Course Descriptions
Anatomy & Physiology/ Kinesiology (188 hours)
These courses will be combined and completed over a six month period. This is a comprehensive class of the human body covering the ten major body systems with their structure and function. Includes related topics of massage indications and contraindications. Kinesiology section will look at specifics of the musculoskeletal system with students learning about and gaining an understanding of various muscles, ligaments, joints and how they relate to each other. Massage Theory and Practice (84 hours) This course will be split into two different times over the program. Introduces students to basics of Swedish massage. Students will learn how to perform a full body massage as well as indications, contraindications and physiological effects of massage. Topics also cover history of massage, hygiene, safe draping, body mechanics and interview process. This class lays the foundation for future advanced classes. Medical Terminology (8 hours) This class will take place for two weeks in the seventh month of the program. These hours will satisfy as part of Clinical/Business Practices 55 hour minimum required by Washington State DOL. Designed to help students understand and become comfortable with medical terminology used in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology classes. Students will learn Latin and Greek derivatives and how they combine with other prefixes and suffixes to make up medical terms today. Eastern Philosophy ( 32 hours)
This class is part of the Massage Theory and Practice 265 hour minimum required by WA State DOL. Class will be offered in the third month of the program. Students will learn the Eastern philosophies of medicine, especially Traditional Chinese Medicine and principles that utilize Qi, or energy through medians and pressure points on the body. Some styles of bodywork covered in the course are Acupressure, Shiatsu and Reflexology. Pathology (20 hours) This course in addition to Clinical Applications covers the minimum of 50 hours required by WA DOL. Course will be offered in the fourth month. Material will cover various conditions and diseases found in each body system. The class will integrate with other hands-on clinical massage class. Deep Tissue Massage (20 hours) Taking place the fourth month and first week of fifth month. This course goes deeper into the concepts and applications of bodywork and is an extension of Massage Theory and Practice. It looks at several applications of deeper structural work and the deeper postural muscles and fascia. Trigger point work, myofascial release and postural release will be included. Students will learn to focus their attention to create an overall experience as well as effective treatment. |
Business Practice (12 hours)
Starting the second week of the fifth month of the program for three weeks. Students will learn tools such as marketing strategies, basic accounting, resume writing, insurance billing, presentation and interview process and building clientele. Chair Massage (16 hours) Offered in the fifth month. As an extension of Massage Theory and Practice, this course will teach students how to give a 15-minute, on-site, seated massage. Class will also cover how to create a successful on-site business and have opportunities to use their skills while working in public. Hydrotherapy/Aromatherapy/SPA (35 hours) Class offered during the sixth month and first week of seventh month. As part of Massage Theory and Practice this course will teach students the modality of hydrotherapy using hot and cold applications. Students learn basic theory and practice as well as indications and contraindications of the modality. Several techniques will be covered including local and contrasting applications. Ethics and Professionalism (12 Hours) This class will take place the first three weeks in the seventh month of the program with no evening classes scheduled currently. Students will learn theories of ethical standards and principles that apply to massage therapy. The course also covers Washington State law for massage therapy and its licensing. Chart Noting (20 hours) Taking place the seventh month of the program. This course follows the Clinical/Business section of the program teaching basics of massage documentation for insurance billing. It provides a foundation for understanding proper procedure of documenting treatment sessions and maintaining clear, professional communication. Human Behavior (4 hours) Offered the last week of the eight month. A component of Clinical/Business Practices, the emphasis of this course will be on relationship between client and therapist as well as psychology of pain and emotional aspect of bodywork. Clinical Applications (44 Hours) This class will take place the first three weeks of the eight month and first week of the last month of the program with no current schedule for evening classes. Theories and applications of several pathologies and applications as well as specific conditions are covered. The instructor will include hydrotherapy applications, range of motion testing and demonstrate other assessments and treatments such as Cyriax cross-fiber friction, Muscle Energy Technique and passive positional release methods. Pregnancy Massage (8 hours) Offered the last two weeks of the seventh month. As part of Massage Theory and Practice, this class covers the basics in giving safe, comfortable, relaxing massage to pregnant mothers. Benefits, contraindications and specific considerations for each trimester will be discussed. |