Massage Therapy, AS

Program Description

The Massage Therapy major entails 39 credits of specific Course requirements for Massage Therapy. These courses include hand-on practicum classes, Anatomy & Physiology, two pathology classes, Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Kinesiology, Massage Theory class and Business/ Ethics. In addition, students are required to take 21-25 credits of General Education Core requirements to obtain the Associate in Science for Massage Therapy. Students perform 100 hours of hands-on in the student massage clinic. Massage therapists work in a variety of settings including but not limited to: self-employment, day spas, massage clinics, chiropractic offices, and hospital settings. Massage therapy techniques may also vary from relaxation to sports and rehabilitation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Perform a full body massage using and integrating effleurage, petrissage, vibration, friction and tapotement.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology.
3. Understand the origin, insertion and actions of the muscles of the upper and lower body.
4. Understand Pathologies and how to work safely and effectively with those using massage therapy.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of Massage Therapy.
6. Understand the physiological effects of massage therapy on all of the 11 body systems.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of massage ethics and how to handle ethical dilemmas.
8. Understand business practices of massage therapy; understand the various types of employment.
9. Demonstrate the kinesthetic concepts and how they apply to massage therapy.

Massage Therapy is offered at the CT State - Asnuntuck campus. The Massage Therapy Program prepares students to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing exam (MBLEx), which is required for CT State Licensure. This exam is not offered on the Asnuntuck campus, it is through an independent testing site. Students will be given all information in the program on how to register. In addition, this program meets and exceeds the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health’s educational hour requirements.

Employment Information

Massage Therapists will be employed in Massage Therapy clinics, spas, and other healthcare facilities. Upon passing the national certification exam (MBLEx), students will be able to work in Connecticut and Massachusetts and obtain a license to perform all duties of a Massage Therapist. National starting wage varies from $21,810 to $80,630 (U.S. Department of Labor Statistics).

Graduation Information 

A cumulative 2.0 GPA is required to graduate from this program. In addition, students must earn at least a C- in all program (MASG) courses.

Degree Requirements