MTH-MTH7021 - Massage Therapy I

Course Description

Permission Required Prior To Enrollment

Contact CosmetologyBarberingMassage@cpcc.edu for details

The Massage Therapy Program is a comprehensive 720-hour certification program designed to prepare students for careers as professional massage therapists. Central Piedmont currently offers daytime and evening program schedules with semesters starting in spring and fall. The program is divided into three modules, coursework includes massage modalities, anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, ethics and law, business practices and a student-run clinic. Students gain the knowledge and competencies required to meet North Carolina licensure requirements and to transition confidently into a variety of massage therapy settings. Graduates who receive a certificate of completion are eligible and prepared to take the nationally recognized Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

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

Module I Courses: 

Foundations for Success: 12 Hours 

Massage Therapy I: 120 Hours 

Anatomy & Physiology I: 42 Hours 

Pathology I: 15 Hours 

Kinesiology I: 39 Hours 

Clinic I: 30 Hours 

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
Introduces the 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
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
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 lectures 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
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 instructor's support skill development, ethical practice and readiness for more advanced clinical experiences.

Learner Outcomes

MODULE I 

This foundational module is essential groundwork for your future practice as a professional massage therapist. You will be introduced to the structure and function of the human body, the foundational practices of therapeutic massage, and the basics of clinical reasoning. With hands-on practice and classroom learning, students will begin to develop the critical skills needed to grow as knowledgeable, skilled and professional massage therapist. 

 Learning Objectives: 

1. Create a personalized academic success plan by applying time management, learning resources, study strategies, communication skills to support progress in the massage therapy program. 

2. Demonstrate the application of foundational massage techniques and draping protocols while maintaining proper body mechanics and a safe hygienic environment to perform a full-body massage.  

3. Describe the organization of the human body, including terminology, cells, tissues, body regions and explain the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular and integumentary systems.  

4. Identify common pathologies of the skeletal, muscular and integumentary systems and analyze appropriate massage modifications based on those conditions. 

5. Identify and palpate key bones, joints and soft tissues of each body region, and explain their anatomical relationships to the practice of massage therapy.
6. Integrate foundational massage techniques in a supervised clinical setting by modeling professional behaviors, analyzing client intake forms and generating accurate SOAP charting to support ethical and effective client care.

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