue Massage Treatments by Jeffrey Simancek, 2 nd Edition

 


 

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