Dec 21, 2024

2024-2025 Catalog

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2024-2025 Catalog

Massage Therapy (A.A.S.)

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Special Admission Requirements - Rolling Admission

Official Title of Major: Massage Therapy, A.A.S.

Award: Associate of Applied Science degree, A.A.S.

Code: AAS.IHE.MASS-THRPY

Total Credit Hours: 60

Learn more about the Massage Therapy Degree program

Purpose: To provide a new career path for students wishing to practice as a licensed massage therapist.

AACC cannot confirm whether the course or program meets requirements for professional licensure in states other than Maryland. If you plan to apply for licensure in a state other than Maryland, contact that state’s licensing board to determine whether the AACC course or program meets requirements for licensure in that state. If you need assistance finding contact information for your state, or if you need additional information regarding professional licensure, please contact the School of Health Sciences at 410-777-7310.

Range of Occupations

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

Additional Program Requirements

Students must receive a minimum final grade of C in all massage therapy courses in order to progress in the sequence of massage courses.

Students enrolled in the massage therapy course sequence are required to comply with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Code of Ethics.

Special Conditions

Health Manpower Shortage: This program of study may be designated a Health Manpower Shortage Tuition Reduction Program. This means that some residents of Maryland (see the Tuition, Fees and Payments section of this catalog) enrolled in this program of study by the first day of the term may be eligible for in-county tuition rates for courses required for program completion. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm that this program still maintains a Health Manpower Shortage Program status before enrolling. Please refer to the college’s Accounts Receivable Office to confirm this designation.

Anne Arundel Community College and/or the School of Health Sciences reserves the right to revise requirements for admission into the Health Sciences programs, the selection criteria and procedures, and the required courses for programs of study as deemed necessary without prior notification.

Approximate Cost

Entrance/Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

To view all entrance/admission details, please go to the Massage Therapy Admission Requirements page.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening

This program requires the satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and possible drug screening. For complete details, see Health Sciences Criminal Background & Drug Screening.

Graduation Requirements

Refer to Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements for college-wide graduation requirements.

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses

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Fast Track Planning Tool

Massage Therapy Course Sequence

Prerequisite: 1 credit

MAS 100 - Introduction to Massage 1 credit hour
MAS 100 must be completed with a grade of C or better or be currently registered prior to submitting an application. If currently taking MAS 100, must complete with a C or better in order to gain full acceptance into the program and register for MAS 110.

General Education Requirements: 25 credits

BIO 230 - Structure and Function of the Human Body 4 credit hours
The BIO 231 - BIO 232 sequence or the BIO 233 - BIO 234 sequence is an option if students prefer to take them in lieu of passing BIO 230.
CTA 100 - Computing and Information Technology 3 credit hours OR
CTP 103 - Theories and Applications of Digital Technology 3 credit hours

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits

See Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Courses for a list of approved courses. The course you choose must also satisfy AACC’s Diversity requirement.

Fast Track

This program has a Fast Track Option for those holding a college degree.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, and massage theory to use critical thinking skills to plan and organize an effective massage therapy session tailored to each client’s specific needs.
Perform therapeutic massage demonstrating the use of massage therapy principles and a variety of techniques.
Develop and implement a self-care strategy.
Demonstrate ethical and legal behavior, cultural sensitivity, boundaries and effective communication with clients and professionals in the massage therapy profession.
Develop a strategy for a successful practice, business or employment situation.
Document massage sessions according to industry standards.
Prepare to pass the MBLEx and Maryland jurisprudence exam.
Integrate knowledge of pathology, medical devices, and functional and environmental limitations to develop a treatment plan for safe and effective clinical massage in a healthcare setting.

This program aligns with the college’s core competencies.

Related Offerings

Students may wish to also review requirements for the related majors or programs linked below.

Massage Therapy (certificate)

Career and Educational Advancement Resources

Career, Workforce Certifications, Education, and Transfer Resources