Noncredit Certificate Program - Harrisburg

Nurse Aide Training and Noncredit Health Care Calendar/Brochure (July-Dec 2009)(pdf )   
Program Essential Qualifications (pdf)
Program FAQ (pdf)
Massage Therapy Website
Massage Therapy Courses
Massage Therapy Program Contacts
Massage Therapy Program Accreditation


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. Student must be at least 18 years of age; submit application with application fee of $75; schedule a personal interview with program director; submit official high school transcript or GED certificate; complete a satisfactory criminal background check. Immunizations required upon acceptance. The Massage Therapy Training Program costs $7,800 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. Do not complete a credit Application for Admission.

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, Cooper 204B, (717) 780-2331 or e-mail vaoffice@hacc.edu.

Length of Program & College Degree Conferred - The massage therapy training program is 675 hours in length and meets in Harrisburg. The full-time day program meets Monday through Friday 9am – 3pm for 6 months at HACC’s 3 Penn Center location. Sessions begin in March and September. The part-time program begins in September and meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30-9:30 pm and 5 weekends 9 am – 5 pm for 12 months. The course of study includes 160 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 675 hour program exceeds the PA requirements for massage therapy training. Graduates are eligible (and encouraged) to take the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage Examination. This is a credential recognized throughout the massage industry. Once a student is a nationally certified massage therapist and employed as such, he or she is eligible to receive 27 college credit hours from HACC, which can articulate toward an Associate Degree in Health Science. Our curriculum has been approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

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 - $45,694 median salary in Harrisburg (using zip 17110) from salary.com April 2009

Educational Advancement - Completion of this certificate program, national certification and employment in the massage therapy field may allow articulation of 27 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


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