Massage Therapy, Diploma – 31 credits
Program Area: Health (Fall 2020)
***REMEMBER TO REGISTER EARLY***
Program Description
The Massage Therapist Program prepares the
graduate for the operation of his or her own
massage therapy clinic or employment in another
health care related setting. The graduate therapist
is able to observe and assess the client’s
musculoskeletal system, propose a treatment
plan, implement the treatment plan and observe
the client’s response to the treatment. Stress
reduction, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular,
Lymphatic, Somatic, Sports, Swedish, Geriatric and
other manual soft tissue techniques are used.
Documentation is done to record muscular pain
and restrictions, postural distortions, fascial
adhesions and the effects of stress on the body.
Small business start-up and management provide
a foundation for entrepreneurs. Therapists may
find opportunities to work in a variety of settings.
Most opportunities are in private practice.
Program Outcomes
• Knowledge and ability to observe and
assess the client’s musculoskeletal,
connective tissue and lymphatic systems
• Propose and implement a treatment plan
based on the client’s goals
• Observe and document the client’s
response to the treatment
• Produce a comprehensive personalized
business plan for starting, managing and
promoting a massage practice
• Demonstrate comfort with ethical issues of
running a business and working hands-on in
an intimate manner
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt massage
techniques to pregnant, geriatric, infant and
athletic populations
• Demonstrate self-awareness and the
theoretical understanding of how to
prevent therapist injury and burnout
• Demonstrate a professional level of
understanding of human pathology to
recognize massage contraindication and
cautions
REQUIRED COURSES
Course
Course Title
Credits
Term
ALTH 1430
ARC: First Aid and CPR/AED
for the Professional Rescuer
1
MTP 1004
Massage Therapy Pathology
2
MTP 1030
Massage Therapy Anatomy I,
Physiology and Kinesiology
3
MTP 1032
Introduction to Massage and
Swedish Massage
1
MTP 1034
Massage Therapy Business
Start-up, Management and
Ethics I
1
MTP 1036
Massage Therapy
Hydrotherapy and Adjunct
Therapies
1
MTP 1056
Massage Therapy Awareness
and Injury Prevention I
1
MTP 1038
Massage Therapy Deep Tissue
I
1
MTP 1040
Full Body and Chair Massage
4
MTP 1042
Massage Therapy Somatic
Muscle Release and Postural
Normalization
1
MTP 1044
Massage Therapy Anatomy II
1
MTP 1046
Massage Therapy Deep Tissue
II and Neuromuscular Therapy
4
MTP 1048
Pregnancy and Infant
Massage
1
MTP 1050
Lymphatic and Senior
Massage
2
MTP 1052
Sports and Stone Massage
2
MTP 1054
Massage Therapy Eastern
Healing and Modality
Overview
1
MTP 1058
Massage Therapy Awareness
and Injury Prevention II
1
MTP 1060
Massage Therapy Business
Start-up, Management and
Ethics II
3
Total Credits 31
Courses may requires a prerequisite. Refer to the course
outline or check with an advisor.
Massage Therapy, Diploma – 31 credits
Program Area: Health (Fall 2020)
***REMEMBER TO REGISTER EARLY***
Qualified applicants should be aware that program class sizes are limited, which may delay acceptance into the
program.
You may be required to complete additional (or less) coursework, dependent upon the results of your
Computerized Placement Test (CPT) and/or previous coursework completed or certifications awarded.
All courses on the planner need to be completed with a grade of “C” or better to progress into the next semester.
Pre-program Requirements
Successful entry into this program requires a specific level of skill in the areas of English, mathematics, and
reading. Program entry will depend, in part, on meeting the prerequisites listed below:
English/Reading:
• A score of 250 or higher on the reading portion of the computerized placement test,
• OR completion of ENGL0950 or READ0950, which may not be taken concurrently with Semester I
coursework,
• OR ENGL0955 or READ0955, which may not be taken concurrently with Semester I coursework,
• OR equivalent transfer course or higher
There are other ways to qualify. Visit
LSC Accuplacer
(lsc.edu/Accuplacer) to find out more.
NOTE: You will need a recent physical examination including current immunizations and a current negative
Tuberculosis (TB) screening. Current certification in American Heart Association: BLS Healthcare Provider or
American Red Cross: BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers is required for all clinical courses. ALTH1430 will satisfy
this requirement. Background Study approval is required from the State of Minnesota.
Program Approval
The Massage Therapy Program at Lake Superior College is approved by the Minnesota State College and
University System.
Program Articulation: For additional information on the
current list of LSC program articulations.
For more information about the Massage Therapy – Diploma Program - including course descriptions, course prerequisites, the program
report, and potential career opportunities see the
program website
(https://degrees.lsc.edu/massage-therapy/) OR contact advising at
CIP Code: 51.3501
Minnesota State Program ID: 3564
LSC Major ID: 5221
Created: 3/1/05
AASC Approval: 4/25/2016
Updated: 2/1/20
All courses in diploma and/or certificate programs are acceptable for credit toward Lake Superior College degree programs as indicated on
individual program planners. This is not a contract; Lake Superior College reserves the right to change the planner as necessary. This
document is available in alternative formats upon request, by contacting
Disability Services
or (218) 733-7650 or MRS/TTY (800) 627-3529.
