Ivy Tech Community College offers a comprehensive Therapeutic Massage program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become licensed massage therapists. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, ethical practice, and a holistic approach to wellness.
Program Overview
The Ivy Tech Therapeutic Massage program provides education and training for individuals seeking state licensing as massage therapists. It is offered at multiple Ivy Tech locations throughout Indiana, ensuring accessibility for students across the state. The program is designed to be flexible, offering a variety of opportunities for hands-on learning through a student-run clinic and field trips.
Program Options
Ivy Tech offers different pathways to study therapeutic massage:
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Massage Therapy
- Therapeutic Massage Certificate (CT)
- Holistic Health Technical Certificate (TC)
Hands-on Experience
A key component of the Ivy Tech Therapeutic Massage program is the emphasis on practical experience.
- Student-Run Clinic: Students gain valuable real-world experience by participating in a student-run clinic that is open to the public.
- Field Trips: The program includes field trips where students work with diverse populations, providing massage therapy to those in need.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
The Therapeutic Massage program at Ivy Tech has a selective admissions process. Admission to the college does not guarantee acceptance into the Therapeutic Massage program.
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Initial Application
- Ivy Tech General Application: Prospective students must first submit the Ivy Tech general application, applying for the Healthcare Specialist program with an interest in Therapeutic Massage.
- Prerequisite Courses: While there are no required prerequisite courses, APHY 101 (Anatomy and Physiology I) and APHY 102 (Anatomy and Physiology II) are recommended.
- Program-Specific Application: After completing the initial application and any recommended courses, students can apply for the Therapeutic Massage program through the online application for health science programs.
Selective Admission Criteria
Students are primarily admitted to the Therapeutic Massage program based on their GPA from previously taken college courses. Due to the selective nature of the program, only a limited number of students are accepted each semester to ensure personalized training and attention.
Important Dates and Information
- The Therapeutic Massage program typically begins each fall and spring, depending on the campus.
- Applicants can select up to three programs and three campuses on their application.
- Offers of acceptance are specific to a program and campus.
- Accepted students are required to attend an orientation session at their local campus during the summer semester prior to beginning classes.
- The program does not maintain a waitlist. Non-admitted applicants can reapply in the next application cycle.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum of the Ivy Tech Therapeutic Massage program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, and ethical practice.
General Education Core Requirements (18 Credits Minimum)
- APHY 101 - Anatomy and Physiology I (3 Credits)
- APHY 102 - Anatomy and Physiology II (3 Credits)
- ENGL 111 - English Composition (3 Credits)
- MATH 123 - Quantitative Reasoning (3 Credits) or higher
Program-Specific Core Requirements (39 Credits Minimum)
- HLHS 101 - Medical Terminology (3 Credits)
- HLHS 105 - Medical Law and Ethics (3 Credits)
- TMAS 101 - Holistic Approach to Wellness (3 Credits)
- TMAS 115 - Ethics and Massage Management (3 Credits)
- TMAS 120 - Therapeutic Massage Training I (3 Credits)
- TMAS 123 - Therapeutic Massage Clinical I (1 Credit)
- TMAS 140 - Therapeutic Massage Training II (3 Credits)
- TMAS 141 - Massage Through the Lifespan (3 Credits)
- TMAS 201 - Sports Massage and Therapeutic Modalities (3 Credits)
- TMAS 205 - Pathology and Massage (3 Credits)
- TMAS 210 - Biomechanics (3 Credits)
- TMAS 211 - Deep Tissue Techniques (2 Credits)
- TMAS 223 - Therapeutic Massage Clinical II (1 Credit)
- TMAS 225 - Advanced Techniques (2 Credits)
Professional-Technical Core (25 Credits Minimum)
- APHY 101 - Anatomy and Physiology I (3 Credits)
- APHY 102 - Anatomy and Physiology II (3 Credits)
- TMAS 101 - Holistic Approach to Wellness (3 Credits)
- TMAS 115 - Ethics and Massage Management (3 Credits)
- TMAS 120 - Therapeutic Massage Training I (3 Credits)
- TMAS 123 - Therapeutic Massage Clinical I (1 Credit)
- TMAS 140 - Therapeutic Massage Training II (3 Credits)
- TMAS 205 - Pathology and Massage (3 Credits)
- TMAS 211 - Deep Tissue Techniques (2 Credits)
- TMAS 223 - Therapeutic Massage Clinical II (1 Credit)
Course Descriptions
- APHY 101 - Anatomy and Physiology I: Explores the anatomy and physiology of the human body, focusing on various systems and the effects of massage on each.
- TMAS 101 - Holistic Approach to Wellness: Introduces students to the history of massage, professional and legal issues, sanitation, professional touch, and massage equipment and products.
- TMAS 115 - Ethics and Massage Management: Covers ethical considerations and business management principles relevant to massage therapy practice.
- TMAS 120 - Therapeutic Massage Training I: Provides hands-on training in circulatory massage techniques and draping skills for full-body relaxation massage. Students also learn chair massage techniques.
- TMAS 205 - Pathology and Massage: Discusses disease conditions in terms of indications and contraindications for massage.
- TMAS 211 - Deep Tissue Techniques: Focuses on advanced massage techniques for addressing deeper layers of muscle tissue.
Core Competencies
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
- Understand pathology, contraindications, areas of caution, and special populations.
- Apply massage techniques effectively, considering benefits and physiological effects.
- Conduct client assessments, develop treatment plans, and reassess outcomes.
- Adhere to ethical standards, boundaries, laws, and regulations in the field.
- Practice according to professional guidelines.
- Use medical terminology accurately.
- Adapt massage techniques for diverse clients, including pregnant mothers, infants, children, geriatric individuals, and those with disabilities.
- Apply sports massage techniques for pre/post-event and first aid injury treatment.
- Perform massage in various healthcare settings, addressing medical conditions and promoting healing.
- Communicate effectively through written and oral means.
- Apply mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Understand major concepts and perspectives within social, humanistic, and behavioral domains.
Additional Program Details
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all course meetings to maximize learning opportunities. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency may require documented hours of attendance upon application for certification.
Clinical Requirements
Clinical courses require student presence to effectively evaluate the achievement of clinical course objectives. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical sites.
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Financial Aid
Students can connect with the Financial Aid team at their home campus to explore financial aid options for the program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Ivy Tech Therapeutic Massage program can pursue careers as licensed massage therapists in various settings, including:
- Wellness centers
- Healthcare facilities
- Private practices
- Sports and rehabilitation clinics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 20% job growth for massage therapists between 2021 and 2031, indicating favorable employment prospects.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of the Ivy Tech Therapeutic Massage program varies depending on the specific program (AAS, CT, or TC) and enrollment status (full-time or part-time). Tuition is determined by in-state residency.
- Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student.
- Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student.
Additional fees may apply.
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The Holistic Health TC and Therapeutic Massage CT are part of Indianaâs Next Level Jobs program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant, which may cover tuition costs for eligible students.