MTH-MTH7021 - Massage Therapy I

Course Description

Permission required prior to enrollment

Contact cehealth@cpcc.edu for details

The 657-hour Massage Therapy Program offers a comprehensive education, preparing students for productive careers in massage and bodywork. Central Piedmont currently offers a traditional day-time program in therapeutic massage and a supervised, student-run clinic. The program is divided into three modules focusing on body-oriented therapies, anatomy, kinesiology, and business practices.

To take this course, students must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have an official transcript on file showing the graduation date from that institution (high school, GED, or college/university)
• Be eligible to take ENG 111
• Have a valid state issued picture ID

Course Outline

Foundations for Success – 12 Hours
This preparatory course is designed to support new massage therapy students in building the academic and personal skills essential for success in a rigorous, hands-on program. Students will gain confidence in navigating Brightspace, accessing academic resources, and organizing their studies with time management, note-taking and testing strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing effective study habits, interpersonal communication, and a professional mindset suited for both classroom and clinical environments. By the end of the course, students will have created a personalized academic success plan to guide their journey from start to completion of the program.

Massage Therapy I – 120 Hours
Massage Therapy I is the foundation of therapeutic bodywork. In addition to technique and
theory, this course focuses on the development of efficient body mechanics and practitioner
self-care. Medical indications and contraindications and the therapeutic effect of massage for
stress reduction and relaxation are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the qualitative aspects of
therapeutic touch.

Anatomy & Physiology I – 42 Hours
Anatomy & Physiology I introduces the massage student to the interrelationship between
human anatomy and physiology, anatomical and directional terminology, structure type and
functions of tissues, bones, joints and muscles of the body. Students will be introduced to the
structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, and integumentary systems and recognize how the systems relate to the practice of massage therapy.

Pathology I – 15 Hours
Pathology I introduces massage therapy students to the foundational concepts of disease and dysfunction of the human body as they relate to the practice of massage therapy. Students will understand common conditions affecting the skeletal, muscular, and integumentary systems, building on concepts learned in Anatomy & Physiology I. Students will explore how illness, injury and chronic conditions impact these systems and how they relate to massage therapy. Emphasis is placed on understanding when massage is indicated, when modifications are needed, and when treatment should be avoided. This course helps students begin thinking critically and practicing safely as future massage therapists.

Kinesiology I – 39 Hours
Kinesiology I introduces students to the structure of the skeletal system with a focus on bones, bony landmarks and palpation skills. Students will learn to identify key anatomical structures through blended lecture and hands-on exploration instruction, building the foundation for understanding muscle attachments. Emphasis is placed on developing tactile awareness, proper palpation techniques, anatomical vocabulary in preparation for studying muscles and manual therapy techniques in future modules.

Clinic I – 30 Hours
Clinic I introduces students to their first supervised, hands-on experience working with the Central Piedmont public in a professional massage setting. Students will apply foundational massage techniques, client communication skills, and professional conduct with clients. Emphasis is placed on building confidence, developing time management, and applying classroom knowledge to real-world client scenarios. Supervision and feedback from instructors support skill development, ethical practice and readiness for more advanced clinical experiences.

Learner Outcomes

Our objective is that each student of Central Piedmont Community College’s Therapeutic Massage Program will come to the practice of therapeutic massage and bodywork therapy with a creativity firmly rooted in education and experience. Graduates of the program will be trained to practice massage and bodywork therapy in diverse settings. To prepare graduates for employment in a variety of settings, the program strives to offer a massage and bodywork therapy education that provides:

Provides students with the principles and techniques to apply, with increasing confidence, a variety of classical and clinical massage and bodywork therapy modalities

Apply Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to provide safe and beneficial treatments

Utilize efficient  body mechanics to promote ease in the administration of massage and bodywork therapy techniques, while at the same time, preventing injury to themselves

Understand small business management skills to develop and operate a successful career within the laws and rules of North Carolina and other governing authorities. 

Demonstrate knowledge of psychological and ethical concepts to ensure dynamics of a professional therapist/client relationship are uncompromised. 

Integrate knowledge of health and hygiene into the practice of self-care for the massage therapist and the creation and maintenance of a safe and effective work environment

To enable students to communicate effectively with clients, other health care providers, and the community at large as to the benefits and advisability of massage.

Notes

Method of instruction: Classroom and Lab

Evaluation: Participation in discussions and hands-on lab work with live clients and classmates.

Accrediting Associations

• NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Massage Therapy Certificate Program : Massage Therapy Program