Therapeutic Massage

The Therapeutic Massage technical diploma will provide you with training for a professional career in massage therapy or will enhance your skills and knowledge if you’re already in the healthcare field. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy with specific attention focused on the musculoskeletal system and will receive a high degree of technical training with emphasis on massage techniques and therapy applications. Hands-on and practical business application will be part of your experience through the student-operated on-campus clinic. Upon successful completion, you’ll be prepared for the exam to obtain the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services massage therapy and bodywork therapy license.

COURSE LIST

Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

Occupational Specific (17 Credits)

Course Title
Course Number
Credits
Instructional Hours
Outside Effort Hours**
Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
• Therapeutic Massage - Musculoskeletal Anatomy

  31-537-301

  2Credit

  72

  36

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 36
  • Course Number: 31537301
  • Credits: 2.00

  Provides in-depth study of the human musculoskeletal system and teaches students how to palpate muscles. This course includes lecture and lab components.

  Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

  • Student is in progress in Therapeutic Massage (30-537-1) Program of Study

  Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

  • MEDICAL 31537302 - Massage 1, Intro to​

  • MEDICAL 31537303 - Massage 2, Intro to

  • MEDICAL 31537309 - Therapeutic Massage - A&P

• Therapeutic Massage 2, Introduction to

  31-537-303

  4Credit

  144

  72

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 144
  • Outside Effort Hours: 72
  • Course Number: 31537303
  • Credits: 4.00

  Introduces deep tissues, soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, joint movement, neuromuscular therapy, and hydrotherapy. Proper body mechanics to implementation are taught on the massage table and chair. This course is a combination of lecture and hands-on application.

  Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

  • MEDICAL 31537301 - TM - Musculoskeletal Anatomy​

  • MEDICAL 31537302 - Massage 1, Intro to

  • MEDICAL 31537309 - Therapeutic Massage - A&P

• Therapeutic Massage - Kinesiology

  31-537-305

  2Credit

  72

  36

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 36
  • Course Number: 31537305
  • Credits: 2.00

  Focuses on further study of the musculoskeletal anatomy with an emphasis on muscle groups used to perform specific actions. Course will assist students in making assessments and identifying muscles involved in certain injuries.

  Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

  • MEDICAL 31537301 - TM - Musculoskeletal Anatomy

  • MEDICAL 31537302 - Massage 1, Intro to

  • MEDICAL 31537303 - Massage 2, Intro to

  • MEDICAL 31537309 - Therapeutic Massage - A&P

  ​Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

  • MEDICAL 31537304 - Therapeutic Massage, Pathology

  • MEDICAL 31537306 - TM - Specialized Techniques​

  • MEDICAL 31537307 - Massage Clnc & Business Pract​

  • MEDICAL 31537308 - TM - Industry Standards​

• Therapeutic Massage - Specialized Techniques

  31-537-306

  2Credit

  72

  36

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 36
  • Course Number: 31537306
  • Credits: 2.00

  Introduces complimentary massage techniques for clients and special populations. Topics include polarity, reflexology, pregnancy, and infant massage. Additionally, students will learn the fundamentals of Chinese Medicine and Asian bodywork including pressure point face massage. Course includes lecture and hands-on practice of techniques.

  Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

  • MEDICAL 31537301 - TM - Musculoskeletal Anatomy

  • MEDICAL 31537302 - Massage 1, Intro to

  • MEDICAL 31537303 - Massage 2, Intro to

  • MEDICAL 31537309 - Therapeutic Massage - A&P

  Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

  • MEDICAL 31537304 - Therapeutic Massage, Pathology

  • MEDICAL 31537305 - TM - Kinesiology

  • MEDICAL 31537307 - Massage Clnc & Business Pract​

  • MEDICAL 31537308 - TM - Industry Standards

• Therapeutic Massage Foundations 1

  31-537-310

  3Credit

  108

  54

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 108
  • Outside Effort Hours: 54
  • Course Number: 31537310
  • Credits: 3.00

  Introduces students to the field of touch therapy and exposes students to major concepts of professional ethics, scope of practice, treatment equipment, safety, sanitation, legal requirements, client documentation, communication, medical terminology, and pharmacology and pathology fundamentals. Students will begin hands-on learning of foundational skills such as draping, positioning, self-care, body mechanics, and basic Swedish massage techniques.

• Anatomy & Physiology - Therapeutic Massage

  31-537-311

  2Credit

  72

  36

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 36
  • Course Number: 31537311
  • Credits: 2.00

  Introduces chemical composition of the body, structure of cells, tissue types and organ systems. Students study each body system to learn how they work and function together. This course is designed specifically for massage bodywork students.

• Therapeutic Massage Clinic

  31-537-312

  2Credit

  72

  36

  N/A

  • Instructional Hours: 72
  • Outside Effort Hours: 36
  • Course Number: 31537312
  • Credits: 2.00

  Students provide professional therapeutic massage services to clients and manage business functions of a student clinic. Business topics include ethics and legal requirements, business software, professional marketing, business start-up, client documentation, licensing, and customer service.