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2025-2026 University Catalog

Massage Therapy

 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Massage Therapy programs is to educate therapists as leaders in the field, to elevate the standards of practice and to advance the profession through scientific research. We prepare massage therapists who are committed to service and lifelong learning, and who are qualified to practice both independently and as members of integrated health care teams. Graduates of the Massage Therapy programs will ground their work in scientific knowledge, clinical proficiency, and the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior.

 

Programs of Study

Students seeking a rigorous professional massage therapy curriculum will find quality and excellence in Northwestern Health Sciences University’s Massage Therapy programs. The Certificate in Therapeutic Massage program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).

The Massage Therapy programs admitted its first group of students in September of 2000. The Massage Therapy programs are dedicated to advancing the public’s perception and acceptance of massage therapy as an important health care option. Massage therapists fill an increasingly important role in the health care field. A growing number of medical doctors and Doctors of Chiropractic are referring patients to massage therapists all around the United States. 

The Massage Therapy programs at NWHSU will challenge and inspire students towards becoming integrative health care providers, while instilling the importance of actively managing and maintaining one’s own health and wellness. Students are educated in interpersonal communication skills and in the necessity of communicating effectively with patients/clients and the public. Students may enroll in day and evening scheduling options. Students receive a professional certificate or Associate in Applied Science degree in massage therapy and/or Shiatsu upon successful completion of the program. 

 

Program Learning Outcomes

In addition to meeting the University Learning Outcomes, graduates of the Massage Therapy certificate or degree programs will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology to inform safe and effective massage therapy practices.

  2. Apply various massage techniques and other modalities to meet client needs, with acuity to integrative treatment plans and interdisciplinary approaches.

  3. Practice proper body mechanics, self-care strategies, and injury prevention techniques to maintain personal well-being and ensure career longevity.

  4. Demonstrate personal ethical practices and professional boundaries in accordance with industry standards and regulatory bodies.

  5. Develop foundational business skills, including marketing, client retention, referral strategies, and practice management, to support a successful career in massage therapy.

  6. Utilize research and evidence-informed practices to enhance treatment approaches, contribute to integrative healthcare models, and commit to lifelong learning for professional growth.

  7. Effectively communicate with clients, healthcare professionals, and colleagues to educate and support client wellness goals.

In addition to the above objectives, students who successfully complete the Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) will be able to:

8a. Demonstrate the writing, critical thinking, reasoning and oral communication skills expected of a graduate of an associate-level degree program.



Graduates of either the East West Therapeutic Massage or the Shiatsu certificate programs of study offered by the Massage Therapy programs will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in performing a shiatsu session to provide effective therapy for a diverse client population.

  2. Apply Chinese medicine theory to assess client conditions and develop appropriate shiatsu session plans.

  3. Explain the physiological effects, benefits, and contraindications of shiatsu therapy and the signs and symptoms of energetic imbalances.

  4. Integrate self-care practices, including proper body mechanics, to enhance well-being and prevent injury while practicing shiatsu therapy.

  5. Demonstrate personal ethical practices and professional boundaries in accordance with industry standards and regulatory bodies.

  6. Develop professional competencies in business management and client communication to establish a career in shiatsu therapy.

  7. Summarize the history and foundational principles of Asian bodywork therapy and shiatsu therapy in relation to acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

  8. Compare Asian bodywork therapy to other interdisciplinary approaches within the U.S. healthcare system to prepare for professional certification with the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA).