Sharon Tilton, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Complementary Healthcare and Therapeutic Massage, ext. 2262
The program prepares students to pursue a career as licensed massage therapists. Licensed massage therapists are employed by physicians, chiropractors, rehabilitation centers, and business and industry, and also own their practices.
This program is offered at 800 Purchase Street, New Bedford Campus as day and eHealth options.
Degree Requirements
Program Courses
| BIO 115 | Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 credits |
| ENG 101 | Composition I: College Writing | 3 credits |
| HCI 237 | Human Disease Processes and Procedures | 3 credits |
| MAT 110 | Introduction to Massage Therapy | 2 credit |
| MAT 111 | Therapeutic Massage I | 5 credits |
| MAT 112 | Musculoskeletal Anatomy for the Massage Therapist | 3 credits |
| MAT 120 | Therapeutic Massage II | 4 credits |
| MAT 124 | Massage Therapy Practice Management | 2 credits |
| MAT 126 | Therapeutic Massage Clinical Procedures | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 29 |
Recommended Course Sequence - Fall Semester 1
| BIO 115 | Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 credits |
| ENG 101 | Composition I: College Writing | 3 credits |
| MAT 110 | Introduction to Massage Therapy | 2 credit |
| MAT 111 | Therapeutic Massage I | 5 credits |
| MAT 112 | Musculoskeletal Anatomy for the Massage Therapist | 3 credits |
Recommended Course Sequence - Spring Semester 2
| HCI 237 | Human Disease Processes and Procedures | 3 credits |
| MAT 120 | Therapeutic Massage II | 4 credits |
| MAT 124 | Massage Therapy Practice Management | 2 credits |
| MAT 126 | Therapeutic Massage Clinical Procedures | 3 credits |
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM
Applicants must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate. They must also have completed high school biology, or chemistry and Algebra I (or a higher level math) with a minimum grade of “C-.” Recommended deadline for filing is January 15th for all fall admissions.
Accepted applicants must have a physical examination, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken pox) immunizations or titre (blood tests to prove immunity). A TB test is required each year. Health insurance is required. Additional laboratory tests, including drug screening, are required by clinical agencies.
It is strongly recommended that students complete the science courses within 10 years of application to the program.
REQUIREMENTS UPON ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM
Upon admission to the program, all students must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. These checks are required due to potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the elderly during a clinical experience. Students found to have certain criminal convictions or pending criminal actions will be presumed ineligible for clinical placement. The College is authorized by the Commonwealth's Department of Criminal Justice to access CORI records. Sex Offender checks shall be performed pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Sections 178C-178P.
For more information regarding the College's CORI/SORI check process, please contact the Human Resource Department at (508) 678-2811, ext. 2194.
Students must have current CPR Certification from either the American Heart Association (Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers) or American Red Cross (CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers).
GRADE REQUIREMENTS
Students must receive a minimum grade of “C-“in all required courses. Failure to earn a “C-“or better in a clinical course will result in dismissal from the program. Clinical Practicum hours must be completed within 18 months of the academic coursework.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Students are responsible for the costs of lab coats, uniforms, professional liability insurance, standardized testing, name tag, lab supplies, national certification exam, and transportation to clinical placement sites. Students should be prepared to travel up to one hour from campus to clinical assignments. Students are also required to attend a variety of community activities. Graduates must apply to the Board of Registration of Massage Therapy for licensure to practice as a massage therapist.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Students need to possess certain cognitive, physical, and physiological abilities in order to successfully complete the requirements of the program and ultimately practice in the profession. Please discuss particulars with the program director.
OTHER
The eHealthCareers option in Therapeutic Massage is a flexible, innovative program that prepares students to pursue a career as a licensed Massage Therapist. The hybrid model allows students to complete some of the content online. For those who are already practicing healthcare professionals, this program enhances the skills used in nursing, occupational therapy, and home healthcare.
In accordance with Federal regulations published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2010, Bristol Community College discloses information about student costs, tuitions, fees and employment statistics to various governing bodies to ensure certification and oversight.