Description
The Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy gives students a unique opportunity to earn a degree alongside licensure. COCC is the only massage school to offer this on the west coast. The AAS degree integrates science with the human body alongside a wide variety of Eastern and Western massage therapy applications. Students also develop skills in business, computer skills and health while working in the community.
Students have two opportunities to enter the program each year: a Fall term day program and a Spring term evening program. Students may take certain program and/or non-massage therapy courses any time before enrollment into the program or during enrollment in the program.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the degree, students will be able to:
- Implement a wide variety of specialty skills related to massage therapy.
- Exhibit characteristics of guidelines for a professional business practice.
- Conduct client assessment, reassessment, and treatment planning.
- Describe the benefits and physiological effects of techniques that manipulate soft tissue.
- Use professional communication skills with clients and peers.
Course Requirements
Course List Course | Title | Credits |
| 4-12 |
| |
| Human Biology for Health Science Careers | |
| |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology III | |
LMT 113 | Kinesiology for Massage Therapy I | 4 |
LMT 118 | Kinesiology for Massage Therapy II | 4 |
LMT 124 | Kinesiology for Massage Therapy III | 4 |
LMT 130 | Massage Fundamentals | 2 |
LMT 135 | Managing a Massage Practice | 3 |
LMT 140 | Pathology for Massage Therapy | 4 |
LMT 145 | Massage I | 5 |
LMT 150 | Massage II | 5 |
LMT 155 | Eastern Theory & Practice | 2 |
LMT 160 | Hydrotherapy | 1 |
LMT 170 | Professional Ethics and Rules | 2 |
LMT 175 | Swedish Relaxation Clinic | 2 |
LMT 190 | Therapeutic Clinic | 3 |
| 17 |
LMT 210 | Community Outreach | 2 |
LMT 245 | Effective Office Decisions | 2 |
| 3-4 |
| Math for Health Sciences | |
| Business Math | |
| Applied Technical Mathematics | |
| Math in Society | |
| |
AH 115 | Cultural Responsiveness in Health Sciences | 3-4 |
or BA 178 | Customer Service |
or COMM 218Z | Interpersonal Communication |
BA 214 | Business Communications | 3-4 |
or WR 121Z | Composition I |
CIS 120 | Computer Concepts | 4 |
HHP 252 | First Aid & AHA Basic Life Support Provider CPR | 3 |
| 3-4 |
| Human Sexuality | |
| Stress Management | |
| Holistic Wellness | |
| Nutrition for Health | |
| Health and Fitness | |
| 6-10 |
Total Credits | 91-107 |
Advising notes
Why choose the AAS over the Certificate of Completion?
- Obtain a degree; open more doors!
- Earn a higher wage
- Offer specialized modalities that set you apart from other therapists
- Reach a much broader client base
- Complete the Certificate, license, and work toward completing your degree while working in the field
- The AAS can typically be completed in an additional 2-4 terms for most students
Students have two opportunities to enter the program each year:
- Fall, morning and day courses
- Spring, evening courses
- Students may take certain program and/or non-massage therapy courses any time before enrollment into the program or during enrollment in the program
Performance Standards
- Academic Requirements:
- Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.
- All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
- Additional Requirements:
- Verification of contact hours is required by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists licensing requirements. Students must meet the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists attendance requirement of 90% contact hour completion for each LMT course contact hours as identified on all LMT course syllabi.
- Students are required to adhere to the professional conduct standards outlined within the student handbook.