MASSAGE THERAPY COURSES (TM)

TM 100 - INTRODUCTION TO MASSAGE THERAPY

This course is designed to introduce students to the massage therapy profession and the role of the massage therapist as a member of a team of health care providers. Basic principles and techniques of massage therapy will be presented, and basic massage therapy strokes will be presented and practiced.

0.5 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 0.5 Laboratory Hours: 0

TM 110 - INTRODUCTION TO MASSAGE THERAPY AND BODYWORK

This course is designed to introduce students to the profession of massage therapy. An introduction to the basic principles and techniques of massage therapy will be presented. Basic Swedish Massage therapy strokes will be demonstrated and practiced as well as draping and use of oils and lotions.

1 Credit Hour (OC) - Lecture Hours: 1 Laboratory Hours: 0.5

TM 111 - FUNDAMENTAL MASSAGE TECHNIQUES

Prerequisite: Admission to Massage Therapy Program, successful completion of TM 100 with an "S" and BIOL 140 with a grade of "C" or better. This course is a presentation of classic Swedish Massage to relax the musculature as well as increase the blood and lymphatic flow throughout the body. Basic traditional massage techniques, proper body mechanics, and standard precautions and medical emergency preparedness for the massage therapist are discussed and practiced. Course content is an integration of concepts related to massage therapy and application of hands-on laboratory experiences including practicing massage techniques on classmates for safe, appropriate treatment of the body, documentation, treatment planning and time management. Benefits and commonly encountered contraindications of massage are identified and discussed.

2.5 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 1 Laboratory Hours: 4.5

TM 112 - APPLIED ANATOMY FOR THE BODYWORKER

Prerequisite: Admission to Massage Therapy Program, TM 100 with a grade of "S", and BIOL 106 or BIOL 140 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better. This course examines musculoskeletal anatomy. Students will learn the location and orientation of musculature of the human body, the principles of palpation of joints and muscles, and identify endangerment sites related to massage therapy. Course content is lecture integrated with hands-on laboratory experiences, including use of low fidelity models or manikins.

3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 1 Laboratory Hours: 6

TM 113 - PROFESSIONAL ISSUES FOR THE BODYWORKER

Prerequisite: Admission to Massage Therapy Program, successful completion of TM 100 with an "S" and BIOL 140 with a grade of "C" or better. This course focuses on national, state and local standards for the professional practice of a massage therapist, when providing service to clients and collaborating with other health care practitioners or providers in meeting needs for clientele. Additionally, this course provides an introduction to business operations of a massage therapy practice, including being employed within a healthcare organization or medical practice, as an independent contractor, or a small business owner.

2.5 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 2.5 Laboratory Hours: 0

TM 114 - PATHOLOGY, DOCUMENTATION, AND TERMINOLOGY FOR THE BODYWORKER

Prerequisite: Admission to Massage Therapy Program, TM 100 with a grade of "S", and BIOL 106 or BIOL 140 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better. In this course students will review physiologic and pathological conditions commonly presented by clients and confronted by massage therapists. In addition, students will learn medical terminology by which to recognize conditions, carefully evaluate and accurately document client health history.

2.5 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 2.5 Laboratory Hours: 0

TM 115 - CONCEPTS OF HOLISTIC HEALTH

Prerequisite: TM 112, TM 114, and TM 116 all with a grade of "C" or better. This course is a study of the art and science of healing that addresses the whole person: body, mind and spirit. The many facets of health and wellness and their relationship to massage therapy and the massage therapist are explored. Stress management and core strengthening for the massage therapist is emphasized. Integration of conventional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health, relaxation and career longevity is explored and experienced.

2 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 1 Laboratory Hours: 2

TM 116 - PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE BODYWORKER

Prerequisite: Admission to the program. This course is designed to prepare the student for positive therapeutic relationships with clients. Professional ethics, boundaries, and interpersonal skills will be discussed.

3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0

TM 120 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS

Prerequisite: TM 111 and TM 112 with a "C" or better. This course requires the massage student to engage extensively in critical thinking, safety, assessment, and documentation. In an outreach setting, supervised by faculty, students will apply the massage principles, demonstrate technique and skills, and adhere to procedures for massage professionals, while independently massaging clients and massage professionals within the community. Additionally, the students will demonstrate their knowledge while engaging in practice exams, to better prepare for the state licensing exam.

1 Credit Hour (OC) - Lecture Hours: 0 Laboratory Hours: 2

TM 121 - ADDRESSING THE MUSCLE

Prerequisite: Completion of TM 111 and TM 112 with a grade of "C" or better. This course reviews the specific therapeutic massage techniques incorporated in accessing the deep layers via manual manipulation, including mobilization, stretching, cupping and hydrotherapy. Course content is integrated and concepts applied with hands-on laboratory experiences to include practicing and demonstrating massage techniques on classmates.

2.5 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 1.5 Laboratory Hours: 3.0

TM 123 - MASSAGE THERAPY TECHNIQUES, VARIATIONS, AND APPLICATIONS

Prerequisite: TM 111 and TM 112 both with a grade of "C" or better. This course teaches students to apply massage technique variations including muscle/soft tissue manipulation, meridian points, and/or energy work. Course content is integrated and concepts applied with hands-on laboratory experiences to include practicing and demonstrating massage techniques on classmates.

2 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 1 Laboratory Hours: 2

TM 125 - APPLIED KINESIOLOGY FOR THE BODYWORKER

Prerequisite: TM 111 and TM 112 with a grade of "C" or better. This course is designed to give students a basic knowledge of movement and the interrelationship of the neurological, muscular, and skeletal systems. Through both lecture and laboratory experiences, students will learn the skills of manual muscle testing as well as movement analysis. Course content is integrated and concepts applied with hands-on laboratory experiences to include practicing and demonstrating techniques on classmates.

3 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 2.5 Laboratory Hours: 1.5

TM 126 - PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Prerequisite: Admission to the program. This course is designed to prepare the massage therapist student to transition to professional practice. Professionalism, career options and planning will be discussed. History of massage as it relates to massage today, professional associations, continuing education and the value of research in the profession will also be discussed. Additionally, this course will focus on preparation for licensing examination. The students will review concepts and demonstrate knowledge while engaging in practice exams, to prepare for the state licensing exam.

2 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 1 Laboratory Hours: 2

TM 127 - THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE CLINICAL

Prerequisite: TM 111 and TM 112 both with a grade of "C" or better. This course provides the student the opportunity to successfully apply the principles, techniques, and procedures practiced and learned in the classroom and lab within a massage clinic setting. Under the direction of the clinical supervisor, the student is expected to: review client intake information to determine possible indications or contraindications for a massage; adapt the massage to meet the clients needs; demonstrate professional behavior; abide by ethical and legal principles; use professional client/therapist communication skills; utilize proper draping techniques; utilize proper bio-mechanics; implement safety and infection precautions; perform a therapeutic Swedish massage; and properly document the session in the client's record.

1 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 0 Laboratory Hours: 3.5

TM 255 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

Prerequisite: Department approval. This course provides the opportunity to work on a technical project, research, or other specialized study related to individual academic needs. A written plan for the independent-study project is developed with a faculty member (including a detailed description of the project, the number of credit hours assigned to it, the evaluative criteria to be used, and other relevant matters), and the project is carried out under the periodic direction of the faculty member. The written plan is submitted to the dean/associate dean for approval and remains on file within the department. A final written report is also submitted to the faculty member by the student. This course is repeatable up to a total of 5.0 credit hours. Three to fifteen laboratory hours per week or equivalent.

1 to 5 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 0 to 2.5 Laboratory Hours: 3 to 15