Massage Therapist
A Career as a Massage Therapist
Massage therapists employ therapeutic professional touch in the application of massage techniques. They apply their training to careers in health care, sports medicine, fitness and stress management, relieving their patients from pain associated with stress, injury and illness.
There are a variety of employment settings where massage therapists can perform their therapeutic techniques, from resorts, spas and cruise ships to doctor's offices, wellness clinics, rehabilitation centers and more. Some massage therapists are even self-employed professionals, contracting their services to outside businesses.
Massage Therapy Program Description
As a student in the Massage Therapist program at Pima, you'll learn how to perform therapeutic massage techniques for preventive maintenance, recovery from injury, stress management, relaxation and general wellness.
Pima's massage therapist classes teach techniques in Swedish massage; condition-specific massage, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain and headaches; Asian theory and body work; spa technologies; massage for special populations, including elderly, athletes and pregnant women; and sports-injury management.
In addition to proficiency in the practical application of massage techniques, as a Pima massage therapist student, you'll gain a working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, as well as strong interpersonal skills and professional ethics.
Massage Therapist Program Outline:
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Intern | Credits | |||
| CAP 155 | Anatomy & Physiology | 40 | 2.5 | |||||
| CSK 100 | Study Skills | 15 | 1.0 | |||||
| MAS 103 | Swedish Massage | 15 | 50 | 2.5 | ||||
| Professional Sequence I Total | 70 | 50 | 6.0 | |||||
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Intern | Credits | |||
| MAS 113 | Condition Specific Massage | 15 | 35 | 2.0 | ||||
| MAP 105 | Anatomy and Physiology | 30 | 2.0 | |||||
| CCB 100 | Computer Basics | 15 | 0.5 | |||||
| INT 140 | Internship I | 25 | 0.5 | |||||
| Professional Sequence II Total | 45 | 50 | 25 | 5.0 | ||||
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Intern | Credits | |||
| MAS 123 | Therapeutic Massage | 15 | 40 | 2.0 | ||||
| MAP 112 | Kinesiology | 15 | 15 | 1.5 | ||||
| CHS 115 | CPR and First Aid | 8 | 2 | 0.5 | ||||
| INT 145 | Internship II | 25 | 0.5 | |||||
| Professional Sequence III Total | 38 | 57 | 25 | 4.5 | ||||
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Intern | Credits | |||
| MAS 133 | Asian Theory and Body Work | 10 | 30 | 1.5 | ||||
| MAS 230 | Massage for Special Populations | 10 | 15 | 1.0 | ||||
| MAP 117 | Kinesiology | 15 | 15 | 1.5 | ||||
| INT 150 | Internship III | 25 | 0.5 | |||||
| Professional Sequence IV Total | 35 | 60 | 25 | 4.5 | ||||
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Intern | Credits | |||
| MAS 203 | Spa Technologies | 10 | 35 | 1.5 | ||||
| MLE 123 | Medical Law and Ethics | 30 | 2.0 | |||||
| CBU 225 | Practice Development | 20 | 1.0 | |||||
| INT 155 | Internship IV | 25 | 0.5 | |||||
| Professional Sequence V Total | 60 | 35 | 25 | 5.0 | ||||
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Intern | Credits | |||
| MAS 155 | Sports Massage | 15 | 35 | 2.0 | ||||
| MAP 130 | Pathology, Contraindications, and Pharmacology | 45 | 3.0 | |||||
| INT 160 | Internship V | 25 | 0.5 | |||||
| Professional Sequence VI Total | 60 | 35 | 25 | 5.5 | ||||
| PROGRAM TOTALS | 308 | 287 | 125 | 30.5 | ||||
Job Outlook for Massage Therapists
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 19 percent through 2018, as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy and search for alternative medicine and holistic healing.
Massage Therapy Licensure and Certification
Pima's Massage Therapist program is state-licensed and nationally accredited. Our program meets the eligibility criteria for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Exam. We are also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Membership is pending in International Movement and Bodywork Professionals (IMBP). Massage therapist professionals must apply for a state license.
Massage Therapy Program Length
Approximately 9 months
For more detailed information on Pima's Massage Therapist program specifics, financial aid and lifetime job placement assistance for graduates, please visit your local campus below.
Mesa, Arizona
Albuquerque, New Mexico *
* The Massage Therapy program in Albuquerque is offered through our Pima Medical Institute Campus located at 2301 San Pedro NE, Suite D, Albuquerque, NM. This campus is owned and operated by Vocational Training Institutes, Inc., the same owner for all of the Pima Medical Institute's nine campuses. The Pima Medical Institute campus located 2301 San Pedro NE, Suite D, Albuquerque, NM is licensed by the New Mexico Board of Massage Therapy; RMTS 32. This campus is also nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
