MTEL – Massage Therapy Elective


MT104 – Western Massage Therapy Theory & Application I

This course provides an introduction to the practice of Western Massage Therapy. Special emphasis will be placed on the movements of massage, as well as positioning, muscle groups, and bony landmarks. This course also includes companion topics such as infection control and standard precautions, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training, and an exploration of the uses, effects and chemical ingredients of powders, oils and other products used in the practice of massage therapy. The course provides an opportunity for demonstration, practice and evaluation of skills.

Credits: 3


MT106 – Eastern Massage Therapy I

This course is an introduction to Asian massage, specifically 5-Element Theory and the philosophy of Shiatsu. The course will provide demonstration and practice. Students will learn to perform a complete kata (full body Shiatsu session) with a focus on wellness.

Credits: 3


MT110 – Myology

This course provides an in-depth study of muscle terminology and micro anatomy and physiology of the skeletal muscle tissue. The College lab focuses on the body as a whole and how the component parts function.  

Credits: 3


MT111 – Myology/Kinesiology

Prerequisite:  MT110

This course provides a comprehensive study of muscle terminology and gross anatomy and physiology of the appendicular musculature. The student is introduced to kinesiology.

Credits: 3


MT204 – Western Massage Therapy Theory and Application II

Prerequisite:  MT104

This course provides demonstration and practice in advanced treatment techniques and knowledge including, but not limited to, medical massage techniques, patient assessment, treatment planning and documentation, inter-professional communication and hydrotherapy application. Additional topics such as adaptation of treatment sessions for special populations and recognizing characteristics of abused and neglected patients are also explored.

Credits: 3


MT206 – Eastern Massage Therapy II

Prerequisite:  MT106

This course presents a continuation of Eastern Massage Therapy I, including Yin and Yang Meridians as well as finger-pressure massage. The course provides demonstration and practice of these techniques as well as charting and intake skills. The course will be offered as a hands-on massage therapy elective.

Credits: 3


MT211 – Professional Development

This course provides an in-depth study of professional ethics and business practices. Also included in this course are topics such as New York State law and regulations, business planning and marketing, professionalism, and career longevity.

Credits: 1


MT212 – Applied Pathophysiology

Prerequisites: BIO130/BIO130L, BIO131/BIO131L, MT104 and MT204

This course provides an overview of procedures for treating complicating pathological conditions, working with other healthcare providers, and developing massage therapy treatment plans. This course also explores additional related topics such as medical terminology, the role of the inflammatory process, and physiological effects of common medications.

Credits: 4


MT216 – Sports & Rehab Massage Therapy

Prerequisites: MT204

This course will present the basics of sports and rehabilitative massage. Myofascial and trigger point therapy work will be explored through demonstration and practice. The course will be offered as a hands-on massage therapy elective.  

Credits: 3


MT217 – Thai Massage

Prerequisite:  MT106

This course offers a fundamental introduction to Nuad Bo-Rarn, the traditional massage of Thailand, levels I and II. Thai massage incorporates facilitated stretching similar to assisted yoga. Students completing levels I and II will be able to perform a full body Thai massage including front, back, side and seated position. The course will be offered as a hands-on massage therapy elective.

Credits: 3


MT218 – Pregnancy Massage

Prerequisite: MT204

This course will provide an opportunity to learn massage techniques and explore considerations specifically related to pregnancy. Additional aspects such as anatomy and physiology, cautions / contraindications, emotional aspects of pregnancy, postpartum massage and marketing are also covered. The course will be offered as a hands-on massage therapy elective.

Credits: 3


MT219 – Reflexology

Prerequisite: MT204

This course will provide students with a working knowledge of the basics of reflexology, a hands-on bodywork technique designed to promote health and wellness. The history, development, and application of this approach will be studied, as well as the specific treatment techniques. Students will be able to provide a relaxing therapeutic treatment upon completion of the course. The course will be offered as a hands-on massage therapy elective.

Credits: 3


MT230 – Clinical Practicum I

Prerequisites MT104, MT110, MT111, MT204
Prerequisite or Concurrent:  BIO243 and MT106

The first clinical practicum experience, only offered to third semester students, provides the opportunity to practice massage therapy in a clinical setting under the supervision of a clinical instructor. The clinic is open to the public and provides hands-on practice in an environment similar to the workplace.

Credits: 2


MT240 – Clinical Practicum II

Prerequisites MT106, BIO243 and MT230
Prerequisite or Concurrent: MT211 and MT212

The second clinical practicum experience, only offered to fourth semester students, continues practice opportunities for massage therapy in the student clinic and/or offsite locations under the supervision of a clinical instructor. The student clinic is open to the public and provides hands-on practice in an environment similar to the workplace. Offsite externships include opportunities to practice in a variety of environments such as, but not limited to, palliative care, oncology, wellness, medical, spa, and chiropractic.

Credits: 2


MT250 – Massage Therapy Practicum I

Prerequisites BIO130/130l, BIO131/131L, MT104
Prerequisite or Concurrent: MT204 and MT211

During the first clinical practicum experience, students practice massage therapy in a clinical setting under the supervision of a clinical instructor. The student clinic is open to the public and provides hands-on practice in an environment similar to the workplace.

Credits: 1


MT255 – Massage Therapy Practicum II

Prerequisite:  MT250
Prerequisite or Concurrent: MT106, MT110, MT111, and MT212

During the second clinical practicum experience, students continue supervised practice of massage therapy in an on-campus and/or offsite externship location. The on-campus clinic is open to the public and provides hands-on practice in an environment similar to the workplace, while the clinical externships explore various massage therapy specialties such as, but not limited to, palliative care, oncology, wellness, medical, spa, and chiropractic.

Credits: 3