Whatcom Community College
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Massage Pathway
This pathway assumes:
- You will be a full-time student while you are taking the massage core courses.
- You will start the massage core courses in the fall.*
- You are ready to take 100- and 200-level courses.
If you are starting in courses numbered below 100, please add those courses to the general education requirements listed below.
*Note: the massage therapist core courses start only in fall quarter and run for three consecutive quarters. You must take the core courses in order. You must be accepted into the program to take its core courses.
The massage therapist certificate prepares students to work as licensed massage therapists (LMTs). As members of the healthcare community, they work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, sports medicine clinics, medical and physical therapy offices/clinics, health clubs, spas, alternative medicine clinics, counseling and rehabilitative centers, and private massage clinics. Program graduates are eligible to sit for state and national licensure exams.
To progress through the massage therapist program, you must take all MT courses in sequence and maintain a final grade of C (2.0) or better in all graded courses and an S in all clinical courses. Note: a C in MT courses is 74%.
To pass lab practical exams, you must earn at least 80%.
Pre-program activities
Career exploration: Interview a professional in your area of interest.
Career exploration: Get a massage.
Career exploration: Attend a massage therapist program information session.
Career exploration: Talk with the massage therapist program faculty lead.
Action item: Submit your application by spring quarter for the fall start of the massage therapist program.
Action item: Apply for financial aid.
General education requirements (15 credits)
These credits are required for certification. They may be completed before program entry or after the conclusion of the core program. It is not recommended to complete these credits during the core program course load. Meet with an academic advisor about evaluation of any previous college level courses that may satisfy your general education course requirements.
BUS 100 Business Math (5 credits)
or COMPUTATION click for list (5 credits)
ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS click for list (5 credits)
You must be accepted into the massage therapist program to take the core courses:
| Description | Introduction to history, theory and technique of Swedish massage. Students will learn to provide full and partial body massages; including proper draping techniques, body mechanics, beginning documentation skills, as well as adaptations for geriatric massage. Development of fundamental qualities of touch. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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| Description | Introduction to kinesiology with emphasis on the functional application and analysis of the musculoskeletal system, including palpation techniques. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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| Description | Basic overview of systems of human anatomy, and the disturbance of normal mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of those systems. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of the massage therapist in the treatment and recovery of these conditions, as well as indications and contraindications. Part one of a two part course. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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Total credits this quarter: 14
Career exploration: Join a student club and/or professional organization.
Career exploration: Conduct an informational interview.
| Description | Introduction to legal and ethical issues within the healthcare system; ethical problem-solving methods for use within the massage profession specifically. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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| Description | Continued development of Swedish massage techniques. Introduces Deep Tissue, Swedish gymnastics, Manual Lymph Drainage, and Myofascial release techniques for common musculoskeletal conditions. Introduction of chair massage techniques and Pregnancy massage. Continued practice of documentation skills. Required preparation: program admittance; MT 110. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MT 110 |
| Course Attributes |
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| Description | Application of kinesiological principles of the musculoskeletal system to massage practice. Includes palpation and Swedish gymnastics as applicable to the upper extremity, head and neck. Required preparation: program admittance; MT 202. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MT 202 |
| Course Attributes |
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| Description | Basic overview of systems of human anatomy, and the disturbance of normal mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of those systems. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of the massage therapist in the treatment and recovery of these conditions, as well as indications and contraindications. Part two of a two part course. Required preparation: program admittance; MT 271. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MT 271 |
| Course Attributes |
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Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Attend a resume workshop.
Action items: Apply to graduate.
| Description | Continued application of Swedish, deep tissue, and hydrotherapy treatment techniques. Introduction to alternate massage therapy techniques, and Eastern Medicine philosophies. Further development of documentation skills. Orientation to a variety of healthcare professionals and roles within the healthcare setting. Required preparation: program admittance; MT 111. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MT 111 |
| Course Attributes |
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| Description | Application of kinesiological principles of the musculoskeletal system to massage practice. Includes palpation and Swedish gymnastics as applicable to the lower extremity and lumbar spine. Required preparation: program admittance; MT 203. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MT 203 |
| Course Attributes |
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| Description | Introduction to basic business applications for massage therapists. Includes billing, marketing, business plans and financial considerations. Student will develop a business plan as part of the course requirements. Required preparation: program admittance; (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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| Description | Overview of content needed to prepare for Washington State licensing and national certification for massage therapists. Site placement for externship hours. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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| Description | Supervised practice of all massage techniques on clients within the student clinic setting. Student will work with the college instructor to set up an appropriate schedule to complete hours in the on-campus student clinic. Experience in documentation and other aspects of the massage practice will be given. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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Total credits this quarter: 16
Action item: Prepare for the MBLEx national exam.
Action item: Apply for licensure after passing the national exam and receiving certificate from the massage therapist program.