Therapeutic Massage | Massage Therapy at SCC
Massage therapy is a proven healing method involving the manipulation of muscles and other soft tissue to increase blood and oxygen flow throughout the body to relieve pain, enhance function and encourage relaxation.
The Therapeutic Massage Program at SCC focuses on Swedish and basic massage techniques while providing students with knowledge of anatomy, physiology and general wellness practices. Students also learn the business skills and ethical responsibilities needed to be successful health care providers in this diverse field.
This hands-on program prepares graduates for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Exam or Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
View Therapeutic Massage Brochure (PDF)
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Therapeutic Massage
Associate
Program Start Date: Fall term
Minimum Program Length: 3 consecutive terms, evening, weekend (clinical may involve daytime and evening hours)
Curriculum
Program Description
The Therapeutic Massage Program offers an entry-level training program for students interested in becoming a supportive health care provider in the Massage Therapy profession, or for health care providers looking to enhance their range of clinical skills and knowledge. During their training, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the human body and a high degree of technical skill, with an emphasis on personal and professional development, along with increased selfawareness and sensitivity.
Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress, and to promote health and wellness. The health care provider applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client. Our graduates enjoy the benefits of being of service to others and having work that is meaningful
Practical Experience
During the clinical portions of the program, students will work in various clinical settings. During the spring semester, students operate an on-campus clinic during regular evening/weekend class hours. In the summer semester, students will be assigned to various clinical facilities in the area. These clinics operate mostly during the regular working hours of the day; therefore, a student who works during the day will have to make special arrangements with their supervisors to complete the required 14 clinic hours per week in addition to evening/weekend classes. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the campus and to various agencies in the community to which they are assigned for clinical experiences.
Professional Opportunities
There are a wide range of career opportunities available in this rapidly expanding field. Licensed massage therapists may choose to work in hospitals, chiropractic offices, pain management offices, spas, health clubs, cruise ships, resorts, health care/healing centers, or private practice.
Unique Aspects
Upon graduation from the program, students are eligible to apply to take the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work exam. After passing the national certification exam, students may then apply to the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Board of Massage/Body Work Therapy for state licensing to practice in South Carolina or will need to meet state licensure requirements if practicing in another state.
EEDA Career Cluster
Health Sciences
Course Requirements for Therapeutic Massage
EEDA Career Cluster: Health Sciences
Course Requirements (followed by credit hours):
Prerequisites:
One unit of high school biology or chemistry or equivalent
AHS 102 Medical Terminology (3)
BIO 110 General Anatomy and Physiology (3)
A. General Education:
ACC 101 Accounting Principles I (3)
MAT 160 Math for Business and Finance (3)
ENG 165 Professional Communications (3)
PSY 201 General Psychology (3)
Humanities/Fine Arts from approved list (3)
Elective (3)
Basic Use of Computers (3)
Enhancement of Primary or Secondary Technical Specialties 2
B. Major Course:
BIO 238 Musculoskeletal System Anatomy (3)
MTH 105 Introduction to Kinesiology (3)
MTH 120 Introduction to Massage (4)
MTH 121 Principles of Massage I (4)
MTH 122 Principles of Massage II (4)
MTH 123 Massage Clinical I (3)
MTH 124 Massage Business Application (3)
MTH 125 Massage Externship (4)
MTH 126 Pathology for Massage Therapy (2)
Secondary Technical Specialty: (12 credits)
Individualized for each student. Courses must be approved by the Program Director.
C. Elective and/or Additional Courses Required for Graduation:
Minimum semester credit hours required for graduation: 65
Links to Licensure and Certification Information