Massage Therapist, Continuing Education Workforce Certificate

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.

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

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.

Program objectives

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

Successful Completion:

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

Need PLA Info

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

Course Number

Course Title

Course Hours

Textbook Information

(approximate cost; subject to change)

Costs

T=Tuition/F=Fees

AHL298

Anatomy & Physiology I for Massage Therapy

 60

Mosby's Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage, 6th edition ISBN 978-0-323-67229-0 ($89.99)

Trail Guide to the Body, 6th edition ISBN 978-0-9987850-6-6 ($82.95)

Trail Guide to the Body Student Workbook, 6th Edition ISBN 978-0-9914666-7-2 ($32.95)

The Anatomy Coloring Book (Kapit/ Elson), 4th edition ISBN 978-0321832016 ($23.99)

All textbooks included in course cost

$895

T-$269/F$626

AHL299

Principles of Swedish for Massage Therapy

60

Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 7th edition ISBN 978-0-323-66183-6 ($102.99)

Trail Guide to the Body, 6th edition ISBN 978-0-9987850-6-6 ($82.95) (same as AHL298)

Body Mechanics and Self-Care Manual ISBN 978-0-8385-0747-6 (up to $77.00)

All textbooks included in course cost

$785

T-$236/F-$549

AHL300

Health, Safety & Ethics for Massage Therapy

56

Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 7th edition ISBN 978-0-323-66183-6 ($102.99) (Same as AHL299)

Mosby's Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage, 6th edition ISBN 978-0-323-67229-0 ($89.99) (Same as AHL298)

Body Mechanics and Self-Care Manual ISBN 978-0-8385-0747-6 (up to $77) (Same as AHL299)

Communication & Ethics for Bodywork Practitioners, ISBN 978-0-8036-2404-7 ($51.95)

All textbooks included in course cost

$715 

 T-$215/F-$500

AHL301

Intro to Touch & Joint Movement for Massage Therapy

44

Mosby's Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage, 6th edition ISBN 978-0-323-67229-0 ($89.99) (same as AHL300)

Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 7th edition ISBN 978-0-323-66183-6 ($102.99) (same as AHL300)

All textbooks included in course cost

$569

T-$171/F-$398

AHL302

Applied Reiki I for Massage Therapy

 12 None

$169

T-$51/F-$118

AHE805

or

AHL250

CPR for Healthcare Providers 

or

BLS Provider

7

 None

$109

T-$33/F-$76
Module I Totals:   239  

$3,242

T-$975/F-$2,267

Module II

Course Number Course Title Course Hours

Textbook Information

(approximate cost; subject to change)

Costs

T=Tuition/F=Fees
AHL303 Principles of Chair for Massage Therapy 32

Therapeutic Chair Massage ISBN 9780781742344 ($20 or less)

Textbooks included in course cost

$429

T-$129/F-$300
AHL304 Deep Tissue Theory & Practice for Massage Therapy 28

Trail Guide to the Body, 6th edition ISBN 978-0-9987850-6-6 ($82.95) (same as AHL399)

Textbooks included in course cost

$359

T-$108/F-$251
AHL305 Anatomy & Physiology II for Massage Therapy 64

Applied Anatomy & Physiology for Manual Therapists, 2nd Edition ISBN 978-0-9982663-8-1 ($84.95)

Applied Anatomy & Physiology for Manual Therapists Review Guide, 2nd Edition ISBN 978-0-9982663-7-4 ($35.95)

All textbooks included in course cost

$805

T-$242/F-$563
AHL306 Fundamentals of Pathology for Massage Therapy 52

A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology: Critical Thinking and Practical Application, 7th edition ISBN 978-0-9982663-4-3 ($85.95)

Textbooks included in course cost

$675

T-$203/F-$472
Module II Totals:   176  

$2,268

T-$682/F-$1,586

Module III:

Course Number Course Title Course Hours

Textbook Information

(approximate cost; subject to change)

 

Costs

T=Tuition/F=Fees
AHL307 Fundamentals of Neuromuscular Therapy- Lecture & Palpation 72

The Muscle & Bone Palpation Manual, 3rd Edition ISBN 978-0-323-76136-9 ($76.99)

Textbooks included in course cost

$909

T-$273/F-$636
AHL308 Neuromuscular Therapy- Theory & Practice 72 Same as AHL307

$909

T-$273/F-$636
AHL309

Spa Bodywork- A Fundamental Approach

 68

The Complete Spa Book for Massage Therapists ISBN 9781418000141 ($79.95)

