Massage Therapy Program
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January 2024 – May 2025: Current part-time evening and Saturday program (see block
schedule below).
Next Class: begins January 2025! This class will be a full-time day program (see block schedule below).
Program Overview
Massage Therapists work directly with people, enhancing wellbeing through skilled
compassionate touch. By combining specific understanding of the role of relaxation
in wellness and integrating specific knowledge of anatomy and physiology, massage
therapists provide a supportive environment for clients of all ages.
People are attracted to the massage therapy profession for the individual client-care
focus, flexible scheduling with part-time opportunities, and the potential for self-growth
and life long learning.
The Massage Therapy Certificate program prepares students to become Massachusetts
state licensed Massage Therapists with the skills and knowledge to provide effective
relaxation and wellness massage.
Students develop the professional communication and behavior; the proficient draping
skills to promote client modesty; and the skilled and compassionate touch expected
of entry-level massage therapists. In addition, students apply the knowledge of anatomy,
physiology, and pathology to provide safe and effective client-centered massage therapy
sessions.
Graduates are prepared to enter various settings such as spa, franchise clinics, fitness
centers, medical/wellness offices, and on-site for workplaces and client's homes.
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By the end of successfully completing the Massage Therapy Program, students are expected
to:
- Perform and adapt competent, safe, and effective, full body massage for a variety
of clients with specific indications and precautions.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills to integrate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology,
pathophysiology, and kinesiology sciences with the client-centered massage.
- Maintain professional and client-centered communication throughout academic and clinical/practicum
experiences
- Demonstrate a practical working knowledge of state and professional legal and ethical
standards with a clear focus on the health and welfare of the client, practitioner,
and massage therapy profession.
- Demonstrate a personal self-care plan to allow for career fulfillment and longevity.
Admissions
When applying on-line, choose Associate Degree Health Science-Pre-Massage (AS.HMTB) option (students remain in this Pre-Massage Program until matriculation requirements
are met). Once the matriculation requirements have been met, applicants then move
to the Certificate-Massage Therapy Program (CF.MSTH)
Download the Massage Therapy Matriculation form (PDF)
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Students entering the BCC Massage Therapy program are required to follow the immunization
policy set by Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) for health students
and by clinical sites.
Students must submit proof of compliance with immunizations by the follow dates:
For entering Fall Massage Therapy Program August 1st
For entering Spring Massage Therapy Program December 1st
Please note: The Hep B vaccination series may take up to six months to complete. Students
should plan accordingly.
Immunization information may be shared with the Dean of Nursing, Massage Therapy Program
Advisor, Administrative Assistant, Immunization Office, and contracted agencies to
allow for clinical experiences.
BCC Immunization and Verification of Student Health Forms
Massage Therapy Program Health and Immunization Policy (PDF)
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Tdap
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T-dap vaccination within 10 years (and every 10 years)
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Hepatitis B
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3 doses or positive titer that demonstrates immunity (if immunity is not seen, complete 3 series dose, or 2 series dose of Heplisav-B,
or declination may be signed)
*3-dose series takes up to 6-months to complete
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MMR
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2 doses or positive titer that demonstrates immunity (if immunity is not seen, complete 2 series dose of MMR)
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Varicella
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2 doses; a reliable history of chickenpox* or positive titer that demonstrates immunity (if immunity is not seen, complete 2 series dose of varicella vaccine)
*A reliable history of chickenpox includes a diagnosis of chickenpox, or interpretation
of parent/guardian description of chickenpox, by a physician, nurse practitioner,
physician assistant, or designee.
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Meningococcal
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1 dose; 1 dose MenACWY (formerly MCV4) required for all full-time students 21 years of age
or younger. The dose of MenACWY vaccine must have been received on or after the student's
16th birthday. Doses received at younger ages do not count towards this requirement. Students
may decline MenACWY vaccine after they have read and signed the MDPH Meningococcal Information and Waiver Form provided by their institution. Meningococcal B vaccine is not required and does not
meet this requirement
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*Please Note: In addition to immunization requirements, The Verification of Student
Health Verification form is required to be completed by the student's health care provider*
Submit requirements to the Nursing Immunization and Medical Records Office located in the Hawthorne building,
office #323, Berkshire Community College Main Campus.
Telephone: 413-236-4609; Fax: 800-724-9943;medicalrecords@berkshirecc.edu
Updates: 12/18/2023
Learn More
Free Community College for Eligible Residents
Learn About MassReconnect
Job Growth and Wages
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 18% from 2022 – 2032, much faster
than average for all occupations. Massachusetts mean wage for massage therapists with
an annual mean wage of $66,990 (U.S. Department of Labor — Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Job Titles
- Licensed Massage Therapist
Local Employers of Massage Therapists
- Miraval Resort
- Kripalu
- Canyon Ranch
- Elle Day Spa
- Blu Salon
Employment
- About half of massage therapists work part-time
- Self-employed workers 35%
- Personal care services 33%
- Offices of all other health practitioners 12%
- Offices of chiropractors 7%
- Accommodation (travel to client homes) 6%
Source: U.S. Department of Labor — Bureau of Labor Statistics
Good Moral Character
Massachusetts Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements: please be aware that all massage
therapy student applicants must undergo a background check by the Board of Registration
of Massage Therapy as part of licensure application process. Please read the information
below:
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy Policy Bulletin Regarding Applicants
With Criminal Convictions Or Pending Criminal Charges:
- This policy describes the type of convictions that disqualify an applicant from licensure
as a massage therapist under the licensing laws and Board regulations, and the type
of convictions that may result in a denial of an application for licensure for failure
to satisfy the good moral character requirement. Bulletin: Applicant with Criminal Convictions or Charges
Student Health Insurance
Health Insurance charges are charged to all students enrolled in 9 or more credits
in a degree or certificate program.
