Descriptions of Massage Courses

Below you will find helpful descriptions of all of the massage courses you will take throughout your program.

MED 111 Anatomy and Physiology
MED 110 Medical Terminology
MED 121 Intro to Pathology
MAS 110 Assessment/Palpation
MAS 115 Kinesiology
MAS 120 Massage Fundamentals
MAS 125 Ethics & Business Management
MAS 130 Clinical Massage
MAS 135 CPR and First Aid
MAS 140 Certification Exam Review

MED 111 Anatomy and Physiology     60 contact hours, 4 semester credit hours

This course will cover the structure and function of the human body and its parts. Content includes: anatomy, structure and function of body systems and special senses, fundamental concepts and principles of body organization, and basics of histology and hematology. Includes the study of cells, tissues, and integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.  Prerequisites: Admission to Program

MED 110 Medical Terminology     30 contact hours, 2 semester credit hours

Students will be introduced to basic and complex medical terms related to the body as a whole, and to individual body systems. Reading, translating and composing medical documents, as well as proficient use of a medical dictionary is emphasized. Prerequisites: Admission to Program

MED 121 Intro to Pathology     45 contact hours, 3 semester credit hours

An introductory course in the concepts of pathology. Includes causes, prognosis, medical treatment, signs and symptoms of common diseases of all body systems. Prerequisites: Admission to Program

MAS 110 Assessment/Palpation     90 contact hours, 3 semester credit hours

This is a comprehensive course that teaches the skills of determining the client’s needs through interactive assessment of body posture and structure, and range of motion analysis, determining signs and symptoms by obtaining thick descriptions through questioning of client history and present conditions, and the written documentation of the findings of each session through SOAP notes. Prerequisites: Admission to Program

MAS 115 Kinesiology    60 contact hours, 3 semester credit hours

Kinesiology is the study of movement of muscle in the body, through an emphasis on origins, insertions, and actions of muscles. This portion of the course curriculum provides a greater understanding of what behaviors create the problems massage clients might bring to a session. Weekly quizzes are given to assure competence. Prerequisites: Admission to Program

MAS 120 Massage Fundamentals     293 contact hours, 14 semester credit hours

This massage course consists of theory and hands on training in the skill of muscle palpation, Swedish massage and its derivatives (i.e. Medical, Athletic, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Lomi Lomi, Seated massage, etc.), with mobilizations and stretches to improve muscle tone and flexibility. Students also cover various aspects of highly tolerated deep muscle work including but not restricted to Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Deep Transverse Friction that provide exceptional relief when chronic muscle issues are presented to the therapist. They learn to “see” with their fingers and enhance their palpation skills through a greater understanding of human fascia and musculature on its deepest levels. Special attention is paid to proper body mechanics to provide massage in a way that does not adversely affect their own body. Evaluations are given to assure competence. Prerequisites: Admission to Program

MAS 125 Ethics & Business Management     18 contact hours, 1 semester credit hours

Ethics course discusses the awesome responsibility of the massage therapist to provide a safe and comfortable practice with regard to client care. Practice management course allows students to understand the differences between having their own practice and working for someone else.  They learn how to market their businesses, write a business plan, set goals, and network with others from health related fields.

MAS 130 Clinical Massage     100 contact hours, 2 semester credit hours

Experience is achieved through supervised massage sessions with members of the general public.  Students are given the opportunity to work with volunteers who are asked to critique the work received and offer constructive criticism. Supervisor provides an environment of open communication to allow students the chance to review their experience and to improve their skills at each session.

MAS 135 CPR and First Aid     8 contact hours, 0 semester credit hours

Provided by the American Red Cross, this course teaches students what to do in the event of a medical emergency using hands-on training techniques. Prerequisites: Admission to Program

MAS 140 Certification Exam Review     16 contact hours, 1 semester credit hour

This is the last of the massage courses a student will take which assists students in reviewing the skills and knowledge they have acquired through their massage training in preparation for the national certification exam. Content also includes a variety of procedural measures designed to prepare students for successful professional practice, including state licensing and continuing education requirements, networking, interviewing, and resume development. Prerequisites: Completion of the following subjects: MAS 115, MAS 120, MED 110, MED 111, and MED 121.