The Massage Therapy Program, located in Prater Hall at the Valley Street Campus, offers courses that are learner-centered with a combination of theory and skills to prepare students for the practice of therapeutic massage. Incorporating a program of learning, a variety of instructional methodologies and available resources, therapeutic massage education fosters competency, accountability and continued professional development.
Students who complete the Massage Therapy program will receive a short-term certificate, which requires 29 credit hours and 720 contact hours. The program prepares students to become successful practicing bodyworkers by giving them broad knowledge of western theories and techniques. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam.
The Massage Therapy Program is approved by the State of Alabama Board of Massage Therapy and is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation.
Background checks will be required upon admission into the program.
A new class will be admitted to the Massage Therapy program every August, January and May. Student selection is based on completion of all requirements:
- Unconditional admission to the college. Apply here.
- Submit online program application prior to July 31.
- Submit supporting documents that are due in the Admissions Office by the deadline:
- All official high school and college transcripts or official GED scores
- Passing TABE reading test score or successful completion of ENG 101.
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must be in good standing with the College
- Must meet the Essential Functions (see below) required for Massage Therapy students.
- Pass a criminal background check and drug screen upon admission to the program.
- Submit a completed health questionnaire and immunizations records upon request by the program.
- Demonstrate proof of insurance. Students who do not show proof of insurance will not be allowed to attend clinicals.
Essential Functions are the fundamental job duties and skills associated with a particular position. Essential Functions cover mobility, flexibility, strength, fine motor skills, auditory ability, visual acuity, communication and interpersonal skills. All students are required to read the Essential Functions identified for Massage Therapists and determine if they are capable of performing these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Students must be able to: *
- Have the physical stamina to stand and walk eight hours or more in a clinical setting.
- Stand on both legs, move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces
- Physical disabilities must not pose a threat to the safety of students, faculty, clients or other healthcare workers
- Bend body downward and forward by bending at the spine and waist. This factor requires full use of lower extremities and back muscles.
- Flex and extend all joints freely
- Raise objects from a lower to a higher position or move objects horizontally from position to position. This factor requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles.
- Possess mobility, coordination and strength to push, pull or transfer heavy objects weighing up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally
- Possess manual dexterity, mobility and stamina to perform CPR
- Seize hold, grasp, knead, stroke, percuss, turn and work with both hands
- Pick, pinch and work with the fingers
- Possess sufficient hearing to assess client’s needs, follow instructions and communicate with others as well as respond to audible sounds of equipment
- Possess the visual acuity to read, write and assess the client and the environment
- Possess verbal and nonverbal skills as well as written communication skills to adequately and accurately exchange ideas, detailed information and instructions
- Read, comprehend and write legibly in the English language
- Interact purposefully and effectively with others
- Convey sensitivity, respect, tact and a mentally-healthy attitude
- Be oriented to reality and nont mentally impaired by mind-altering substances
- Function safely and effectively during high-stress periods
* The Americans with Disabilities Act requires colleges and universities to inform students of all performance expectations related to their job and school performance. In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
All fees are approximations and subject to change.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Background Check | $35.00 |
| Tuition (29 credit hours @ $134/credit hour) | $4,698.00 |
| Textbooks (entire program) | $500.00 |
| Liability Insurance | $15.00 |
| Accident Insurance | $20.00 |
| Uniforms | $150.00 |
| Application for MBLEX examination | $265.00 |
| Application fee for graduation | $10.00 |
| Total | $5,693.00 |
In addition, you will be responsible for getting a physical, immunizations/titers, & clinic supplies. Expenses for these items vary greatly depending on individual situations.
The program is offered on the Valley Street campus only. Classes are located in Prater Hall.
See Admission Requirements
If your application arrives after the deadline date and we still have seats available in the class, we will certainly consider you as a candidate for admission. If the class is already full we will hold your application over until the next admissions cycle.
This is a short-term certificate program. There are no academic prerequisites; you will be taking only courses related to the practice of massage. Of course, you may take academics along with massage if you like. Just schedule them around your massage classes. And if you’re on financial aid, check with that office first to see how that might impact future aid payments.
Not necessarily. You still have to undergo a criminal background check through Verified Credentials. If the results are satisfactory, your acceptance will be complete.
NOTE: Do not do the background check until we tell you to. We will not reimburse you if it’s done prior to being granted conditional acceptance and you end up not being admitted.
It allows us to make sure you will be able to attain a massage therapy license. We’re making sure that it’s safe for everyone who comes into the program to work on fellow students, instructors & clients.
Normally by U.S. mail. The letter is sent to the address on the application so be sure to keep your records updated. If you have applied late & time is an issue, you may be notified through an email or phone call instead.
No. Only students who have been granted full admission will be cleared to register.
New massage classes start each semester: in August and January.
Some of the classes are done entirely online or as hybrids, meaning you do most of the work online and only come to campus a few times that semester. However, the majority of them do require you to come to class for lecture, lab & clinical.
Unfortunately, there is not enough demand for night or weekend classes at this time. If that situation changes we will definitely consider changing to meet that need.
Essential functions are the physical and mental requirements necessary for performing the duties of a particular health sciences program, in this case, the massage therapy program.
It will take time to practice and perfect your skills as a massage therapist. When you first begin the program you’ll begin this process in lab, working on your fellow students & instructors. Midway through the first semester you’ll begin your first clinic. Massage clinics are held during the day in Prater Hall, Valley Street campus & are open to the public. Appointments can be made by calling 256-549-8326.
Certainly. Many of our students work while in the program, at night & on the weekends.
This process of licensure will be explained in depth as you progress. For now, just know that you must have a license to practice massage therapy in Alabama & many other states.
The Therapeutic Massage program is currently approved by:
State of Alabama
Board of Massage Therapy
2777 Zelda Road
Montgomery, AL 36106
334-420-7233 or 866-873-4664
334/263-6115 (fax)
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 440
Washington, D.C. 20015
Phone: 202-895-1518
Fax: 202-895-1519
