Massage Therapy Functional Requirements
Essential Cognitive, Physical& Behavior Functions (This applies to Massage Therapy Associate Degree 443.1 and Massage Therapist Certificate 695.1)
In order to meet the program competencies and for successful completion of the objectives for each massage therapy course, a student must be able to:
- Demonstrate tactile ability sufficient to assess a client’s muscle tonicity, as well as changes in a client’s physiological status (i.e. changes in skin temperature, edema, etc.);
- Smell odors that indicate changes in physiological status of the client or unsafe environmental conditions;
- Read and cognitively comprehend written course materials, patient care documents and health care institution policies and procedures;
- Write utilizing a legible and concise documentation style, (SOAP Notes) which is readable and in the English language;
- Move freely to observe and assess client and perform emergency client care; this includes having full manual dexterity of the upper extremities, including neck and shoulders and unrestricted movement of both lower extremities, back and hips in order to assist in all aspects of client care and the ability to touch the floor to remove environment hazards;
- Demonstrate cognitive learning in relation to new procedures through clinical application.
- Interpret physician orders accurately through verbal and written communication and carry through with appropriate psychomotor clinical application.
- Visually observe changes in patient’s status, as well as unsafe environmental condition. Visual Acuity must process a) near clarity of vision at 20 inches or less, and b) far clarity of vision at 20 feet or more;
- Hear sounds of spoken verbal communication, as well as sounds that indicate changes in the patient’s physiological condition (i.e. breath sounds, slurred speech);
- Speak to clients and members of the health team utilizing effective verbal communication skills.
If a student should present with any physical, cognitive or behavioral limitation, each case will be reviewed on an individual basis. Reasonable accommodations will be made if possible.
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Health Requirements
Massage therapy students must be able to meet the following physical and mental requirements to perform essential functions of a massage therapy student:
- Demonstrate manual dexterity and adeptness using the hands to massage.
- Lift, handle and carry massage therapy equipment, including table, chair which weigh up to 50 pounds.
- Assist with transfer and skillful positioning of clients who may weigh up to 300 pounds or more.
- Give and receive clear verbal communication to and from client.
- Must be sight corrected, so as to be able to observe client from a distance of up to 20 feet.
- Hearing must be corrected, so as to be able to hear the client at a distance of up to 10 feet.
- Must not be chemically dependent.
- Must react rapidly and appropriately in emergency situations.
- Be poised, neat and well groomed, tactful, diplomatic, discreet, flexible, versatile, ethical, professional, reliable and dependable.
- Be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions completely in academic setting and in routine and emergency clinical health care setting.
- Demonstrate the capacity for calm and reasoned judgment in a health care environment.
- Be free from health or medical disorders (physical or mental) that limit the ability to completely and efficiently perform the duties of a student massage therapist.
- Be emotionally stable because work is physically strenuous and emotional.
- Demonstrate integrity and honesty in all matters.
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