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MASSAGE THERAPY – A.A.S.

Healthcare has come to mean far more than hospital stays and doctor visits. The massage therapy industry is at the forefront of a growing movement toward holistic wellness and the use of complementary therapies. Massage therapy techniques improve muscle tone and circulation and promote overall wellness, stress management and rehabilitation. Massage is an art and science of healing with more than 4,000 years of history behind it. This fascinating, flexible, hands-on career is for anyone who wants to help people discover the power of preventive, proactive care. As part of a Mercy College, you will experience a caring environment with wrap around support and a holistic approach to student success. Educational technology and support, career services, Massage Therapy Club, Catherine’s Cupboard student food pantry and fun activities organized by the Student Life office are just a few of the added benefits of being part of Trocaire College.

Trocaire College’s Massage Therapy Program combines lecture, laboratory experiences and a clinical component to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of both Eastern and Western massage therapy techniques. In addition to staffing our on-site massage therapy clinic, students participate in a variety of off-site clinical rotations at local facilities – a unique advantage of Trocaire College’s program.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the NYS board licensure exam. Once licensed, graduates have wide-ranging options in both the types of massage and the settings in which they will work. Possibilities include wellness massage in spas, resorts, and cruise ships; sports massage in health clubs; medical massage in hospitals, rehab centers and chiropractic offices; stress management massage in corporate offices; and general massage in private practices.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

All students completing this program are expected to achieve the General Education outcomes described in the General Studies section of the catalog as well as the following learning objectives:

  • Plan and organize effective massage and bodywork sessions utilizing Eastern and Western modalities.

  • Perform massage therapy and bodywork for therapeutic benefit.

  • Develop and implement a self-care strategy.

  • Develop successful and ethical therapeutic relationships with clients.

  • Develop strategy for a successful practice, business, or employment situation.

  • Identify strategies for professional development.

Massage Therapy – A.A.S. Curriculum


BIO130 Anatomy & Physiology I - 3 credits
BIO130L Anatomy & Physiology I Lab - 1 credit
BIO131 Anatomy & Physiology II - 3 credits
BIO131L Anatomy & Physiology II Lab - 1 credit
BIO243 Neurology - 3 credits
EN101  English Composition - 3 credits
EN102 Introduction to Literature - 3 credits
GS100 or GS102 College Seminar or College Success -  1 - 3 credits*
MAEL Mathematics Elective - 3 credits
MT104 Western Massage Therapy Theory and Application I - 3 credits
MT106  Eastern Massage Therapy I - 3 credits
MT110 Myology - 3 credits
MT111 Myology/Kinesiology - 3 credits
MT204 Western Massage Therapy Theory and Application II - 3 credits
MT211 Professional Development - 1 credit
MT212 Applied Pathophysiology - 4 credits
MT250 Massage Therapy Practicum I - 1 credit
MT255 Massage Therapy Practicum II - 3 credits
MTEL Massage Therapy Elective - 3 credits
PH205 Ethics in health Care - 3 credits
PHEL Philosophy Elective - 3 credits
PSY101 General Psychology - 3 credits
SSEL Social Science Elective - 3 credits
Total Program Credits - 60 credits

*GS100 College Seminar or GS102 College Success must be taken at the main campus

Additional Degree Requirements

A minimum grade of “C” in the following courses: BIO130, BIO130L, BIO131, BIO131L, BIO243, GS100 or GS102, MT104, MT106, MT110, MT111, MT204, MT211, MT212, MT250, MT255, & Massage Therapy elective and a Quality Point Average of 2.0.

BIO (Biology) Courses
EN (English) Courses
GS (General Education) Courses
MA (Mathematics) Courses
MT (Massage Therapy) Courses
PH (Philosophy) Courses
PSY (Psychology) Courses
SS (Social Science) Courses