Kirsten O. Hansen, Program Director
Allied Health 113
301-784-5191
https://allegany.edu/massage-therapy/index.html
The growth of the massage therapy profession has been exceptional in this country
and around the world. All facets of complementary and alternative health care are
gaining greater acceptance as the public actively seeks options in wellness and preventive
care. Massage Therapy is an exciting and rewarding field that offers the opportunity
to work with individuals in a variety of professional settings to maximize their quality
of life. This two-year degree program is designed for those who wish to obtain an
Associate of Applied Science degree and become a Licensed Massage Therapist. After
graduating from our program, you will be prepared to sit for the Massage and Bodywork
Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy boards.
Following the passing of this exam you may now apply for the Maryland State Jurisprudence
examination.
The program is comprised of non-clinical and clinical courses. The clinical courses
consist of those courses designated as "Clinical Practice." Generally, clinical practice
courses will be held in an experiential learning setting at Allegany College of Maryland.
Students in this two year degree program will also participate in a one semester internship,
providing gentle touch massage to the patients in the outpatient oncology department
of our local hospital.
The Massage Therapy program at Allegany College of Maryland has been designated as
a Health Manpower Shortage Program by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Maryland
residents from counties other than Allegany County who register in this eligible program
will be charged the out-of-county tuition rate. However, these students may be eligible
to receive reimbursement for a portion of the cost difference between the in-county
and out-of-county tuition rates. Funding availability for this program is based on
funding from the State of Maryland and is thus subject to change each semester. Some
restrictions apply. More information can be obtained by contacting the Admissions
Office.
Beyond tuition, fees and books, there will be an additional cost of approximately
$2,000.00 for a massage table, uniforms, linens, liability insurance, professional
massages, national exam, and professional association student memberships.
Successful completion of this program qualifies a student to apply for an Associate
of Applied Science degree in Massage Therapy.
Due to the clinical nature of the curriculum, the program is limited in the number of seats available. Therefore, admission is competitive. Minimum requirements for admission are as follows:
- Pass the Allegany College of Maryland Placement Assessment for applicable courses;
- Successfully complete Introduction to Massage with a minimum grade of “C”and an overall GPA of at least 2.0;
- Must be 18 years of age to enroll in Massage Therapy classes and submit proof of age
through a copy of one of the following:
a. Driver’s license
b. State Approved Identification Card - Complete admission application and essay; and
- Successfully complete an interview process.
Please contact the Massage Therapy office for an application package which will include
details on admission criteria. Massage therapy students are required to be BLS/CPR
certified, have a criminal background check, and a health record on file in the massage
therapy office. The massage therapy students are also required to maintain the scholastic
standard of the college and must receive a grade of “C” or better in all massage therapy
courses. Since the clinical classes are sequential in nature, they must be taken in
order. Students may be dismissed from the program for unprofessional and/or inappropriate
behavior in the classroom or clinical practice.
Required Massage Therapy Courses
| MASG-101 | Introduction to Massage Therapy |
| MASG-103 | Massage Anatomy, Physiology and Movement |
| MASG-104 |
Anatomy and Physiology Interrelationships |
| MASG-108 |
Clinical Practice I |
| MASG-110 |
Holistic Approach to Wellness |
| MASG-113 | Principles of Massage Therapy I |
| MASG-118 | Clinical Practice II |
| MASG-120 | Principles of Massage Therapy II |
| MASG-201 | Legal and Ethical Topics in Massage Therapy |
| MASG-205 | Pathology for Massage Therapy |
| MASG-206 | Integrating Massage Therapy and Business Topics |
| MASG-207 | Principles of Massage Therapy III |
| MASG-209 | Clinical Practice III |
| MASG-210 | Clinical Practice IV |
| MASG-218 | Current Trends in Massage Therapy |
| MASG-221 | Internship I |
| MASG-222 | Medical Massage |
Required General Courses
| BIO-121 or BIO-101 |
Musculoskeletal Anatomy of the Human or General Biology I |
| BIO-201 | Human Anatomy and Physiology |
| ENG-101 | English Composition I |
| MDAA-110 | Medical Terminology |
| PSYC-101 | General Psychology |
| SPCH-101 |
Speech Communication |
Required Electives
Please consult with your advisor or the Advising Center staff for selecting appropriate elective courses for graduation.
Mathematics Elective - 3 credits
MASSAGE THERAPY
TWO-YEAR CAREER PROGRAM
PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT
| SUMMER OR PREVIOUS SEMESTER | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapy 101 (Introduction to Massage Therapy) | 1 |
| Biological Science 121 or 101 (Musculoskeletal Anatomy of the Human or General Biology I) | 4 |
| Total: | 5 |
| FIRST SEMESTER | |
| Massage Therapy 103 (Massage Anatomy, Physiology and Movement) | 3 |
| Massage Therapy 110 (Holistic Approach to Wellness) | 1 |
| Massage Therapy 113 (Principles of Massage Therapy I) | 4 |
| Massage Therapy 201 (Legal and Ethical Topics in Massage Therapy) | 2 |
| Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| Total: | 13 |
| SECOND SEMESTER | |
| Massage Therapy 104 (Anatomy and Physiology Interrelationships) | 2 |
| Massage Therapy 108 (Clinical Practice I) | 1 |
| Massage Therapy 120 (Principles of Massage Therapy II) | 4 |
| Massage Therapy 205 (Pathology for Massage Therapy) | 3 |
| Massage Therapy 206 (Integrating Massage Therapy and Business Topics) | 2 |
| English 101 (English Composition I) | 3 |
| Total: | 15 |
| SUMMER SESSION (following second semester) | |
| Massage Therapy 118 (Clinical Practice II) | 1 |
| Total: | 1 |
| THIRD SEMESTER | |
| Massage Therapy 207 (Principles of Massage Therapy III) | 4 |
| Massage Therapy 209 (Clinical Practice III) | 1 |
| Massage Therapy 218 (Current Trends in Massage Therapy) | 3 |
| Medical Administrative Assistant 110 (Medical Terminology) | 3 |
| Psychology 101 (General Psychology) | 3 |
| Total: | 14 |
| FOURTH SEMESTER | |
| Massage Therapy 210 (Clinical Practice IV) | 2 |
| Massage Therapy 221 (Internship) | 1 |
| Massage Therapy 222 (Medical Massage) | 2 |
| Biological Science 201 (Human Anatomy and Physiology) 1 | 4 |
| Speech 101 (Speech Communication) | 3 |
| Total: | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 60 |
1 Students who have had Biological Science 207 and 208 may substitute them for Biological Science 201.
NOTE: All courses specifically identified by course number are graduation requirements for this program.
