Massage Therapy

Overview

It has been proven massage can help individuals reduce pain, improve circulation, and reduce stress.  It is also therapeutic for the therapist who performs the treatment.  The nationally certified Massage Therapy program is based in North Conway Academic Center and begins each Fall Semester.  Our expert instruction will assist you prepare for a rewarding and successful career.

Massage therapists are employed at day spas, hotels, and resorts, at medical offices and facilities, and in private and group practices. The Massage Therapy Certificate program provides an individual with the skills necessary to apply for New Hampshire State Licensure, which requires successful completion of the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).  WMCC is certified by the National Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The curriculum includes:

• Body systems, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
• Massage and bodywork assessment, theory, and application
• Pathology
• Business and ethics

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services may restrict licensing of candidates who have been involved in civil or criminal legal action. Questions about licensing restrictions should be directed to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).

Students are expected to purchase/provide the following:

• Necessary lotions
• Linens, towel, general personal cleaning supplies

These items will be discussed at the mandatory freshman orientation meetings held before the beginning of each semester.

Students who are accepted into the Massage Therapy program will:

1. Possess and maintain personal health insurance for hands-on classes, and internship. Provide proof of health insurance or acceptance into a sliding scale fee for a primary care provider and hospital coverage. A general health statement from personal providers indicating the student is able to participate in all program requirements.
2. Students must obtain and maintain Adult CPR and First Aid certifications prior to their massage internship. These certifications are required for initial state licensure.  Cost of certification is separate from the program and is the responsibility of the student. When possible the college will arrange for an instructor to come to campus during the first semester.  
3. Have professional liability insurance for hands-on classes and internship. (Available through the college).
4. Maintain a grade of C in in all courses offered as part of this program. If a grade of C is not maintained, students may only repeat the course once.
5. Provide an approved criminal background check through the college-approved vendor, which must be initiated no later than September 15 of the first year.

Health Considerations

The college must ensure that clients, patients or medical information are not placed in jeopardy by students during learning experiences. Therefore, students in office or clinical experiences must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stresses, uncertainties, and changing circumstances that characterize client/patient/medical information responsibilities or be removed from placement. Furthermore, the student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member, and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with employers, clients/patients and their families.

Program available in North Conway.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be prepared to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of hands-on massage techniques including Swedish massage, Deep Tissue massage, Sports massage and massage for Special Populations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the muscles and bones of the human body, which have been shown to get the most benefit from massage therapy.
• Demonstrate muscle movements, including proper range of motion of the joints in the body.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of techniques used in spas, i.e. body wraps and scrubs.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of Oriental theory and Reflexology including meridians of the body and reflex points on the feet.
• Discuss how to develop a massage therapy business and also the pros and cons of working in various massage facilities.