Therapeutic Massage

The Therapeutic Massage Certificate (29 hours) program is designed to prepare individuals to work as massage therapists. Licensed massage therapists may be self-employed or employed at health clubs, medical clinics, chiropractor offices, athletic departments, spas, salons, and holistic health centers. Upon successful completion of the program, students may seek licensure to become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT).
After successful completion of the Therapeutic Massage Program, the student is eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and the Massage and Bodywork licensing, www.ncbtmb.org.
Upon passage of the NCBTMB examination, the student is eligible to apply to the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy and/or Georgia Board of Massage Therapy for state licensure.

Alabama website: www.almtbd.state.al.us
Georgia website: www.sos.georgia.gov.plb/massage.

The Wellness and Therapeutic Massage Degree (65 hrs) is for the student wishing to complete a two-year degree, and become a certified personal trainer and a certified massage therapist. 

Note: Must apply to the Therapeutic Massage Program to pursue this degree. Classes may be taken in any semester if prerequisites are met. All courses for this degree must be completed with a grade of C  or higher.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for the college, admission to the Therapeutic Massage Program requires:

1. Unconditional admission to the college on clear academic status.
2. Student be minimum of 17 years of age.
3. 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at Southern Union.
4. Application for the Therapeutic Massage Program by published deadline.
5. Appropriate placement scores or grade of C or ENG 101 and MTH 100.
6. Ability to meet and comply with standards and policies in the current College Catalog and Student Handbook.
7. Ability to meet all health/lab requirements as stated in current Therapeutic Massage Student Handbook.
8. Clear criminal background check. 
9. Current CPR certification at the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider level

New students are admitted to the Therapeutic Massage Program once each year, spring semester. To apply for admission to the program, applicant must be accepted to Southern Union State Community College, meet the admission criteria and apply to the Therapeutic Massage Program by the published deadline for the semester of admission.

Progression Requirements

Progression through the Therapeutic Massage Program requires:

1. A 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA)
2. Minimum grade of C in all required courses. If a course consists of theory and lab, both parts must be passed with a minimum grade of C to receive credit for the course.
3. Fulfillment of all course prerequisites.
4. Satisfactory level of mental and physical health, including annual TB testing and ability to meet the Essential Functions for Therapeutic Massage.
5. Current CPR certification at the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider level,
6. Current malpractice insurance.
7. Clear criminal background check and drug screen.

Readmission Requirements

Students who interrupt progression due to withdrawal or grades of D or F, must apply for readmission to the program. Requests for readmission must be received by the Health Sciences Admission office not later than midterm of the semester before the student wishes to enroll. Readmission to the program is based on space availability and meeting all admission progression requirements. All courses in a term must be successfully completed with a grade of C or higher before progressing to the next semester.

Pregnancy Policy for Therapeutic Massage Program

A female student has the option of whether or not to inform program officials of her pregnancy. If the female student chooses to voluntarily disclose this information, it must be done in writing and include the expected date of delivery. Following written disclosure, the student will be a Declared Pregnant Student. Without this documentation, a student will not be considered pregnant. If the student decides to disclose her pregnancy, she has the option of:

1. continuing the classes, labs, and clinical experiences, provided the student can meet the essential functions of the program, as well as give and receive neuromuscular deep tissue and sports massages and participate in all activities expected of other students in the classes, labs, and clinical experiences. Documentation from the student’s physician will be required; or
2. taking a leave of absence from the program and later applying for readmission.