Therapeutic Massage Diploma - Spa Specialist (D45750S)

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.

1. Submit a Gaston College Application
2. Complete Residency Determination for in-state tuition
3. Apply for financial aid
4. Meet with an advisor / Attend an information session
5. Submit official transcripts
6. Provide proof of course placement requirements

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.
• 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.
• In addition to maintaining a 2.0 GPA in the general education courses, students must earn and maintain a minimum grade of 80% in all MTH courses in order to progress in the program.
• 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.

Therapeutic Massage

Total Program Hours: 48

Note(s):

Related courses do not have to be completed before applying to the Therapeutic Massage Programs. Related courses can be taken according to the above program of study.

Graduates may be eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the State Board of Cosmetic Arts examination. Upon passing both examinations, a candidate may apply for North Carolina State License for Massage and Bodywork and will be issued an Esthetics license. Licensure is MANDATORY to practice massage in the state of North Carolina. Refer to website:  www.bmbt.org for details.

* Student must complete a certificate in Esthetics Technology (courses include COS 125 Esthetics Concepts II and COS 126 Esthetics Salon II) to complete the pathway of *(Spa Specialist). 

Graduates may be eligible to take the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Arts Licensing Exam for Estheticians and upon passing, be licensed and qualify for employment in beauty and cosmetic/skin care salons, as a platform artist, and in related businesses.

The courses taken in this diploma program may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science degree in Therapeutic Massage.

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