Entrance Requirements

In addition to meeting the qualifications of a student of the College of Health and Wellness, applicants must meet the following admission requirements for the Massage Therapy Program:

1. Students must have and earned a high school diploma, its foreign equivalent or a General Educational Development diploma (GED).
2. Applicants must have achieved a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in prerequisite coursework.
3. All students must pass a criminal background check.

Qualifications

A student must possess the following abilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, for completion of the professional certificate programs in massage therapy:

1. Ability to apply massage and adjunctive techniques over the full range of a client’s body, including positioning clients, palpating, feeling with hands and fingers, pushing, pulling, kneading, grasping, twisting wrists and lifting up to 10 pounds, for periods of up to 90 minutes standing without interruption;
2. Ability to determine depth and intensity of manual pressure and force, as applied in the performance of common massage and adjunctive procedures and techniques;
3. With or without reasonable accommodation, ability to receive and record client histories, document treatment plans, provide instructions to clients and provide routine client safety services;
4. Ability to perform in all laboratory and clinical settings without posing a threat to themselves, to the safety and well-being of fellow students or clients;
5. Ability and willingness to receive massage and adjunctive treatment. Much of the technical instruction in the programs requires reciprocal application of the techniques of massage therapy, including trigger point therapy and cross fiber friction. In reciprocal laboratory experiences, receiving techniques is necessary in order to learn proper procedures and to receive and provide learning feedback. Reciprocal application of techniques is also useful for developing sensitivity to client needs. The College may temporarily excuse a student from receiving massage therapy provided that there is a specific medical contraindication, as determined in writing by a licensed health care professional.

All students, with or without reasonable accommodation, must carry out laboratory and clinical assignments, including providing massage therapy services to clients. Qualified persons with disabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, must be able to pass oral, written and practical examinations and meet all of the clinical requirements of the University.

It is in the best interests of both the student and the University to assess the degree of limitation caused by disability. However, the University will make the final determination of whether or not an individual meets all qualifications for study at the University.

The University accommodations process is found under “Student Life.” Additionally, questions regarding qualifications or accommodations should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs.