Associate of Science           

This program is designed to prepare students for a career in professional massage therapy.  Students complete the Massage Therapist certificate coursework en route to completing the associate degree requirements.  Graduates of the comprehensive associate of science degree program are eligible to apply for licensure as a massage therapist in Pennsylvania. Completion of the degree program prepares students to be proficient at communicating effectively with clients, families and other healthcare practitioners, assessing client needs, as well as designing and implementing evidence-based, client-specific massage therapy approaches. Graduates of the degree program learn advanced soft tissue interventions for clinical and spa environments and gain more in-depth knowledge and skills relevant to starting and managing a business in massage therapy.

Licensed massage therapists may work as independent contractors or employees in a variety of health-related settings including pain management clinics, wellness retreat centers, hospice facilities, orthopedic centers and physical therapy and chiropractic offices. Licensed therapists may also be employed in athletic clubs, resorts, spas, yoga centers, golf resorts and country clubs, beauty salons, dance studios and on cruise ships.  The associate degree is intended for students with interest in obtaining additional knowledge and skills in starting a business as a professional massage therapist. 

Enrollment is limited by lab size and other factors. Students must make separate application to the program. Applicants should have a successful record of achievement in high school science courses or develop these skills prior to program admission. Applicants must be eligible for all college-level courses. All applicable credits earned from other schools must be transferred in to CCAC to appear on one transcript which is sent to the PA State Board of Massage Therapy upon graduation.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Plan, organize and perform an effective massage and bodywork session for therapeutic benefit.
2. Display skill in developing professional and ethical relationships with diverse clients and interdisciplinary health care teams.
3. Evaluate and implement strategies for self-care, personal health and wellness, successful practice, business or employment situations and on-going professional development.
4. Apply evidence-based practices of massage therapy within scope of practice.
5. Develop a plan to create, market, maintain and grow a professional massage therapy and wellness business.

Completion of the program qualifies the graduate to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). Completion of the program will also provide the education requirement needed for graduates to later pursue the advanced credential certification through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Because certification and licensing requirement vary by state, students who plan to relocate after graduation are encouraged to verify the educational requirements in states other than Pennsylvania.

A criminal record may affect a graduate’s ability to take the licensure examination or obtain state licensure. A majority of the states require a license to practice massage therapy. Applicants must submit a criminal background check for acceptance into the program.

See Massage Therapist Program for more information.