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About the program

Therapeutic Massage Certificate

CCRI's Massage Therapy Certificate Program combines a strong scientific basis for the understanding and application of various soft tissue massage therapy techniques, with high standards in professional development. The intensified evening weekend program is an 685-hour, 35-credit curriculum leading to a Massage Therapy Certificate. Our program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). The program emphasizes on ethics, clinical assessment, critical thinking and entrepreneurship and prepares you for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), overseen by the Federation of State Massage Boards and to apply for a license to practice massage in the state of Rhode Island. Rhode State Licensure. The program can be completed in 12 months.

Students must be able to perform basic massage techniques and demonstrate the ability to give and receive a therapeutic massage treatment. Student must be at least 18 years old prior to taking TMSG 1000.

A hallmark of CCRI's program is that it prepares students to work in medical environments with clients who have compromised health or physical impairments.

*State licensure requirements vary state to state.

Associate in Applied Science (Applications are not being accepted at this time for the Associate in Applied Science)

The Therapeutic Massage associate degree program offers students a strong scientific background for the understanding and application of various soft tissue techniques to promote health and wellness. Eastern and Western approaches will be studied to ensure an education that includes a holistic approach to massage. The Program is guided by the Massage Therapy Foundation’s Mission:

The Massage Therapy Foundation advances the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education, and community service.

The Therapeutic Massage Program offered at CCRI is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) giving CCRI COMTA endorsed curriculum status. The Program offered at CCRI’s Newport campus is a modified evening and weekend program with the core courses given at the Newport location. All of the required general education courses may be taken at other CCRI campuses prior to acceptance into the program. Graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree after completing a combined 1135 hours of coursework and clinical internship. All internship courses must be completed within 18 months following completion of the academic training.

All graduates are eligible to sit for the state licensing* and the Board Certification exams. An individual must successfully pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLex), overseen by the Federation of State Massage Boards, to apply for a license to practice massage in the state of RI. The Board Certification Exam is administered by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The NCBTMB has designated CCRI as an Assigned School which allows CCRI graduates to sit for an optional exam to become board certified therapeutic massage and bodywork practitioners.

CCRI graduates, who are licensed massage therapists, are employed in a variety of settings that include rehabilitation clinics, wellness centers, chiropractic and acupuncture offices, health clubs and spas. Additionally, many of our graduates have opened successful private businesses. CCRI’s Therapeutic Massage Program rigorously prepares students to be able to work in hospitals, medical environments and with clients who have compromised health or physical impairments.

A hallmark of CCRI's program is that it prepares students to work in medical environments with clients who have compromised health or physical impairments.

*State licensure requirements vary state to state.