Massage Therapy, Workplace Certificate

Massage Therapy (050)
Workplace Certificate

The Massage Therapy Program provides a comprehensive academically-based education that serves the community by preparing the graduate for immediate employment as a massage therapist.

This program is designed to prepare individuals for a health career as a massage therapist. Graduates will complete a course study that is 630 clock hours of curriculum content including, but not limited to anatomy and physiology, pathology, treatment techniques, protocols following the standards of massage practice, ethics, professional communication skills, and business practices.

Butler County Community College is designated as an assigned school for Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and Bodyworks (NCBTMB).

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 (NCBTMB).

Because certification and licensing requirements vary from state to state, students who plan to relocate after graduation are encouraged to verify these 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 PA criminal background check upon acceptance into the program.

Criteria for Admission:

Admission to the Massage Therapy Program is selective. A special application packet, available from the Admissions Office, is required and will be made available in January due no later than July 31 for the following fall semester start.

• A 2.50 minimum high school or college GPA is required. College GPA is utilized if 9+ college-level credits are complete for the Workplace Certificate and 12+ college-level credits are complete for the Associate in Applied Science degree at the time of application review.

• High School Biology or BIOL 116: Human Biology, BIOL 101: Biology 1, or BIOL 131: A&P 1 with a minimum grade of “C” within the last 10 years is also considered in the process.

• Preference will be given to applicants who have successfully completed BIOL 131: A&P 1.

• Applicants must have a grade of “C” or better in all Massage Therapy Program courses for acceptance and continuation in the program.

Special Requirements Upon Acceptance:

• Successful completion of the American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the healthcare provider or the American Red Cross Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer.
• Act 34, PA State Police Criminal History. All accepted students must complete clearances online before the start of classes.

The Massage Therapy course work must be taken in the sequence indicated.