--- title: Massage Therapy Program Course Descriptions url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/massage-therapy-course-descriptions/" type: page date_published: 2025-08-19 date_modified: 2026-04-10 schema: @type: WebPage language: en-US word_count: 1540 reading_time: 8 min canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/massage-therapy-course-descriptions/" --- # Massage Therapy Program Course Descriptions ![Arizona College hero bars graphic](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg) # Massage Therapy Program Course Descriptions Classes begin April 27th ![Icon for how to become a massage therapist](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/icon-therapy.svg?w=1024) [Massage Therapy](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/) ![Icon for Accredited Nursing School](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/icon-certified-white.svg?w=1024) [Get Massage License](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/how-to-become-a-licensed-massage-therapist/) ![Massage Therapy School Icon](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/icon-massage.svg?w=1024) [Massage Clinic](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/massage-clinic/) ![Student at a Massage Therapy School Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Massage-Therapy-Program-Professional.webp) ## Massage Therapy Program – Schedule Of Courses Arizona College’s Massage Therapy program is comprised of 850 clock hours and can be completed in eight and a half months. Graduates of Arizona College are eligible for state licensure without passing a national certification exam. Our program prepares graduates to sit for the Board Certification Exam (NCBTMB) and the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Requirements for licensure in states, municipalities and townships differ; therefore, it is recommended that students determine what is required for licensure where they are planning to work. ## Massage Theory & Technique Course Descriptions Massage Therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the softtissue muscles of the body. Therapists utilize a variety of massage techniques and modalities to accomplish pain relief, rehabilitate injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation and aid in the general wellness of clients.  _Lecture and Lab units measured in contact hours._ ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 125 Massage for Special Populations _Lecture: 20, Lab: 20_ ### Learn More Students will practice and demonstrate specialized massage techniques for mother and infant, people with disabilities, older adults and end-of-life care. Emphasis will include how to assist clients in need and perform massage in a side-lying position. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 155 Swedish Massage _Lab: 40_ ### Learn More Students will learn how to create a comfortable environment and practice designing a full body Swedish massage. Emphasis will be given to cautions, contraindications and foundation skills for massage, including confident draping, body mechanics, self-care and confidence in opening and closing a massage treatment session. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 185 Eastern & Energetic Approaches _Lecture: 20, Lab: 20_ ### Learn More Holistic medicine and natural wellness will be taught, including personal efforts to achieve balance of physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health. The student will learn how to use adjunctive modalities from eastern and energetic origins. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 195 Client Care in Massage Therapy _Lecture: 20, Lab: 20_ ### Learn More In this course, students will learn how to tailor their massage to a client’s needs and goals. Understanding the documentation process for a wellness massage in assessment, treatment and planning for the greatest care of the client. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 200 Clinical Practicum _Lab: 30_ ### Learn More A supervised clinic consists of 30 hours and is taken to prepare for the professional environment. The clinical internship is designed to provide a forum for students to learn how all the classroom material fits together. The clinical practice hours are unpaid to polish your practical skills. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 300 Advanced Clinical Practicum _Lab: 100_ ### Learn More A supervised clinic consists of 100 hours and is taken to prepare for the professional environment. The clinical internship is designed to provide a forum for students to learn how all the classroom material fits together. The clinical practice hours are unpaid to polish your practical skills. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 210 Spa Techniques _Lecture: 20, Lab: 20_ ### Learn More In this course, students will learn corporate chair massage, how to use it as a marketing tool and explore their options as an employee, independent contractor or starting a private practice. Students will compose their resume and cover letter and learn how to interview successfully. Hot stone massage, reflexology and essential oils will be practiced to prepare students for the spa environment. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 215 Sports & Injury Massage _Lecture: 20, Lab: 20_ ### Learn More In Sports Massage and Hydrotherapy students will learn how the muscles work together to achieve complex movement (kinesiology) and how to use hydrotherapy treatments as they relate to massage therapy. Emphasis is on the neuromuscular physiology of stretching, normal range of motion, common injuries of athletes and how to treat injuries of an acute, sub-acute or chronic nature in a pre-event, post-event or restorative environment. