Riverland Community College

This course provides students with an in-depth knowledge of basic massage techniques. Identification of superficial muscles, palpation, and appropriate massage strokes are taught. Introductory knowledge of anatomy and physiology including the body systems and how they relate to massage. Positioning of clients, contraindications to treatment, ethical decision-making, hygiene and appropriate draping techniques, as well as the importance of client feedback to the therapist are covered. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Massage Therapy Program and current CPR certification.
(4 Cr – 2 lect, 2 lab)

This course is a continuation to MASS 1600. Further theory, techniques and applications of massage therapy are taught including work on muscles and fascia, methods of tension release, and injury-repair process. Techniques to release adhesions and restore circulation are covered including friction, pressure, and cross-fiber stroking. Trigger/tender point location, soft tissue mobilization, and stretching are addressed. The effects of stress and its relationship to chronic tension is investigated and related to the stress-tension-pain cycle. Importance of client/therapist communication is emphasized. Detailed interview and assessment techniques are taught and reviewed through scenarios. Objective and subjective evaluation is utilized for evaluation. Documentation of treatment plans and need for referral is covered. Prerequisites: Acceptance in Massage Therapy Program, completion of MASS 1600, and current CPR certification. (3 Cr - 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course focuses on skeletal muscles of the body, various types of muscle fibers and structures, their origins, insertions, and actions. Palpation skills are taught to identify bony landmarks, muscle bellies, tendons, and ligaments. Anatomical positions and elements of physiology are also discussed. Prerequisites: Acceptance in Massage Therapy Program, completion of MASS 1600, and current CPR certification. (4 Cr – 2 lect, 2 lab)

This course provides students with the ability to perform comprehensive reflexology. The student identifies reflex areas and relates them to effects on the whole body. Students palpate soft tissue and body landmarks of the hands and feet. This class acquaints students with massage specialties and helps narrow future areas of expertise. Prerequisites: Acceptance in Massage Therapy Program, completion of MASS 1600, and current CPR certification.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course begins the building blocks of knowledge and experience obtained in the Massage Therapy program by expanding the practice of chair massage to outside populations. Students create an environment for practicing chair massage which include professionalism, proper ethics, hygiene, and proper body mechanics. Tools to eliminate pain for the therapist during treatment are also discussed. Criteria is examined for distinguishing when chair rather than table massage should be used. This class is the introduction to working with the public and is therefore essential to the future clinical experience. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MASS 1600 and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
(3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab)

This course introduces the basics of a variety of popular modalities and covers the principles and foundations of various bodywork techniques. This course acquaints students with many types of massage specialties and helps narrow future areas of expertise. The basics of performing meridian acupressure is studied and practiced. Proper techniques, temperatures, and safety methods for hot stone massage and cupping are also taught along with hygienic practices. Special skills involve evaluation, positioning, strokes, indications, and precautions for treatment. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MASS1600 and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course concentrates on psychological and physical challenges faced by massage therapists focusing on ethical boundaries. It also addresses the effects of stress, personality, attitudes, beliefs, and coping techniques exhibited by therapists and clients. Introduction to basic business practices, such as taxes, resume building, interviewing, massage insurance certification, and MBLEX Certification are also covered. Prerequisites: Successful completion of first semester courses, 1600; 1601; 1602; 1603, 1609 and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. (2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This pathology course covers a wide array of conditions and diseases which are often contraindications to massage therapy. Recognition of disease symptoms, are included. Stages and progression of conditions are covered in detail. Infectious diseases as well as hygienic practices and strategies to avoid bloodborne and other pathogens are also covered. Alternative massage techniques and resumption of schedule are discussed. Prerequisites: Successful completion of first semester courses, 1600; 1601; 1602; 1603, 1609 and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This online class will explore the connections between the mind and body and the underlying psychological aspects that influence the therapist-client relationship. Focusing on identifying and addressing chronic tension patterns as well as cultural differences in mental health concerns. Prerequisites: Successful completion of first semester courses: MASS 1600, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1609, 1613, and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course covers advanced massage skills, which involve evaluation, positioning, strokes, documentation, indications, precautions, and contraindications for treatment. Scenarios are used to highlight techniques used in practice. Advanced techniques in myofascial release and deep tissue massage are included in lab skills for use with deep tissue injuries. Classic pain referral patterns will be explored and treatments will be applied. Prerequisites: Successful completion of first semester courses, 1600; 1601; 1602; 1603, 1609 and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. (2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course builds upon the knowledge, experience, and progress obtained in the Massage Therapy Program by expanding the practice of hands-on massage to outside populations. Students create an environment for practicing professional massage which include professionalism, proper business knowledge and ethics, appropriate health and business paperwork, an atmosphere conducive to massage, and behavior which shows dedication to the aspired profession. This class is the culmination and incorporation of all training received in the program and is therefore essential to the successful completion of the Massage Therapy Program.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of first semester courses, 1600; 1601; 1602; 1603, 1609 and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

(5 Cr – 1 lect, 4 lab)

This course covers all licensing requirements needed to become a massage therapist. The MBLEX is a complex exam taken upon completion of a massage therapy program and is required for licensure in the United States. In this course we will review all pathological conditions and diseases, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, including the body systems and how they relate to massage. MBLEX practice tests as well as all requirements needed to pass this complex exam will be covered. Prerequisites: Successful completion of first semester courses: MASS 1600, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1609, 1613, and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)