Massage Therapy, A.A.S.

Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:   Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code:           5299
SUNY Code:            1342
Major Code:            MASS

The Career

Students have the opportunity to learn the therapeutic benefits of massage, which is defined as engaging in applying a scientific system of activity to the muscular structure of the human body by means of stroking, kneading, tapping and vibrating with the hands or vibrators for the purpose of improving muscle tone and circulation.  Massage is administered for the purpose of improving blood and lymph circulation, relaxation of muscles, relief of pain and discomfort and restoration of metabolic balance.  Western and Eastern massage therapy will be offered in the curriculum.

Graduates may opt for self-employment or may obtain positions in many different settings including:  group practices, spas, salons, chiropractic offices, gyms, health clubs, athletic clubs, athletic events, hotels/resorts, medical offices, holistic centers, cruise ships, hospitals, airports and rehabilitation centers.

NCCC Approach

Niagara County Community College offers a 64-credit hour, full-time Associate in Applied Science degree in Massage Therapy.  The program allows new students as well as health professionals and paraprofessionals desiring to further develop their skills and to expand their scope of practice.

The course of study will meet the New York State Education Department education and training requirements by having more than 1000 hours of instruction appropriately distributed in the curriculum content areas.  Therefore, graduates of the AAS degree will be eligible to take the New York State Massage Therapy Licensure Exam and the national licensure exam.  The program will also provide students with a foundation in general education.

Admission and Curriculum Change Requirements

Students admitted in fall.

All applicants must meet the following admissions requirements:

1. High school diploma or equivalency diploma.  High school or college-level biology (minimum 75% average).
2. Final acceptance into the Massage Therapy program depends upon the student submitting and the Wellness Center approving the physical exam prior to the student entering MAS 101, Western Massage Therapy:  Theory & Practice.  Health records must remain current during this period of enrollment. The student is responsible for the costs associated with the physical examination report.
3. In order to meet the objectives of the Massage Therapy program, certain essential technical standards must be met. These essential technical standards are available from the Wellness Center. The student must meet technical standards based on the results of the physical examination.
4. Certification in Basic Life Support For Health Care Providers or CPR for professional rescuer is required prior to or co-requisite with MAS 205, Massage Practicum I:  Clinical Applications.
5. If college-level courses were completed prior to the student starting in the Massage Therapy program and these courses are to be used to fulfill degree requirements, a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required.

Program Goals and Objectives

• To prepare students for licensure in massage therapy
• To prepare students an opportunity to develop skills in both Eastern and Western massage
• To prepare students for setting up a professional/private practices
• To fulfill 5 SUNY General Education Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will:

• Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, neurology, behavioral science and humanities when providing Western and Eastern massage therapy.
• Utilize professional judgment to recognize the presence of disease processes, signs of abuse or neglect that may require the intervention of other health care providers and make appropriate referrals.
• Communicate effectively to practice as an individual or in collaboration with consumers, colleagues and other health care providers.
• Integrate knowledge of health and hygiene into the practice of self care for the massage therapist and the creation and maintenance of a safe and effective work environment.
• Consistently apply massage therapy techniques within the legal and ethical parameters of the profession as defined by the New York State Education Department.
• Apply concepts of small business management to the operation of a massage therapy service.