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:
- utilize knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, pathology, and musculoskeletal kinesiology in the application of massage therapy;
- identify, evaluate, and explain current outcome-based research in massage therapy;
- provide a full-body massage using a variety of professional therapeutic massage techniques;
- recognize client pathologies, health conditions, cautions and contraindications to massage;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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
- 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
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:
- Complete and submit a FAFSA (if you are applying for Pell funding)
- Call Registration and request to enroll in the Massage Therapy Program: 443.840.2222
- Provide the Course Title: AHL 279- CCBC Massage Therapy Program Application
- Provide the Course Registration Number: 73166
- Complete the Program application in Brightspace by logging into myCCBC and clicking "MyCourses"
- 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:
Fine motor coordination sufficient to perform precise tasks such as:
Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:
Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability To:
Environment Requirements:
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