Apr 18, 2024

2018-19 Gaston College Catalog

2018-19 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Therapeutic Massage Diploma (D45750)

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The Massage Therapy curriculum prepares graduates to work in direct client care settings to provide manipulation, methodical pressure, friction, and kneading of the body for maintaining wellness or treating alterations in wellness throughout the lifespan.

Courses will include content in normal human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic massage, ethical/legal issues, business practices, nutrition, and psychology.

Employment opportunities include hospitals/rehabilitation centers, health departments, home health, medical offices, nursing homes, spas/health/sports clubs, and private practice. Graduates may be eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam. Upon passing this exam, a candidate may apply for North Carolina State License for Massage and Bodywork. Licensure is MANDATORY to practice massage in the state of North Carolina. Refer to website: www.bmbt.org for details.

The Therapeutic Massage curriculum offers three options: a degree, diploma and certificate(s) programs. Completion of the degree program is highly recommended as it prepares the graduate to be a practitioner with a broader knowledge base in the practice of Therapeutic Massage.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

Plan, organize and deliver an effective massage session.
Perform within the ethical, legal and professional parameters set forth by the NC Board of Massage & Bodywork.
Perform massage therapy and bodywork for therapeutic benefits.

Admission Information

Students applying for admission to the Gaston College Therapeutic Massage Program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for GENERAL ADMISSION to the college. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Therapeutic Massage program.

Additional Requirements to be eligible to submit an application to the Therapeutic Massage Program

Complete an online application to the Therapeutic Massage Program.
Must have an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better in required college courses.
Must have grades of “C” or better in all related courses.
Must have completed the required Biology courses within five (5) years from the date of application to the program.
Prior to entering the Therapeutic Massage program, applicable developmental courses must be completed.
Interview with Therapeutic Massage Program Coordinator.

Additional Program Requirements Upon Admission into the Therapeutic Massage Program

Proof of receiving a one hour full body Swedish professional massage.
A completed Gaston College Health and Human Services Student Medical form documenting satisfactory emotional and physical health. This is required by the due date stated in the applicant’s admission letter.
Hold a current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers certification through the American Heart Association.
Students will be required to submit documentation of additional non-academic criteria such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks, urine drug testing, and proof of immunizations. If the clinical facility refuses to allow the student to do clinical at the facility based on said findings, the student would not be allowed to continue in the program.
Professional liability insurance (malpractice insurance). This insurance is arranged through the Therapeutic Massage program.

Clinical agencies reserve the right to deny a student access to the facility based on failure to meet the above requirements. If a student is denied access to any clinical agency, the student will not be allowed to continue in the Therapeutic Massage program. Detailed information regarding these agency requirements will be provided upon conditional acceptance into the Therapeutic Massage program.