Noncredit Certificate Program - Harrisburg

 Part-time classes begin in July. Full-time classes begin in September.

Program Essential Qualifications (pdf)
Program FAQ (pdf) Rev. 2/12
Massage Therapy Program Application (pdf)

Massage Therapy Website
Massage Therapy Courses
Massage Therapy Program Accreditation

Request for Massage Therapy Transcript and Certificate Form (pdf)

Description of Occupation - Massage therapy is the assessment and manipulation of soft tissues of the body to effect a therapeutic response in the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction. It can be preventative or restorative, helping to maintain, rehabilitate, augment physical function or relieve pain. (From Ontario Massage Therapy Association, 10/05)

Massage therapists prepare equipment; interview clients; perform therapeutic massage - including applying oil/lotion to the skin, massage the body by gliding, kneading, stretching or applying static pressure, all at varying depths to muscles and connective tissue; clean equipment , supplies and work area; keep records; and consult with other health care professionals. The therapist is responsible for the health and safety of clients during treatment sessions. Massage therapy can be physically demanding and may require standing for long periods of time.

A massage therapist should have a desire to facilitate health and healing, have strong communication skills, a sensitive touch and be in good physical condition

College Program Admissions Requirements - This is a noncredit course.  Apply directly to the program; do not submit an Application for Admission to the college. Student must be at least 18 years of age; submit application with application fee of $75; schedule a personal interview with program coordinator; submit official high school transcript or GED certificate; complete a satisfactory criminal background check. Immunizations required upon acceptance. Placement testing may be required. The Massage Therapy Training Program costs $9,800 which includes all supplies and clinic uniform shirt. Students may be qualified for Financial Aid (FAFSA), loans or payment plans and the massage therapy program has been approved for veterans education benefits. To apply contact the massage therapy program at (717) 221-1386.

Veterans Education Benefits:Non-credit Healthcare Programs which result in a certificate upon completion are approved for veterans education benefits.VA benefits are based on the length of the class and the number of clock hours per week.Benefits are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.Tuition must be paid in advance since VA benefits are disbursed on a post-payment basis. Information on veterans education benefits is available from the Military and Veterans Affairs Office at your local HACC campus, in Cooper 204B, (717) 780-2331 or e-mail vaoffice@hacc.edu.

Length of Program & College Degree Conferred - The massage therapy training program is 800 hours in length and meets in Harrisburg. The full-time day program meets Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am – 3pm for 7 months at the Harrisburg campus. Sessions begin in March and September.

The part-time program begins in January and July and meets three evenings per week from 5:30-9:30 pm and 6 weekends 9 am – 5 pm for 12 months. The course of study includes 175 hours of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology; over 300 hours of massage modalities including Swedish massage, sports massage, reflexology, connective tissue therapy, and neuromuscular therapy; training in ethics, professional communication and personal awareness; and business practices, chair massage, spa treatments, aromatherapy and integration and assessment. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion from HACC.

Pennsylvania recently passed massage therapy legislation that will require a state-issued license in order to practice.  HACC's 800-hour program exceeds the PA requirements for massage therapy training. The HACC Massage Therapy Program is a school member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). As such we abide by both organizations' codes of ethics. Our curriculum has been approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and our graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) and the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).

Once a student is a nationally certified massage therapist and employed as such, he or she is eligible to receive 30 college credit hours from HACC, which can articulate toward an Associate Degree in Health Science.

Places of Employment and Outlook - Massage therapy is among the fastest growing occupations requiring post-secondary or an associate’s degree in PA for 2002-2012. Massage therapists work in private or group massage practices, physicians’ offices and clinics, hospitals and wellness centers, chiropractic offices, on-site (chair massages in offices, airports, at public events, etc.), health clubs and fitness centers, sports teams and events, spas and resorts, hotels, beauty and hair salons, and cruise ships.

Salary Ranges for Geographical Area - $41,873 median salary in Harrisburg (using zip 17110) from salary.com May 2011.

Educational Advancement - Completion of this certificate program, national certification and employment in the massage therapy field may allow articulation of 30 credits* towards an Associate Degree in Health Science.

Related Websites For Additional Information About The Career
American Massage Therapy Association
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals
Massage Therapy Careers

If you have questions, contact:
mt@hacc.edu
(717) 221-1386 or (800) 222-4222 ask for 221-1386
To schedule an appointment in the student clinic - call 221-1317

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