Course Information

All training integrates professional preparation, development of knowledge and skills, and working with self-understanding. All hands-on work emphasizes Anatomy and Physiology. What is a "Semester Credit Hour" The course is measured in semester credit hours. 1 semester credit hour = 30 contact hours of instruction 1 contact hour of instruction = 50 minutes of instruction and a 10 minute break Course Format Includes, but is not limited to: lecture, worksheets, instruction sheets, demonstrations, discussions, projects, question and answer, and supplemental video. All coursework is presented in English. Required Textbooks Building a Healthy Business, McGraw / Hill, Inc. Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 4th Ed., Mosby’s / Elsevier, Inc. Mosby’s Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage, 3rd Ed., Mosby’s / Elsevier, Inc. Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, 2nd Ed., Mosby’s / Elsevier, Inc Clinical Massage Therapy, McGraw / Hill, Inc.

Career Focus (1 Credit) Massage Therapy Sciences (6 Credits) Massage Theory and Application (5 Credits) Clinical Application (8 Credits) Advanced Therapeutic Massage (30 Credits, 900 clock hours for VA Students) Career Focus (1 Credit)  TOP The Career Focus program is based on lecture and course packets which give students information relating to career development and employment, effective communication skills, licensing and certification requirements and regulations, and fundamentals of business management including professional ethics and boundaries. Massage Therapy Sciences (6 Credits)  TOP Anatomy and Physiology Program materials include lecture and discussion of all eleven (11) systems of the body with emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and connective tissue systems. This program includes an introduction to the study of kinesiology and nutrition. Pathology This course of study will aid students in identifying specific diseases associated with all eleven (11) systems of the body. Materials will cover recognition and management of specific diseases seen by massage therapists including indications, contraindications, and endangerment sites. Students are introduced to methods of sanitation and infection control including proper use of disinfecting solutions, and universal precautions. Massage Theory and Application (5 Credits)  TOP This program is based on lecture, demonstration, and lab application which includes the following techniques: Swedish Massage Therapy (including chair massage), Reflexology, Spa Techniques, Sports Massage, Geriatric Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point, and Neuromuscular Therapy. Students are also instructed on taking client history and proper preparation of client and service area for massage therapy services. Clinical Application (8 Credits)  TOP CSMA provides a supervised student clinic, which allows students to work in an experiential environment Advanced Therapeutic Massage 30 Semester Credit Hours (900 clock hours for VA Students)  TOP The Advanced Therapeutic Massage Course gives students a strong foundation of clinic management theory and procedures required to succeed in a clinic or spa setting. This includes instruction in client assessment and treatment protocols and allied therapeutic modalities needed to practice in the advanced clinic setting. All hands-on work emphasizes Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology, as well as business management procedures.