Massage Therapist

Program Description

Licensed Massage Therapists provide massage and bodywork services using hands-on manual techniques on soft tissues of the human body for the purpose of enhancing muscle relaxation, improving circulation, relieving muscular pain, reducing stress, or promoting health and well-being.  Massage Therapists are present in multiple settings from private practice to working in clinics, and play a vital role in helping to maintain the physical health and wellness of their clients.

This program is blended, with courses taking place on the Esssex Campus of CCBC and further work completed online.  Accredited by the Commission of Massage Therapy Association (COMTA), this program prepares students to take and pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) as well as the MD Jurisprudence Examination, ultimately leading to Massage Therapy Licensure in the state of Maryland.

This program is a hybrid of in person and online learning, and courses will take place on the Essex Campus at CCBC. Students who successfully complete the program earn a Continuing Education Workforce Training Certificate.

The median annual wage for massage therapists was $46,910 in May 2021, and the Massage Therapy industry is expected to grow 20% from 2021-2031

Program Objectives

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

1. utilize knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, pathology, and musculoskeletal kinesiology in the application of massage therapy;
2. identify, evaluate, and explain current outcome-based research in massage therapy;
3. provide a full-body massage using a variety of professional therapeutic massage techniques;
4. recognize client pathologies, health conditions, cautions and contraindications to massage;
5. create a therapeutic massage treatment session for each individual using appropriate techniques, goal setting, assessment skills, session planning, and outcome evaluation according to client intake information;
6. cultivate a therapeutic relationship with clients by maintaining boundaries, providing supportive and safe environment, and effectively communicating with clients and professionals using appropriate written and verbal skills, including documentation and maintenance of client records;
7. specify and select viable employment options for massage therapists in the surrounding areas including private practice, allied health centers, integrative medicine teams, wellness centers and others;
8. compare and contrast the private practice employment model versus other employment options including the development of a practical business plan using ethical, business, accounting and marketing knowledge; and
9. successfully prepare and pass the national Massage and Bodywork Licensure Examination (MBLEx) and the Maryland State Jurisprudence examination to become a Maryland State Licensed Massage Therapist.

CCBC Pathway

Health Professions Pathway.  Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential:

Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential:

The Licensed Massage Training Curriculum is designed to meet the Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners’ requirements. Students will be eligible to take the national certification exam to become Licensed Massage Therapists in the state of MD.

Certifying Organization:

MD Board of Massage Therapy Examiners

https://health.maryland.gov/massage/Pages/home.aspx

Disclosures

CCBC 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 CCBC course or program meets requirements for licensure in that state. If you need assistance finding contact information for your state, click here.

Financial Aid and Payment Options

CCBC currently offers Continuing Education (CE) financial aid to those who qualify. We package public and private funding options to benefit students which include Baltimore County Workforce Promise, Maryland Sequence Scholarship, CCBC Opportunity Grant funding, and Maryland Promise. Financial aid funding is available for select CE courses and programs. 

Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition,  the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development. 

For more information about funding resources and how to apply for them, please contact the CCBC Continuing Education Information Center at 443-840-4700.

Pell Funding:  Eligible for grants and college loans.  Go to www.fafsa.gov to apply for Federal financial aid.

Program Length

14 months; 2-4 cohorts offered each year

Program Requirements

• Minimum age of 18
• High School Diploma or GED
• Computer literate
• Internet access to utilize Brightspace (online learning management system) to complete course assignments and assessments
• Able to pass a background check

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Orientation

Students must attend a mandatory information session before registering for classes. Check our website for updated times and dates, and meeting invite links or contact blaguerre@ccbcmd.edu

Application Process

Provisional Entry - Students must attend a mandatory online information session prior to registration. Students must complete the program application and meet with the Director of Massage Therapy for admission.

Application Process:

1. Complete and submit a FAFSA (if you are applying for Pell funding)
2. Call Registration and request to enroll in the Massage Therapy Program: 443.840.2222
3. Provide the Course Title: AHL 279- CCBC Massage Therapy Program Application
4. Provide the Course Registration Number: 73166
5. Complete the Program application in Brightspace by logging into myCCBC and clicking “MyCourses”
6. Make sure to complete the Poll in the Brightspace Application Course to select your preferred cohort schedule

Program Course Sequence

Module I

Module II

Module III:

Module IV:

Additional Information

Course Substitutions:
CPR for Healthcare Providers (AHE 805) can be substituted with current AHA BLS Provider certification (must be completed within six months of cohort start date).

Additional Expenses:
The Massage Program includes payment of the MBLEx & MD Board of Massage Therapy Examiners application (which includes the Jurisprudence Exam)- a value totaling $565. The student will be obligated to pay an initial Licensure Fee of $200 to the MD Board upon passing the Jurisprudence Exam.

Students will have to complete Castle Branch background check requirements totaling $74 in order to submit the application for the Massage Therapy Program. 

Skills for Success:
See Technical Standards at the end of this document

Career Opportunities:​
Students can become Licensed Massage Therapists and members of the Allied Health Community. Licensed Massage Therapists work in various settings including Private Practice, Healthcare facilities, with allied health professionals and Spas.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Program Director: Bremacha LaGuerre | blaguerre@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-1391 | Essex ECHP 305 B

For more information email CEHealth@ccbcmd.edu​ 

Technical Standards

Technical Standards for CCBC’s Massage Therapist Program