Entrance Requirements

In addition to meeting the general qualifications for students of the College of Health and Wellness, applicants to the Massage Therapy Programs must satisfy the following admissions requirements:

1. Must possess a high school diploma, its foreign equivalent, or a General Educational Development diploma (GED).
2. Must have achieved a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better.
3. All applicants must pass a criminal background check.
4. Applicants must possess the following abilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, for completion of the professional certificate and degree programs in massage therapy:

• 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;
• Ability to determine depth and intensity of manual pressure and force as applied in the performance of common massage and adjunctive procedures and techniques;
• 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;
• Ability to perform in all laboratory and clinical settings without posing a threat to themselves, or to the safety and well-being of fellow students or clients;
• 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 relaxation massage, trigger point therapy and cross fiber friction. In reciprocal laboratory experiences, receiving techniques is necessary 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;
• Navigate various learning spaces (in person, online, hybrid, hyflex) successfully including the use of any associated technology and applications (computer, learning management system, email, etc.).

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 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. Additionally, questions regarding qualifications or accommodations should be directed to the Student Affairs Office.