Massage Therapy (Diploma)

Massage Therapy

Diploma Program Overview

The Massage Therapy Diploma program provides a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology
and pathophysiology that form the basis for training in specific massage therapy techniques. Hands-on
techniques include Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage,
Basic Shiatsu and Supervised Clinical Practice. The diploma program prepares the student for
entry-level positions in the massage therapy industry. Successful completion of this diploma program qualifies the graduate to test for massage therapy licensure or registry in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi and provides eligibility to sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examination.

What Does A Massage Therapist Do?

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Massage therapists’ duties include using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues in order to relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation and aid with general wellness of the client. Massage Therapists may perform some or all of the following duties¹:

• Talk with clients about their symptoms, medical history, and desired results
• Evaluate clients to locate painful or tense areas of the body
• Manipulate muscles and other soft tissues of the body
• Provide clients with guidance on stretching, strengthening, overall relaxation, and how to
• improve their posture
• Document clients’ conditions and progress

Students learn how massage can be used as a holistic healing method in conjunction with other physical therapy and chiropractic care routines.

How Long Is Massage Therapy School?

Individual state requirements for licensure, certification or registration may vary. The normal completion time for the day program is 9 months and for the evening program, 15 months. Upon successful completion of 52 quarter credits at the Fayetteville Satellite campus and the Louisiana campuses and all other graduation requirements, the program culminates in the awarding of a Massage Therapy Diploma.

Massage Therapy Students in Metairie, LA:
Students who complete the 750 clock hour (52 quarter credit) program will receive a diploma in massage therapy and will be qualified for massage therapy licensure in Louisiana. They will also be eligible to sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examination.

Massage Therapy Students in Alexandria, LA and Lafayette, LA:
Students who complete the 600 clock hour program will receive a diploma in massage therapy and will be qualified for massage therapy licensure in Louisiana. They will also be eligible to sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examination.

Massage Therapy Students in Gulfport, MS:
Students who complete the 775 clock hour (53 quarter credit) program will receive a diploma in massage therapy and will be qualified for massage therapy licensure in Mississippi. They will also be eligible to sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examination.

What Will You Learn In Massage Therapy School?

Blue Cliff College’s Massage Therapy diploma program covers subjects such as:

• Anatomy
• Physiology – the study of organs and tissues
• Kinesiology – the study of motion and body mechanics
• Pathology – the study of disease
• Massage Laws, Legislation and Ethics
• Swedish Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Neuromuscular Massage
• Chair Massage
• Basic Shiatsu
• Sports Massage
• Business Marketing
• And more…

Your massage therapy courses will be instructed and supervised by highly experienced medical massage therapists. Massage Therapy school teaches these methods of massage.

Where Do Massage Therapy Work?

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook Massage Therapists typically work full time and some work evenings and weekends². The top five employers of massage therapists are:

• 38% – Self-employed Workers
• 31% – Personal Care Services
• 11% – Misc. Health Practitioner Offices
• 8% – Chiropractors Office
• 5% – Accommodation

Our graduates pursue a variety of jobs including private practice, athletic team massage therapist, a massage therapist in a hospital, athletic club massage therapist, on-site massage therapist, a massage therapist in a hair salon, assistant to physical therapists or chiropractors and massage therapists on cruise ships.

What Is The Job Outlook For Massage Therapists?

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for Massage Therapists to grow 32 percent from 2020 to 2030³.

What Is The Total Cost Of The Massage Therapy Program?

Effective July 10th

*For a list of books associated with this program, ISBN, and price click here.

Program availability and times vary by campus | Financial Aid is available for those that qualify

Massage Therapy Training Near Me

Blue Cliff College offers the Massage Therapy school at the following campus locations:

More About Careers In Massage Therapy

For more information about a career in Massage Therapy, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET website.

Standard Occupational Code (SOC):
31-9011.00 – Massage Therapists

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP):
51.3501 – Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage

Program Specific Application Requirements

None. See Blue Cliff College’s college admissions process here.

Licensing and Accreditation Information

Blue Cliff College holds the following licenses and accreditations:

• Licensed by Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration, License No. C–110
• Licensed by the Louisiana State Boards of Regents, License Numbers:
  • Metairie E2290
• Licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy, License No. 9803
• Arkansas State Board of Health. Fayetteville, School No.1006
• Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)^‡
• Programmatically Accredited by COMTA (specific to Gulfport, MS campus)

^‡The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, (ACCSC) is a recognized accrediting agency by the US Department of Education.

Sources:

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-2
2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-3
3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-6