Complementary Health Care— Massage Therapy Degree (CHD)

An innovative opportunity to study complementary/holistic approaches to maintaining health and supporting recovery from injury or illness, orienting students to complementary health care theories, principles, and practices. This two-year degree program provides a comprehensive background in various modalities and prepares students to become licensed massage therapists. The Complementary Health Care Degree has two components: the Complementary Health Care Certificate (CHC) and the Massage Therapy Certificate (MTC). Students are welcome to begin the CHD program by completing the CHD program application and general college application. At the conclusion of all coursework, they will have earned both certificates and a degree.

Campus/format: This program is selective and can be completed during the day at the Gardner Campus.

Application deadline: The application deadline is March 1. This selective enrollment program requires additional application components. The selection process is competitive and space is limited.

Requirements for consideration: Applicants must meet certain academic standards. See the college catalog for specific details, or refer to the program application available on our website or through the admissions office.

Special requirements: CHD students taking massage courses are required to keep pace with the incoming class and must take courses in sequential order. Applicants must meet all requirements for consideration before entering the program. Students must meet technical standards and additional requirements including immunizations, CPR certification, liability insurance, and a Criminal/Sexual Offender Records Information (CORI/SORI) (see pages 34-35 of the college catalog). Students must score 83 or greater on the Algebra CPT or score 31 or greater on the College Math CPT or have completed a math course equal to MAT126 or higher. All BIO credits must have been taken within five years.

Transfer options: Some CHC courses may transfer to Fitchburg State College. Check with the transfer advisor. Transfer agreements exist with Charter Oak State College and the University of Phoenix. This program qualifies for the Franklin University Community College Alliance program.

Visit the MWCC Transfer Services website at http://transfer.mwcc.edu.

Career options: Massage therapists in fitness centers, wellness centers, spas, hospitals, retirement communities, doctor and chiropractic offices, assisted-living centers, yoga centers, and group/individual practices.

Earning potential: Between $37,815 to $57,334. If employed by a health center or spa, a portion of the fee is retained by the employer.

*Student will need to complete the Massage Therapy Practicum II research project.

Information about Selective Admissions programs

Elective courses by abbreviation

Program Competencies

Upon graduation from this program students shall have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Attain the manual skills necessary to work as licensed massage therapists.
2. Attain the business skills necessary to work as licensed massage therapist autonomously or as an employee of another.
3. Communicate effectively and accurately through oral, written and electronic means.
4. Identify the steps and meet the criteria to attain a license to practice as a massage therapist.
5. Practice within ethical and regulatory frameworks for massage therapy in accordance with the standards set by the American Massage Therapy Association.

Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

Students entering one of these programs must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
2. Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
3. Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
4. Continuously (2-4 hours) stand in place, twist, scoop, bend at the waist, pinch or grasp with hands, reach with arms overhead.
5. Lift, handle and carry massage therapy equipment including table, chair which can weigh up to 50 pounds.
6. Manipulate clients for positioning requiring lifting up to 40 lbs.
7. Demonstrate tactile ability commensurate with assessing muscle tonicity. In addition, tactile sensitivity to hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, hardness/softness.
8. Demonstrate fine and gross motor skills commensurate with sustained pressure using thumbs, wrist and hands for up to 60 minutes.
9. Respond to spoken verbal communication, as well as sounds that indicate changes in the patient’s physiological condition (i.e. breath sounds, slurred speech).
10. Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s life or safety, and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.
11. Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.
12. Exhibit behavioral and ethical skills appropriate to professional interactions.
13. Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close personal contact.
14. Function without causing harm to self or others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Information about Selective Admissions programs