Massage Therapy, CSC

G3 Eligible Program- Qualifying students may have ZERO costs for tuition, fees, and textbooks. 
Learn more at https://www.brightpoint.edu/training-workforce/g3.

PURPOSE: This program prepares the student with skills and competencies in technique and theory for licensure and entry-level massage therapy career positions. All career-technical degrees are guided by advisory committees comprised of local business leaders.

CREDENTIALS: A Career Studies Certificate (CSC) is a program of study typically less than one year in length with a major in a career-technical area. To seek employment, graduates must successfully pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and apply for licensure with the Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing.

The college has entered into a regional reciprocity agreement through NC-SARA to accept out-of-state students (except for students residing in California) in our online programs and courses. Students may contact the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) at 804-225-2600 or communications@schev.edu for information related to state agency contacts for complaint resolution. General disclosure information about external certification or licensure requirements outside the state of Virginia may be found at www.jtcc.edu/NC-SARA.   

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Students must meet Brightpoint admission requirements. New students should work with their New Student Navigator to get ready for their first semester. They can also email getstarted@brightpoint.edu for assistance. Continuing students should work with their faculty advisor on academic planning and graduation requirements.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: By the completion of this program, students will be expected to demonstrate an introductory level of competency in the following skills:

1. Define the laws, scope of practice, standards of practice and reciprocity on the state and local government levels and the requirements necessary to become a licensed massage therapist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 
2. Identify basic characteristics of and perform safe, effective treatment sessions using basic and advanced massage and bodywork techniques in various settings (wellness center; spa; chiropractic office and hospital). 
3. Identify basic anatomy structures, discuss basic physiologic function of the human body and explain the physiologic effects of massage techniques and associated pathologies commonly encountered in client intake consultations. 
4. Identify indications and contraindications and treatment modifications for commonly encountered pathologies, apply appropriate assessments and create an outcome driven treatment plan through critical thinking and interpretation of client intake information while maintaining the highest level of professional ethics. 
5. Apply the general principles of kinesiology through demonstration of musculoskeletal actions, recall of muscle attachments and nerve innervations and explain how therapeutic massage techniques affect the overall function of the major body articulations. 
6. Compare and contrast the wide spectrum of business opportunities from the spa setting to the therapeutic clinical setting; independent contractor versus employee; legal business entities; business plans; marketing and insurance requirements.