Over the past
few decades, massage therapy has evolved from an alternative
treatment to a standard practice. According to the American
Massage Therapy Association, people are turning to massage
for relief from injuries and certain chronic and acute conditions,
to help them deal with stress, and to maintain good health.
Miami-Dade Community College’s School of Allied Health
Technologies is offering a three-track Vocational Credit
Certificate Program each August and January, that prepares
students for a career as a licensed massage therapists.
The generic track is for students without experience in
the field or credentials in another health profession. An
accelerated option is available for licensed physical therapists
and/or physical therapy assistants who want to work as massage
therapists. Licensed health professionals and/or registered
or practical nurses can take the transitional option.
The Florida Board of Massage Therapy has approved this
two-semester program. M-DCC is the only state institution
to offer these three tracks. Once you complete the Massage
Therapy Program, you will be eligible to sit for the Florida
State Massage Therapy Board Exam.
There is a great demand for licensed massage therapists.
The field is included on the most recent State and Regional
Targeted Occupations Lists, indicating a 43.48% growth rate
with 1,688 job openings. If a Licensed Massage Therapist
chooses to go into private practice, the hourly wage ranges
from $50-70 dollars.
The two semester Program prepares individuals to provide
various techniques of massage to the back, head, and feet
including reflexology, rolling, and trigger point therapy.
There is emphasis on the therapist/client
relationship including record management and payment. Upon
successful completion of this program, the graduate is eligible
to sit for the State Florida Massage Therapy Licensure examination.
REQUIRED COURSES--------------------------------------------VOCATIONAL
CREDITS
25 Credits ( 750 Contact Hours)
Instroduction to Health Care.....................................................3
credits
History & Standards for Massage Therapy...................................1
credit
Introduction to Massage Therapy...............................................1
Credit
Introduction to Massage Therapy Laboratory...............................6
Credits
Hydrotherapy Modalities............................................................1
Credit
Anatomy & Physiology for Massage Therapy................................1.5
Credits
Anatomy & Physiology for Massage Therapy Laboratory.................2.5
Credits
Allied Modalities.......................................................................2.5
Credits
Massage Therapy Clinical Prcticum..............................................3
Credits
Vocational credits require 30 hours of class
time for each credit.
For information regarding the Massage Therapy
program, contact The Vocational Certificate Student Resource
Center on the Medical Campus at 305-237-4374 or Donna
Rivera, Program Coordinator, Massage Therapy Program at
305-237-4293 or via e-mail drivera@mdcc.edu
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