
The Massage Therapy program at Missouri College provides students with instruction in both practical and theoretical massage, anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, clinical practice, and hygiene. The program offers training in therapeutic massage principles, hydrotherapy and allied therapeutic modalities, including massage techniques, the external application of water, heat, cold, topical preparations, and mechanical devices. The core curriculum of the Massage Therapy program is structured to include a lecture component and a clinical component. The final externship portion of the curriculum consists of supervised experiences in a clinical environment, which requires competencies, logs, and evaluations completed by the student. At the conclusion of the program, graduates who have diligently attended class and their externship, studied, and practiced their skills should have the skills to seek entry-level employment as massage therapists.
Graduates of the Massage Therapy program are encouraged to take the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) certification exam. This credential is a nationally recognized voluntary certification that could enhance employment opportunities or income potential, and may be required to practice in a particular state. Certification requirements for taking and passing this examination are not controlled by Missouri College but by outside agencies and are subject to change without notice. Missouri College cannot guarantee that graduates of the Massage Therapy program will be eligible to take this certification exam, or any other certification exam, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment. |