Therapeutic Massage Program

What does a massage therapist do?

Therapeutic massage involves the use of manual soft tissue mobilization to promote health and wellness. Recent scientific studies have documented the many positive physical, mental, and emotional effects of massage.

Individuals who are licensed massage therapists may work in a variety of settings including their home, hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, sports facilities, spas, or home health agencies. Massage therapists work in the day and evening hours. They may also work weekends or weekdays.

What is the average salary range for a massage therapist?

Massage therapists are usually self-employed and charge $50.00 - $75.00 per hour. Most massage therapists will see approximately 4 clients per day.

What type of training is required to become a massage therapist?

Massage therapists are required to complete at least 500 hours of classroom instruction to apply for licensure. The individual who successfully completes these courses at CCRI receives an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and is eligible to take the licensure examination for massage therapists in Rhode Island. State licensure requirements may vary state to state.

What courses should I take in high school, if I am interested in becoming a massage therapist?

Interested high school students should enroll in a science curriculum. The student will need good interpersonal and communication skills.

What is the therapeutic massage program like at CCRI?

The therapeutic massage program integrates classroom preparation and clinical practice. General education courses such as English Composition, Oral Communication, Anatomy, Physiology, Algebra, and Psychology enhance the therapeutic massage core courses. The core courses include laboratory sessions to learn and practice hands on skills required to be a massage therapist. The students have 3 fieldwork experiences in various settings to practice skills learned in the classroom.

What is the cost of the therapeutic massage program at CCRI?

The total cost of the 15 month therapeutic massage program including tuition, fees, and books is approximately $6100. This does not include the costs for general education prerequisites. For up-to-date costs go to the CCRI Bursar's Tuition & Fees page.

If I apply, what are the chances of getting accepted?

All students completing the prerequisite courses with a “C” or better and maintaining a GPA of at least 2.0 will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. At this time there is not a waiting list for the therapeutic massage program.

Where can I fins additional information about massage therapy?

Additional information about massage therapy can be found in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) website.


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