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 in-person courses taking place on the CCBC Essex Campus and further work completed online via the Brightspace Learning Management Platform. 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.

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. 

For more information about the CCBC Massage Therapy Program or the Student Therapeutic Massage Clinic, click here. 

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 & Track

Health Professions Pathway: Health Professions Track - 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. Through the Teddy Welsh Massage Therapy Endowment Fund, varied scholarship awards are available to students who have successfully completed the first module of AHL298 Anatomy & Physiology for Massage Therapy.  

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

The CCBC Massage Therapy Program is a 14-month program that offers 2-4 cohorts each year. Students may choose to take part in one of the following schedules when they become available:

• Morning cohort > Monday-Thursday 9am-1pm
• Evening cohort > Monday-Thursday 6-10pm
• Weekend cohort > Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm***

These program hours do not follow a traditional semester schedule, and instead, operate throughout the year. Scheduled breaks are included for federal holidays and CCBC school closures. The following holidays apply

• New Years’ Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Easter
• Spring Break (March/April) 
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

*** Due to the accelerated nature of the 2-day, 8-hour weekend cohort, this schedule is strongly suggested for applicants with a background in applied Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology and/or relevant hands on experience in healthcare-related fields (i.e., Nursing, Physical Therapy, Osteopathic/Chiropractic care etc.). 

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

Orientation instructions are provided within each application portal and attendance is mandatory upon acceptance into the Program. Virtual information sessions are held each month where Program content, application information and funding sources are reviewed. Check our website for updated times and dates, and meeting invite links or contact Bremacha LaGuerre, Director of Massage Therapy, at blaguerre@ccbcmd.edu for more information. 

Application Process

Provisional Entry - Students must complete the program application via Brightspace and meet (virtually) 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 CCBC 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: email blaguerre@ccbcmd.edu for the most current CRN 
5. Complete the Program application in Brightspace by logging into myCCBC and clicking “MyCourses”
6. Successful applicants will be notified of acceptance after the application portal closes 

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 or ARC BLS Provider certification with an expiration past the date of program completion.

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

Physical Requirements:

Students must possess sufficient strength and mobility to:

• Stand or sit for extended periods without significant discomfort
• Perform repetitive motions using their body in a controlled and sustained manner
• Maintain stamina to withstand muscular fatigue throughout therapeutic learning and clinical sessions
• Safely lift or move massage tables weighing up to 40 pounds or more
• Work efficiently to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Assist patients on and off the massage table, adjusting to individual needs

Students must demonstrate fine motor coordination to accurately perform the following tasks:

• Conduct palpatory assessments of the body’s structures
• Isolate and identify specific anatomical structures
• Exhibit manual dexterity, hand strength, and flexibility to perform detailed therapeutic techniques
• Maintain balance and flexibility for varied treatment positions
• Engage in constant physical movement, including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and pushing

Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:

Students must be able to:

• Build and maintain constructive, cooperative relationships with peers, patients, and instructors
• Pay close attention to detail, including recordkeeping and patient documentation
• Provide exceptional customer service by assessing patient needs, meeting quality standards, and evaluating patient satisfaction
• Respect and safeguard patients’ rights and confidentiality, regardless of personal beliefs or judgements
• Adhere to established standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures
• Interact professionally with individuals of various personalities, attitudes, and cultural backgrounds

Students should possess communication skills to:

• Effectively interact with individuals both within and outside the organization, including representing the organization to customers
• Accurately give and receive both written and verbal instructions
• Follow appropriate channels of communication in all professional interactions
• Remain calm, respectful, and professional in all communication settings

Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability:

Students must demonstrate the ability to:

• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to various situations
• Use independent judgment to perform tasks with competence and confidence
• Utilize available resources effectively to complete tasks accurately and efficiently
• Safely perform duties in environments exposed to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and potentially unpleasant stimuli
• Maintain composure and focus during emergencies or stressful situations
• Accept constructive feedback positively and use it to improve performance

Environmental Requirements:

Students must be able to:

• Work in environments where exposure to bodily fluids will occur
• Adhere to safety procedures regarding hygiene protocols, equipment maintenance, patient handling and ergonomic practices to prevent injury to both the student therapist and patient
• Design a treatment session tailored to individual patient needs, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, including the ability to evaluate cautions, contraindications, pathologies, and patient limitations.
• Maintain focus and concentration during therapeutic sessions, even in environments with ongoing background noise, music and conversation
• Organize workspaces and maintain a clean, professional environment before, during and after each therapeutic session