Therapeutic Massage - Gaston College

Therapeutic Massage from Gaston College is a Campus Associate Massage Therapy degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. Program Overview The Massage Therapy curriculum prepares graduates to work in direct client care settings to provide manipulation, methodical pressure, friction and kneading of the body for maintaining wellness or treating alterations in wellness throughout the lifespan. Course work includes normal human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic massage, ethical/legal issues, business practices, nutrition, and psychology. Employment opportunities may be found in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, health departments, home health, medical offices, nursing homes, spas, health and sports clubs, and private practice. Graduates may be eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination or National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Upon passing one of these examinations, a candidate may apply for North Carolina State License for Massage and Bodywork. Therapeutic Massage Program Philosophy The faculty believes learning is a lifelong process, and individuals enter career preparation at various stages of the life span. Learning is viewed as the responsibility of the student. The faculty will encourage students to achieve their highest potential by actively participating in the learning process. The Therapeutic Massage Program prepares graduates to work in direct client care settings in order to promote wellness throughout the life span. As one of the fastest growing career fields in the country, our primary aim is to prepare graduates to become skilled massage therapists and to have successful careers. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the National Certification Exam and apply for North Carolina licensure. We believe that the massage therapist must comply with the scope of practice as outlined in the North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act. The massage therapist will demonstrate skill in applying ethical principles reflective of accountability for care within the scope of practice. As an integral part of Gaston College , the faculty of the Therapeutic Massage Department assumes the responsibility for maintaining the broad philosophy and objectives of the College as an educational institution. The conceptual framework consists of three major components: 1) The parameters for the therapeutic massage practice as stated by the North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act. 2) The therapeutic massage process, which comprises the core curriculum consisting of hands-on methods, client assessment skills, and indications/contraindications for treatment. 3) The competencies related to the role of the massage therapist. Career Outline Upon completion of the Therapeutic Massage Education Program, graduates will be able to: 1) Use basic communication skills in establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with clients and other health care practitioners. 2) Participate in client assessment and development of massage treatment plans. 3) Use knowledge of massage benefits and pathologies to determine massage indications and contraindications. 4) Record massage care given and the client???s response to treatment. 5) Function within the legal, ethical, and professional parameters for a massage therapist. 6) Perform a full-body wellness massage using the basic Swedish strokes of effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration while demonstrating proper body and table mechanics. 7) Establish practice goals and complete a business plan. 8) Demonstrate traits of an active learner by seeking out and taking advantage of learning situations and opportunities for continuing education. View more details on Gaston College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Massage Therapy courses.