This comprehensive clinical massage therapy program will give you a strong foundational knowledge of the human body and will cover theories and practices within the field of massage therapy, and various modalities and techniques in addition to interpersonal skills, ethics, and business practices. Classes are interactive and led by skillful massage therapists with years of experience. The clinical massage therapy program at Helena College is committed to excellent teaching, compassionate support, and professional and personal growth.
Student Prerequisites
Minimum 18 years of age and high school completion or its equivalent. Transcripts will be submitted with application. It is highly recommended that students are up-to-date on all immunizations. Please consult your physician.
Licensure Exam
Program registration fees for the clinical massage therapy program include one attempt at the MBLEx exam. The cost of exam re-takes and subsequent proctoring fees are not included and are subject to change.
Class Expectations
This is a college-level, accelerated program. There will be extensive reading to be completed outside of class. Full preparation before class and active participation in all class activities is a requirement. Attendance, punctuality, and professionalism are also graded components of class.
Curriculum Components
| Module |
Hours |
|
|
Ethics,
Boundaries, and Communication
|
50 |
This course discusses the importance of client and therapist safety, ethical decision making, and effective communication in dynamic relationships. A discussion of appropriate intimacy, sexual misconduct, and boundary setting and enforcing will be held throughout the course while helping students learn to implement their own values. Professional communication and active listening techniques will be discussed and practiced. |
| Anatomy and Physiology |
114 |
Course will begin with terminology of the body systems as a whole and move through each body system. Students will develop an intimate knowledge of the human body through palpation and visual identification both on diagrams and on the human body. This material will serve as a base which will be built upon for the entire duration of the program. |
| Kinesiology |
66 |
Students will begin with palpation skills and movement and work through the connective tissue, joints, muscles, and nerves. Students will then move into biomechanics, posture, and gait. |
| Special Populations |
30 |
This course will dive into specific populations who have different requirements for massage therapy. Indications, contraindications, and safety concerns will be discussed along with a brief introduction to pathology. This course will have a significant focus on chronic pain. |
| Pathology |
64 |
Students will gain a broad knowledge of human pathologies beginning with fundamental concepts in pathology and moving through all body systems, medications, and evidence based practices. |
| Practice and Theory I |
64 |
This course includes an overview of the massage therapy field through history, current trends, industry standards, practices, and laws, and field related research. Sanitation and hygiene, client and therapist safety, massage cautions and contraindications, body mechanics and self-care considerations, and disease prevention will give students a foundation of safety before they move onto basic lubricants and massage equipment. Students will begin draping techniques, and opening and closing a massage session. |
Additional program sections include:
Practice and Theory II, III, and IV (226 hours total), Planning, Assessment, and Documentation (50 hours), Ethics, Boundaries, and Communication (55 hours), Psychology of the Body (14 hours), Career Planning (12 hours), Business in Massage (29 hours), MBLEx Prep (12 hours), and Clinic (64 hours). Total course hours: approximately 795.
Application, Resume, and Short Essay
These are to be turned in to the Continuing Education office. Click here to print application or you may pick up a copy in person at the college: 1115 N. Roberts, Room 113. Once your completed application is submitted, you will be notified of acceptance within 3 days. Incomplete applications are not accepted. Seats are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Laptop or Tablet Requirement
Some text access is in electronic format only. Additionally, if deemed necessary, class may occasionally be held in an online forum, such as Zoom. Therefore, online access is also a requirement (use of a smartphone for these applications is not sufficient.)
About Course Payment
No Financial Aid – Because this is not a college degree program, Federal Financial Aid in the form of Student Loans or Pell Grants are not available.
Scholarship Information – The American Massage Therapy Association has scholarship opportunities. Find out more on their website: www.amtamassage.org/scholarships/
Early Registration/Payment Incentive – Receive a $500 discount if you register by July 10 with a minimum $3500 deposit, and pay in full before class start date.
Registration deadline – August 9, 2024. It is important to pre-register for the class to ensure your seat in the class and to allow for timely arrival of class materials.
Non-refundable deposit – When you register for class, a $1500 deposit will hold your seat. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable (good only toward the massage therapy program).
Pay in full – Once you have been notified of acceptance to the program, you can pay in person or by phone with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. If you would prefer to pay with a check, please mail or hand-deliver to the ashier’s office on campus. If you are paying in cash, you will need to visit the cashier’s office.
Payment plan – If you will not be able to pay in full before the class start date, please talk with us about possible options.
Employees, employers & sponsors – We can invoice a company directly. Students should indicate payee information in the appropriate space on their application.
Need more information?
Link to U.S. Department of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics website
1115 North Roberts - Room 113
Helena, Montana 59601
Monday - Friday; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Program Coordinator
406-447-6946
E-mail: Brandy.Kincheloe@HelenaCollege.edu
Massage Program Director
406-202-2181
E-mail: Liz.Samson@helenacollege.edu