The Complete Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage 2nd edition ISBN 9781439056714 ($69.95)

Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Prenatal Labor, and Postpartum Practice, 2nd edition ISBN 978-1-58255-851-6 (aproximately $20)

All textbooks included in course cost

$855

T-$257/F-$598
AHL310 Applied Pharmacology for the Massage Therapist 28

Pharmacology for Massage Therapy, ISBN 9780781747981 (less than $20)

Textbooks included in course cost

$359

T-$108/F-$251
AHL311 Principles of Business for Massage Therapy 40

Business Mastery, 5th Edition ISBN 978-188290-8-05-9 ($43.95)

Business Mastery, 5th Edition, Student Workbook (pdf) ($0.00)

All textbooks included in course cost

$499

T-$150/F-$349

Module III Totals:

   280  

$3,531

T-$1,061/F-$2,470

Module IV:

Course Number Course Title Course Hours

Textbook Information

(approximate cost; subject to change)

Costs

T=Tuition/F=Fees
AHL312 Principles of Sports Massage 28

Sports Massage ISBN 9780736082600 ($39.00)

Textbooks included in course cost

$359

T-$108/F-$251
AHL313 Principles of Research and Massage Therapy 24

Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 7th edition ISBN 978-0-323-66183-6 ($102.99) (Same as AHL301)

Textbooks included in course cost

$309

T-$93/F-$216
AHL314 Introduction to Myofascial Release 36

Mosby's Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage, 6th edition ISBN 978-0-323-67229-0 ($89.99) (Same as AHL301)

Job's Body ISBN 9781581770223 (less than $30)

All textbooks included in course cost

$475

T-$143/F-$332
AHL315 Massage Therapy Clinic 24 N/A

$309

T-$93/F-$216
AHL316 Introduction to Reflexology for Massage Therapy 16

Reflexology: A Basic Guide ISBN 9780760712481 ($10)

Textbooks included in course cost

$205

T-$63/F-$146
AHL317 MD Law, Jurisprudence & MBLEx Test Prep for Massage Therapy 16

Ascencia MBLEx: Study Guide ISBN 9781635309492 ($30.00)

Textbooks included in course cost

$205

T-$62/F-$143
Module IV Totals:   144  

$1,866

T-$562/F-$1,304
Course Series Totals:   839 $1,108.51 (included in course cost)

$10,907

T-$3,280/F-$7,627

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

Physical Requirements:

Sufficient strength and mobility to:

  • Stand or sit in one area for extended periods of time
  • Use body to perform repetitive motions
  • Have stamina to withstand and endure muscular fatigue
  • Lift or move tables weighing up to 40 pounds or more
  • Work quickly to meet deadlines
  • Assist clients on and off the massage table based on client's needs

Fine motor coordination sufficient to perform precise tasks such as:

  • palpatory assessments
  • isolating structures of the body
  • Manual dexterity
  • Hand strength, flexibility and fine motor coordination
  • Balance and flexibility
  • Constant physical movement (standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing etc.)

Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:

  • Have the ability to:
  • Develop and maintain constructive, cooperative working relationships with others
  • Pay close attention to detail and recordkeeping
  • Provide customer and personal services, including the ability to perform customer needs assessment, meet quality standards, and evaluate customer satisfaction
  • Respect and protect patient rights and confidentiality without regard to personal beliefs and judgments
  • Commit to following approved standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures
  • Interact in a professional manner with many personalities and attitudes and with people from many diverse backgrounds
  • Sufficient communication skills to:
  • Communicate with people outside of the organization and representing the organization to customers
  • Give and receive accurate written and verbal instructions
  • Follow proper channels of communication
  • Communicate in a calm and professional manner

 

Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability To:

  • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Exercise independent judgment to properly perform tasks at hand
  • Accurately utilize all resource material available to perform the task at hand
  • Perform duties while exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors
  • Maintain calm during emergency situations
  • Accept feedback from others in an open and positive way

Environment Requirements:

  • Working in an environment where you will be exposed to bodily fluids
  • Providing proof of recent immunizations against infectious diseases as requested
  • Demonstrated ability to formulate a session plan based upon the client's needs. Inherent in this plan is the assumption that the therapist has a solid knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, evaluates for cautions and contraindications, pathology and limitations.