Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) must show proof of:

At least 500 hours of approved massage training

Pass the NCBTMB or NCCAOM examination

Have 60 college credits (in any field) from an approved/accredited school

Certified Massage Therapists are bona fide healthcare practitioners under Maryland law and may practice in health settings such as doctor’s offices, hospitals and nursing homes, as well as private practice. CMT’s may receive and give referrals to other healthcare practitioners.

Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP) must show proof of:

At least 500 hours of approved massage training

Pass the NCBTMB or NCCAOM examination 

Registered Massage Practitioners may not practice in health care settings, but may practice in spas, health clubs or in private practice.

Massage Therapist Course Outline

Required Courses

Course Title                                                    Lecture Hrs    Lab Hrs       Total Hrs

MT 101 Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology                  120                0             120 Hrs

MT 102 Kinesiology and Biomechanics                         90              30             120 Hrs

MT 103 The Business of Massage Therapy                   90              30             120 Hrs

MT 104 Foundations of Massage Theory and Practice   60              60             120 Hrs

MT 105 Assessment, Complementary Bodywork           40               80             120 Hrs

            & Special Populations 

MT 106 Student Clinical                                             20              100             120 Hrs

Total Hours in Program                                           420              300             720 Hrs

Total Weeks in Program                                                                             36 Weeks

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Course Descriptions

MT 101 Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 
120 Hours

This module presents the science basics of anatomy, physiology, pathology and terminology to massage students. Ancient healing wisdom is integrated into the course as it is related directly to body structure and function. Essential Sciences textbook chapters 1, 3– 6, 11, & 12 will be covered and supplemented by the Anatomy Coloring Book.

MT 102 Kinesiology and Biomechanics
120 Hours

This module presents the science basics of kinesiology and biomechanics to massage students as they study the skeletal, muscular, and joint systems of the body. Essential Sciences textbook chapters 7, 8, 9, & 10 will be covered and supplemented by the Anatomy Coloring Book.

MT 103 The Business of Massage Therapy
120 Hours

This module presents the guidance and tools necessary to establish a successful Massage Therapy practice and to maintain the career. Students will also learn how to find work in spas, or with physicians and chiropractors (if they qualify). Topics also include professional development and legal matters. Fundamentals of Massage textbook chapters 4, 13, and 14 will be covered. Chapters 1 – 7 of the Massage Therapy Career Guide will be covered and the student will earn Red Cross Basic CPR and First Aid certification.

MT 104 Foundations of Massage Theory and Practice                                                                 
120 Hours

This module presents the foundation for the massage student to plan and organize and effective massage and bodywork session in order to perform massage therapy and bodywork for therapeutic benefit. Fundamentals of Massage textbook chapters 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, & 9 will be covered and supplemented with the State of Maryland Rules, Regulations and Code of Ethics.

MT 105 Assessment, Complementary Bodywork & Special Populations                                         
120 Hours

This module covers assessment and interviewing methods to obtain essential information from the client. Complementary bodywork modalities are introduced and the student will learn techniques for performing massage on special populations.  Fundamentals of Massage textbook chapters 5, 10, 11, and 12 will be covered.

MT 106 Student Clinical                                                                                                           
120 Hours

This module gives the student the opportunity to practice their profession and technical skills with the public while under supervision. During clinical experience, the instructor will closely monitor students and teach in an interactive learning environment with the clients, student and instructor through tableside instruction and correction.  Students will perform necessary intake and assessment procedures to identify indications and contraindications of massage. Students will analyze the data, develop treatment goals, perform a massage session based on those goals, and chart the massage session. 

Fundamentals of Massage textbook chapter 15 will be covered in order for students to utilize a wide variety of case studies to develop their clinical reasoning to integrate the information from science studies and applied massage technique.

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Entrance Requirements  

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and show proof of attaining either a high school diploma or GED Certificate. Students must provide to the school a recent Negative TB Test prior to starting the program.

Massage Therapist Vocational Objectives 

Skills to be acquired by program graduates

Describe basic differences in massage systems

Understand the laws, rules, regulations, restrictions & obligations governing massage therapists.

Define the meaning of Professional Ethics

Knowledge of basic human anatomy & physiology

Explain the structures & functions of the main body systems

Describe the effects of massage on the circulatory, muscular & nervous systems of the body

Explain the effects & benefits of massage

Knowledge of the supplies & equipment needed for therapeutic massage

Sanitize & sterilize implements used in massage procedures

Explain the role of safety in the massage therapy business

Demonstrate how to screen clients while making appointments

Define a treatment plan

Demonstrate how to take a person’s pulse & temperature

Describe the six major categories of massage movements

Explain Swedish (classic) massage techniques

Demonstrate mastery of basic massage movements

Demonstrate passive & active joint movements

Explain & demonstrate rhythm & pressure as applied to therapeutic body massage

Demonstrate mastery of hand exercises & correct standing posture and movements specifically for the benefit of massage practitioners

Describe the concepts & benefits of grounding & centering

Demonstrate the steps in preparing a client for a massage session

Demonstrate the correct procedures for draping the client

Demonstrate a basic body massage

Demonstrate massage variations

Use correct anatomical terms when describing the part of the body being massaged

Demonstrate correct posture & stances for the massage practitioner

Demonstrate assessment by passive, active & resisted movement

Demonstrate the proper procedures for giving a basic scalp massage

Explain & demonstrate the use of heat & cold body treatments

Explain hydrotherapy as a therapeutic aid

Demonstrate a Swedish shampoo & salt rub

Explain the benefits of massage as given by nurses & other health care professionals

Demonstrate an alcohol rubdown

Demonstrate how to take a patient’s medical history

Explain the purpose of athletic massage

Locate the major stress points of the body

Demonstrate massage techniques commonly used in athletic massage

Explain the benefits of prenatal & lymph massage

Define a trigger point & describe its location

Define reflexology

Define & describe the benefits of therapeutic exercise

Perform basic stretching exercises

Instruct a client in proper breathing techniques & relaxation exercises

Understand the advantages & disadvantages of operating your own business

Explain the licenses, permits and insurance regulations required to operate a massage business

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©2006 Americare School of Allied Health
11141 Georgia Ave. SUITE 418
WHEATON, MD. 20902
301-933-4660