Printed on 3/29/2024

Therapeutic Massage

30-537-1 Technical Diploma (TD) Full Time 24 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Times of Day: Day, Evening Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

The Therapeutic Massage technical diploma will provide you with training for a professional career in massage therapy or will enhance your skills and knowledge if you’re already in the healthcare field. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy with specific attention focused on the musculoskeletal system and will receive a high degree of technical training with emphasis on massage techniques and therapy applications. Hands-on and practical business application will be part of your experience through the student-operated on-campus clinic. Upon successful completion, you’ll be prepared for the exam to obtain the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services massage therapy and bodywork therapy license.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (24 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Therapeutic Massage - Musculoskeletal Anatomy
    31-537-301
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 31537301
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides in-depth study of the human musculoskeletal system and teaches students how to palpate muscles. This course includes lecture and lab components.

    Prereq: Active in Therapeutic Massage plan; Coreq: Anatomy & Physiology - Therapeutic Massage 31537311, Therapeutic Massage Foundations 1 - 31537310 AND Therapeutic Massage Foundations 2 – 31537303
  • Therapeutic Massage 1, Introduction to
    31-537-302
    4Credit
    144
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 31537302
    • Credits: 4.00

    Introduces students to the field of touch therapies through history and theory. The safety and sanitation of massage equipment, along with educational and legal requirements, are reviewed to educate the student on how to properly set up a massage space. Topics include draping, applications, physiological effects, endangerment sites and communication skills to work with clients.

    Coreq: TM - Anatomy & Physiology 31537309, Musculoskeletal Anatomy 31537301, Intro to Massage 2 - 31537303
  • Therapeutic Massage 2, Introduction to
    31-537-303
    4Credit
    144
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 31537303
    • Credits: 4.00

    Introduces deep tissues, soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, joint movement, neuromuscular therapy, and hydrotherapy. Proper body mechanics to implementation are taught on the massage table and chair. This course is a combination of lecture and hands-on application.

    Coreq: Anatomy & Physiology - Therapeutic Massage 31537311, Therapeutic Massage - Musculoskeletal Anatomy 31537301 AND Therapeutic Massage Foundations 1 – 31537310
  • Therapeutic Massage - Anatomy & Physiology
    31-537-309
    3Credit
    108
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 31537309
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces chemical composition of the body, structure of cells, tissue types and organ systems. Students will study each of the body systems to learn how they work together to function as a whole. Nutritional sciences are also reviewed. This course is designed specifically for massage bodywork students.

    Coreq: TM - Musculoskeletal Anatomy 31537301, Intro to Massage 1 - 31537302, Intro to Massage 2 - 31537303
  • Therapeutic Massage, Pathology
    31-537-304
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 31537304
    • Credits: 2.00

    Covers disorders that may occur in each of the major body systems and more specifically, the signs and symptoms of selected disorders that could endanger the health of the massage clients or the practitioner. Students also gain a basic understanding of pharmacology and the possible interactions between medications and massage.

    Prereq: Anat & Phys 31537309, Musculoskel Anat 31537301, Intro to Massage 1 - 31537302, Intro to Massage 2 - 31537303; Coreq: Massage Cln & Bus Pract 31537307
  • Therapeutic Massage - Kinesiology
    31-537-305
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 31537305
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on further study of the musculoskeletal anatomy with an emphasis on muscle groups used to perform specific actions. Course will assist students in making assessments and identifying muscles involved in certain injuries.

    Coreq: Therapeutic Massage - Specialized Techniques 31537306 AND Therapeutic Massage Clinic 31537312
  • Therapeutic Massage - Specialized Techniques
    31-537-306
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 31537306
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces complimentary massage techniques for clients and special populations. Topics include polarity, reflexology, pregnancy, and infant massage. Additionally, students will learn the fundamentals of Chinese Medicine and Asian bodywork including pressure point face massage. Course includes lecture and hands-on practice of techniques.

    Prereq: Therapeutic Massage Foundations 2 - 31537303; Coreq: Therapeutic Massage - Kinesiology 31537305 AND Therapeutic Massage Clinic 31537312
  • Massage Clinic & Business Practices
    31-537-307
    3Credit
    126
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 126
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 31537307
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides the opportunity for students to practice and refine massage skills acquired throughout the program. Students will run a clinic and experience all aspects of the business setting. Business topics include: ethics, legal requirements, certification, application, start-up, management, marketing and finances. Students will develop a business plan.

    Prereq: Anat & Phys 31537309, Musculoskeletal Anat 31537301, Intro to Massage 1 - 31537302, Intro to Massage 2 - 31537303; Coreq: Pathology 31537304
  • Therapeutic Massage - Industry Standards
    31-537-308
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 31537308
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces students to the current standard of the Therapeutic Massage industry and ethics. Topics include customer service, communication, problem solving, computer programs, and paperwork for reservations, charting, and insurance claims.

    Prereq: Anat & Phys 31537309, Musculoskeletal Anat 31537301, Intro to Massage 1 - 31537302, Intro to Massage 2 - 31537303; Coreq: Kinesiology 31537305 AND Specialized Techniques 31537306
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Expected Competencies


For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.