Information about accident and medical insurance, including a student health insurance
waiver form is available online at https://www.gallagherstudent.com/berkshire
Community Events
There are numerous opportunities for students to volunteer while as a student and
as an alum of the massage therapy program. Faculty volunteer too, as students are
accompanied by BCC massage therapy faculty at each event. For spotlight of events
go to News and Events 2023.
- Post marathon massage for the Dana Farber team at the Boston Marathon
- Chair Massage at
- BCC Wellness Day
- Kimball Farm Wellness Fair
- Pittsfield Third Thursday
- Jacob's Pillow Staff
Summer 2024
Dates and Times
June 4-July 20, 2024
To schedule a session:
email: studentmassageclinic@berkshirecc.edu
phone: 413-236-4606
Tuesdays Saturdays
5:00-6:00pm 10:00-11:00am
6:15-7:15pm 11:15-12:15pm
What to Bring
Bring 1 set of linens (twin or full-size — 1 flat, 1 fitted, 1 pillowcase)
What if I forget? To cover the cost of laundering, please pay $5
Location
Hawthorne 302 (Massage Therapy Lab) — 3rd level /purple hallway
Parking: North Lot (main entrance, stay straight and woods/forest will be on your
right — there are multiple large parking lots)
Handicapped parking: along the back of Hawthorne
Hawthorne Building Entrance (follow the signs)
What is the Student Massage Clinic?
The student massage clinic is a required and very important component for the BCC
massage therapy students. This is where they apply the skills learned in lab and the
classroom to 'real' people — you, the BCC and Berkshire community!
You'll receive a Swedish-style relaxation massage. Your student massage therapist
will check for any areas that you wish to focus on within the session and any areas
to avoid.
Swedish-Relaxation massage ranges from light to moderate/firm. Deep pressure for specific
areas may also be included. Students adjust pressure to the level that enhances your
relaxation, and they will check in with you during the session.
Lightweight oil is used during the session. If you have sensitivity or allergies,
please let your student massage therapist know.
There is no charge for receiving a massage (a $35-$45 value)
If you are able, the suggested donation of $25 will go toward additional student learning
opportunities and programming.
What to Expect
When you arrive, your student massage therapist will have you complete, then review
with you, a health history form and your expectations for the massage. From this the
student massage therapist will explain the flow of the massage, level of pressure,
and techniques they will use.
When you disrobe and get on the massage table, a full curtain is drawn for your privacy,
and you'll place yourself under the sheets, lying face-up or face-down.
During the massage session the curtain will be open so that the massage therapy faculty
(licensed massage therapist) can provide student feedback during the massage. You
are draped throughout the massage with only the area being massaged uncovered
Your comfort is important, and your student massage therapist will check-in during
the massage — please let them know when you would prefer adjustment in position or
pressure
When you get off the table to dress, the curtain, again, will be drawn for your privacy.
After the massage you will support student learning by completing a form to provide
feedback of your experience.
Students may ask for feedback on specific aspects of the massage session. Your constructive
feedback is truly helpful to them!
Questions? Please feel welcome to email studentmassageclinic@berkshirecc.edu or call 413-236-4606
Massage Therapy Block Schedules
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Spring 2024
- AHS-131 Anatomy of Human Movement
- MBW-110 Therapeutic Massage I
Summer 2024
- MBW-128 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience I
Fall 2024
- AHS-162 Form and Function of the Human Body
- BIO-150 Introduction to the Human Body
- MBW-120 Therapeutic Massage II
Spring 2025
- AHS-101 Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health
- AHS-115 Fundamentals of Human Disease
- MBW-129 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience II
- MBW-131 Therapeutic Massage Seminar
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Spring 2025
- AHS-101 Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health
- AHS-131 Anatomy of Human Movement
- BIO-150 Introduction to the Human Body
- MBW-110 Therapeutic Massage I
Summer 2025
- MBW-128 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience I
Fall 2025
- AHS-115 Fundamentals of Human Disease
- AHS-162 Form and Function of the Human Body
- MBW-120 Therapeutic Massage II
- MBW-129 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience II
- MBW-131 Therapeutic Massage Seminar
Everyone involved in the BCC massage therapy program is so experienced, knowledgeable
and helpful. You learn something new every day. Not just about massage therapy but
about yourself. I left the program feeling completely prepared to start my new profession.
It gave me more confidence as an individual and I look forward going into work now.
Every day is exciting.
Ned Torrico, Class 2019