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 230 _Muscular System: Spine & Thorax_ _Lecture: 20, Lab: 20_ ### Learn More Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the head, spine and thorax will be taught. Students will learn specific skeletal origins and insertions, as well as the action of facial, cranial, spinal and rib cage muscles. Additionally, students will gain understanding of scoliotic postural compensation, injuries and trigger point patterns that sometimes cause headaches and back pain. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 240 Spine & Thorax Palpations _Lecture: 20, Lab: 20_ ### Learn More The students will practice specific muscular palpation on all muscles, injuries and trigger points covered in lecture by using myofascial, deep tissue and neuromuscular approaches. Emphasis will be on clinical reasoning skills for spinal muscular conditions and postural imbalance. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 250 Pain Solutions in Massage Therapy _Lecture: 20, Lab: 20_ ### Learn More This course gives students an understanding of the assessment, treatment planning and documentation required for clients with chronic pain conditions and ongoing pathologies. Musculoskeletal injuries and understanding pain will be emphasized. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 260 Muscular System: Lower Body _Lecture: 20, Lab: 20_ ### Learn More Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the pelvic girdle and lower extremities will be taught. Students will learn specific skeletal origins and insertions, as well as the action of lower body muscles. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of common postural compensation, injuries and trigger point patterns. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 270 Lower Body Palpations _Lecture: 20, Lab: 20_ ### Learn More The students will practice specific muscular palpation on all muscles, injuries and trigger points covered in lecture by using myofascial, deep tissue and neuromuscular approaches. Emphasis will be clinical reasoning skills for lower body muscular conditions and postural imbalance. Prerequisite: None ### Massage Theory & Technique: MTM 280 Muscular System: Upper Body_ Lecture: 20, Lab: 20 ### Learn More Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the shoulder girdle and upper extremities will be taught. Students will learn specific skeletal origins and insertions, as well as the action of upper body muscles. Additionally, students will gain understanding of common postural compensation, injuries and trigger point patterns. Prerequisite: None ## Anatomy & Physiology Course Descriptions To complete the educational objectives of the college, the following equipment is utilized: massage tables, massage chairs, face cradles, massage stools, fleece covers, table warmers, massage lotion and oil, anatomy charts, a human skeleton, hydrocollator, pillows, bolsters, hot stone sets, anatomy models, sheets, anatomical videos and various other teaching aids.  _Lecture and Lab units measured in contact hours._ ### Anatomy & Physiology: MTA 105 Anatomy & Physiology _Lecture: 40_ ### Learn More In this course, students will get an overview of the body systems orientation of the body, along with anatomical and medical terminology. The chemistry, cells, tissues and organization of the body will be understood in relation to the physiological effects of massage therapy. Prerequisite: None ### Anatomy & Physiology: MTA 130 Circulation & Body Defense_ Lecture: 40 ### Learn More Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the circulatory, lymphatic, integumentary and immune systems are studied; these systems work together to create the body’s defense system. Prerequisite: None ### Anatomy & Physiology: MTA 135 Bodily Communication & Control_ Lecture: 40 ### Learn More Our master center of communication, the nervous system, works in concert with the endocrine system, our hormonal regulator. This course shows the relationship between the two systems and how their interrelatedness controls all physiological processes in the body. Prerequisite: None ### Anatomy & Physiology: MTA 150 Business & Communication_ Lecture: 40 ### Learn More This course will prepare students for the expectations of professional conduct in business and marketing strategies. Students will understand therapeutic relationships and explore their options as an employee, independent contractor or starting a private practice. HIPAA standards, ethics and law, sanitation, hygiene and OSHA safety guidelines are covered. We address the professional ethics, communication skills and legal structure that students will use in the professional massage world. They will compose their resume, cover letter and learn how to interview successfully. Prerequisite: None ### Anatomy & Physiology: MTA 160 Metabolic Processes, Elimination & Reproduction_ Lecture: 40 ### Learn More This course covers the anatomy, physiology and pathology of complex nutritional and reproductive systems. The foods eaten are digested and assimilated as the building blocks of cells, while the body eliminates the waste. Reproductive systems contain the building blocks for a new life. Students will gain an understanding of how this occurs in people’s bodies. Prerequisite: None ## Request Information To Speak With An Advisor Today ## Guide to Becoming a Massage Therapist Ready to make a difference in healthcare? Explore the path to becoming a massage therapist today. ![BSN icon](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WEB_GeneralKnowledge-1.svg) #### 󠀁[What is a massage therapist?](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/what-is-a-massage-therapist/)󠁿 ![icon for nursing programs near me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WEB_AnatomyPhysiology-1.svg) #### 󠀁[How do I start my healthcare career?](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/)󠁿