Choosing a massage program that is right for you can be a daunting task. Clover Park Technical College's Massage Studies program covers skills and topics ranging from Swedish Relaxation Massage to Injury Assessment and Treatment.
The successful graduate enters the job market with a well-rounded education, extensive massage experience and assessment skills. All students enrolled in the program are required to participate in the exchange of applied massage techniques in a supervised and professional setting.
Our program is comprised of two certificates: a Swedish Massage Practitioner certificate, followed by a Clinical Massage Practitioner certificate. Those who have completed both certificates and wish to earn an Associate of Applied Technology degree in Massage Studies, will simply complete the required core academic courses.
We have classes running for both the day and evening students. Students who enter our day program full-time attend classes from 8:30am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday, for a total of thirty hours a week. Students who are enrolled full-time in our day program can earn their Swedish certificate in as little as six months, and their Associate of Applied Technology degree in Massage Studies in a single year: four terms.
The evening classes are structured to accommodate those students who are work during the day, have other obligations, or simply prefer the evening hours. Most classes begin after 5 p.m., twenty hours of class time a week. Evening students can finish their Swedish certificate in nine months, and earn an Associate of Applied Technology degree in under two years. Either way, we offer an excellent education at a most affordable price.
Massage is a very powerful healing modality, and when performed by an educated practitioner, can be incredibly effective. Massage and touch can effect all of the systems of the body, and knowledge of these is essential. In Anatomy and Physiology, students will explore all of the systems of the body, from the skin (integementry) to the hormones (endocrine). They will come to understand how those systems interact with each other, and how they can be affected by the application of massage.
Kinesiology is the study of movement. We begin this study by learning about the bones, joints, and major muscles in the body. Muscles are learned in detail, how to find and palpate them, as well as how they work together to accomplish different movements. Once the foundation has been set in the Swedish Massage Practitioner certificate, we then learn to assess the different areas of body, to better determine a safe and effective massage session for our clients. In the Clinical Practitioner certificate, the focus is on normal orthopedic parameters, and assessment of injured tissue to determine treatment goals and plan.
Students learn and practice a variety of hands-on skills they can utilize in a wide range of Massage Practice settings. Many learning styles are employed, combining both classroom and clinical experience. A very broad base for massage therapy is offered, including but not limited to: Swedish massage, deep tissue, hydrotherapy, pregnancy massage, seated massage, sports massage, injury assessment and treatment, pressure points, fascial techniques, lymphatice drainage techniques, and exploration of other massage modalities.
Most businesses that fail, do so because of poor business practices, not lack of skill. With over 60 hours of business and ethics classes, the student explores the pros and cons of owning their own business, as well as what it takes to be a successful and valuable employee. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: medical terminology, hygiene, communication, goal setting, setting up files, resumes, cover letters, marketing, business management, interviewing skills, billing, State and local laws.
