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Program Map

Massage Therapy

Certificate of Completion

Fall 2022 Program Admission

About the Program

The Massage Therapy four-term certificate program provides a comprehensive combination of classroom and hands-on experience in massage therapy. The courses and total hours meet the requirements for licensure application to the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists, the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board’s Licensing Examination and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) certification. Oregon law, however, sets the qualifications for certification of applicants. Grounds for denial of state licensure include physical or mental conditions that would make an applicant unable to safely conduct a massage, or conviction of a crime that bears a demonstrable relationship to the practice of massage. See Oregon Law 687.081.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for massage therapy are:

Demonstrate awareness of appropriate client communication, inclusiveness, ethics, universal precautions, boundaries, laws and regulations in accordance with State Board standards.

Classify, describe and apply massage, bodywork, hydrotherapy, plus manual techniques and explain the primary effects and anticipated outcomes of treatment. 

Locate, identify and describe the function of the body systems and how homeostasis is maintained utilizing medical terminology.

Recognize acute and chronic medical conditions, understand when massage therapy, bodywork and hydrotherapy are indicated, advised with precautions, or contraindicated.

Assess client, create and implement an individualized treatment plan, and document in a client chart using a SOAP format including client goals, assessment findings, treatment and reassessment.

Develop and implement a personalized career plan, including good body mechanics, self-care, and professional development, support, and referral networks.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process. In addition, students may also be required to enroll in classes that would increase their employability and success.

Massage Therapy is a limited-entry program. Interested applicants must attend a mandatory massage therapy information meeting. The timeline for submitting program application materials for fall 2022 admission is April 1-June 24, 2022. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis once prerequisites are completed. It is recommended that students receive influenza, varicella-zoster, rubella, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B series immunizations prior to entering the program. A tuberculin test, drug and alcohol test, and a criminal background check may be required for Cooperative Work Experience activities. Students must attend a mandatory orientation prior to the beginning of fall term.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the Massage Therapy Department chair’s approval. Sealed official transcripts and a transfer credit evaluation request must be submitted to RCC’s Enrollment Services Office by May 1 to be considered in the application process. The transfer credit evaluation request may only be submitted online.

Completion Requirements

Students completing all credits in this program with a grade of “C” or better will receive their certificates. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C” or better grade. Credits earned in this program can be applied to the Associate of General Studies degree.

Program Map

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement score(s). Note, some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.

¹ Required for graduation. Students who have successfully completed the 3-credit version of BT113 will have met the writing requirement.

² BI211 is a prerequisite for BI231. If BI231 is taken, students must also complete BI232 and BI233.

³ Required for graduation. Approved Computer Information Science or Computer Science class, CIS120/CS120 or above, or documented computer proficiency within the past ten years.

For more information, contact the Massage Therapy Department.

Massage Therapy Department faculty and staff can also be reached by:
Phone: 541-956-7500
Email: massage@roguecc.edu
Web address: www.roguecc.edu/massage
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