Professional Therapeutic Massage Therapy Program at GTCC

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GUILFORD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

THE ESSENTIAL TOUCH Touch is as essential to a healthy and happy life as eating nutritious foods, getting proper sleep, and regular exercise. With the increase of technology used in our home and work environments, the need for healthy human contact becomes more vital. Therapeutic Massage offers an inviting, safe, healing refuge for people living in a fast-paced and overly stressed society.

The Guilford Technical Community College Therapeutic Massage Program will give you the skills you need for success in this rapidly growing, dynamic profession. Our curriculum is designed to prepare you to practice as a professional Massage Therapist in a variety of employment settings. After completing the program, you will possess a sound knowledge of and exhibit proficiency in the skills and principles of Swedish massage and Neuromuscular Techniques. You will also be introduced to a variety of advanced Therapeutic Massage modalities.

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY Our courses are designed to work consecutively and symbiotically.

From the beginning, you will immediately develop a solid foundation in Therapeutic Massage. Progressing towards completion, you will feel assured you have acquired the essential skills and knowledge to effectively assist your clients with relaxation, stress, and chronic pain. The knowledge gained from western and eastern techniques will help address each client’s concerns and discomfort with a multifaceted approach.

Upon completion of GTCC’s Professional Therapeutic Massage Program, students will be eligible to apply for a North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy License which is required to practice in North Carolina. In addition, students will receive a certification in Neuromuscular Therapy American Version™ (NMT) which will open doors in medical settings such as Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Chiropractic and others.

Anatomy, Physiology & Musculoskeletal Anatomy Systems of the body are broken down into two classes, Anatomy & Physiology and Musculoskeletal Anatomy. A&P begins with the function of a cell and advances to complete systems including nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, lymphatic and more. MS teaches the musculoskeletal system starting with the types and names of bones, then advancing to the names and attachments of muscles. Palpation is the hands-on learning of the location of bones and muscles. Pathology of these systems is also included. (180 hours) Business Practices Whether wanting to go into business for yourself or join an existing practice, a viable business plan is a must. You will explore subjects such as taxes, insurance, marketing, and determining the place of business that best suits you! (30 hours) Ethics and North Carolina Law You will explore ethics as they pertain to the practice of massage therapy and how they relate to the components included in the laws of North Carolina. You will have a thorough knowledge of behaviors and directives to practicing massage therapy in North Carolina. (15 hours)

Client-Therapist Relationship Knowing how to interact with clients in a professional and ethical manner will keep them coming back! Most therapists lose clients through miscommunication. Role-playing will be used to build your confidence in communicating with clients. (30 hours) Massage Therapy I Swedish massage is the basis of Western Massage. From the initial strokes to a full body treatment, you will learn the essentials of Western Massage. Relaxation will be the focus along with research and how it has affected the advancement of massage, along with chair massage, reflexology, self-care, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy. The end of this class is a clinic in which you will practice relaxation techniques on the public. (150 hours) Massage Therapy II You will move beyond the aspects for a relaxation massage and become familiar with various types of pain management. You will also learn about massaging special populations such as pregnancy, the elderly, those with handicaps, and infants and children. You will focus on the specific work for body parts rather than on the strokes. The end of this class is a clinic in which you will practice pain management techniques. (123 hours) Neuromuscular Therapy American Version™ (NMT) Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a precise, thorough examination and treatment of the body’s soft tissues using regionally oriented protocols that are taught in a step-by-step process. These time-tested, hands-on techniques are built upon a science-based foundation and guided by clinical evidence. NMT can integrate well into any practice setting and is frequently included in mainstream medicine, integrative medicine, chiropractic care, and multidisciplinary clinics worldwide. (90 hours) Student Clinic You will have real life experience with the public. Clients will present with various problems, pains, and issues such as stress, and you will massage them accordingly. You will be prepared to see clients in spas, clinics, doctor’s offices, or in your own practice. (56 hours)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS • Minimum age: 18 • High School Graduate or Equivalent • Submit a completed application form along with your proof of high school education and background check information • Attend an information session • Have an entrance interview

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS • Students must comply with attendance requirements. (See Handbook) • Students will be required to wear gray scrubs and comfortable, close-toed shoes to all classes.

• All classes will require a minimum grade of 70% on all examinations, papers, quizzes, and practical (hands-on) work.

• All requirements of the individual classes and the program must be met. All tuition must be paid in full prior to receipt of certification of successful completion of the program.

GENERAL INFORMATION • All graduates are required to pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBlex) as part of the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy Licensing requirements to become licensed in North Carolina.

• When applying for a license to practice massage and bodywork, a background check will be conducted by the NC licensing board.

For more information about the Professional Therapeutic Massage Program at GTCC, please contact Nancy Triplett at nmtriplett1@gtcc.edu or (336) 334-4822 ext. 55012.