Massage Studies

Prepares successful students for employment and practice in a variety of workplace settings. Graduates from this program are employed in spas, clinics, hospitals, and successful private practices.

Students develop a strong foundation in Swedish massage and deep tissue techniques. Clinical massage students benefit from advanced training in treatment applications and assessment. Teaching techniques are varied, addressing a wide variety of learning styles.

All students enrolled in the program are required to participate in the exchange of applied massage techniques in a supervised and professional setting. Participation in the student-operated massage clinic allows students to gain experience in the profession while under supervision of an Instructor.

Topics covered include, but are not limited to: massage theory and practice; anatomy; physiology; pathology; kinesiology; orthopedic assessment; pregnancy massage; sports massage; deep tissue; myofascial techniques; lymphatic drainage; on-site seated massage; hydrotherapy; hot stone massage; and mini-spa applications.

Business classes introduce the skills and theories necessary for successful employment, such as: professional ethics, goal setting, business planning, insurance billing, networking, and communicating with healthcare professionals, marketing, job networking, rèsumès, and interviewing.

Included in the Associate Degree program are academic courses in communication (English composition, speech), quantitative reasoning (math) and social sciences (psychology, sociology) that provide knowledge and abilities upon which technical skills are built and personal development enhanced. These classes are offered at various times outside the regular Massage program hours.

The Associate Degree program may take two years, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.

Students pursuing an AAT or AAS-T degree must complete all college degree requirements prior to graduation. This includes courses that meet the capstone project, diversity, and computer literacy requirements.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination or Federation of State Massage Board Examination and apply for licensure in Washington State.

A Washington State Patrol background check will be conducted to screen for prior convictions prior to State licensing. Persons with some types of criminal convictions may not be eligible for licensure.

Prerequisites: A medical statement of health status from a primary care provider stating the student is able to safely participate in all aspects of the class is required to enter the program. That statement must be submitted to the Instructor on the first day of class.

Potential students entering the program must test at college level in reading on the COMPASS Assessment test or have completed English 94. Documentation of training in standard first aid and CPR and a four-hour HIV/AIDS/Blood-borne pathogens class, and a Washington State Patrol background check is required to progress to the second quarter. Some results from the background check may prevent individuals from participating in certain classes.

Admission Dates:

Fall quarter - Lakewood day class

Spring quarter - Lakewood evening class

Program Requirements

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