Massage Therapy 

This 570-hour course is divided into three semesters and is designed to prepare students for both the national certification exam and North Carolina licensure application process.  Through class work and practical "hands-on" training, students obtain a foundation for professional practice as an entry level Massage Therapist. 

Semester I (fall): Fundamentals of Swedish massage, anatomy and physiology, tai chi body mechanics, kinesiology, ethics, NC laws and rules, communication skills, hygiene, standard precautions, special populations, wellness & self care, student clinic

 Semester II (spring): Sports massage, anatomy and physiology, prenatal massage, hydrotherapy, introduction to oriental bodywork,  joint mobility, functional assessment, community fieldwork, business, CPR, student clinic

Semester III (summer): Deep tissue massage, somatic psychology, pathology, community fieldwork, student clinic  

Note: Massage Therapy Semesters I, II and III are sequenced courses. Students are admitted into the Massage Therapy Course fall semester only.

 Requirements for entrance into the course:

• Must be 18 years of age
• High school diploma/GED
• No felony convictions
• Reading placement test. Reading placement test is waived if student shows proof of post secondary degree. All others must contact the Student Service Center in Watauga County at 828-297-2185 or in Hudson 828-726-2709 for information regarding testing information. Students must achieve a minimum score of 83 before admission is granted to the massage therapy course.
• Attend orientation session at Watauga Continuing Education Center. Dates for 2005 are August 2nd or August 16th. You must attend one of these sessions to be admitted to class.
• Interview with Course Coordinator.
• Complete Admission Packet.  The following process must be completed, documented, and returned to the Watauga Continuing Education Center within 3 weeks after picking up the packet.
• Application/Registration Form
• Physical Fitness Form
• Hepatitis B Virus series proof/declination
• Immunization records
• Picture ID
• Official Social Security Card
• High School Diploma/GED
• Official Transcripts showing highest education level attained
• Reading placement test results or proof of post secondary degree

Admission packets may be picked up at the Watauga Continuing Education Center at 139 Health Center Drive (off Bamboo Road) in Boone. Packets will be available starting May 16th.  They may be picked up Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Call Julie Smith at 828-263-5371 to make an appointment to return the packet.  All paperwork must be completed or packets will not be accepted.  Interviews will be scheduled after the packets have been confirmed complete.  Students are admitted on a first come, first served basis.

Recommendations:

The following recommendations greatly improve your chances of successfully completing the program:

• Receive at least 3 professional massages prior to admission to the course.
• Have completed a college level course in biology, anatomy, and/or physiology.
• Have attended a one day (or more) training in massage or holistic health.

 Important! Massage therapy requires a great deal of psychological sensitivity and emotional maturity. This course is also rigorous academically. The student needs self discipline, stress management skills, good communication skills, good personal hygiene, and an understanding of appropriate interpersonal boundaries.

Should you have questions, please contact the Julie Smith, Course Coordinator,  at 828-263-5371, for more information.

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