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

Massage therapy is a very rewarding career.  The licensed massage therapist (LMT) plays an important role in the wellness of their clients.  Massage therapy is the manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body (by stroking, kneading, or rubbing with one or both hands or with the use of an instrument) for therapeutic purposes. Clients of the LMT benefit from decreased stress and increased relaxation, reduced pain, decreased muscle soreness and tension, improved circulation, improved energy and alertness, lowered heart rate and blood pressure, and improved immune function.
 
Graduates of the program may pursue self-employment or may obtain positions in a variety of settings including:  group practices, spas, salons, chiropractic offices, gyms, health and athletic clubs, hotels, resorts, medical offices, holistic centers, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, cruise ships and more.

The SUNY Niagara Approach

The SUNY Niagara massage therapy program is 62 credit hours over two years, leading to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in massage therapy.  The course of study meets the New York State Education Department (NYSED) requirements for massage therapy including more than 1000 hours of coursework in anatomy, physiology, neurology, myology, kinesiology, pathology, hygiene, first aid, CPR, infection control procedures, assessment and evaluation, development of a treatment plan, as well as the theory, technique and practice of both oriental/eastern and western massage/bodywork therapy and professional responsibilities.  Students receive a minimum of 150 hours of LMT-supervised hand-on practice in the massage clinic on the SUNY Niagara Sanborn campus.  Graduates of the program are eligible to take the New York State massage therapy licensure examination as well as the national licensure exam.
 
This program enables new students, as well as current health professionals and paraprofessionals to obtain the requirements to become licensed massage therapists upon successful completion of the state and/or national board examination.

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 develop students’ skills in Eastern and Western massage
• To prepare students for professional/private practice
• To fulfill 6 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