MASSAGE THERAPY
(A Diploma in massage therapy is currently available at Alexandria, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, and Shreveport, LA and also in Fayetteville, AR and Gulfport, MS. An Associate of Occupational Studies degree in massage therapy is currently available at Lafayette, Metairie and Shreveport, LA and in Gulfport, MS.)

What is Massage Therapy?
Deep Tissue Massage is the manipulation of soft tissue, connective tissue, and the balancing of body energy for the purpose of maintaining good health and good physical condition.

Massage Therapy is both a science and an art form. As a science, Massage Therapy increases body awareness, corrects system imbalances, assists in relaxation, reduces stress, increases vitality and promotes a sense of well-being. As an art form, Massage Therapy facilitates a positive exchange of mental, emotional, and spiritual energies which promotes holistic healing.

A Career in Massage Therapy
Employment for massage therapists is expected to increase faster than average over the period from 2004 to 2014 as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy. In States that regulate massage therapy, therapists who complete formal training programs and pass the national certification exam are likely to have very good job opportunities. (Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Growing Career Opportunities

• Massage Offices & Private Practice
• Group Practice
• Home Offices
• Physicians' Offices & Clinics
• Hospitals & Wellness Centers
• Nursing Homes/Hospices
• Chiropractic Offices
• Pain Management Centers
• On site Locations (In Offices, Airports, Public Events, Etc)
• Health Clubs & Fitness Centers
• Sports Teams & Events
• Spas & Resorts
• Hotels
• Beauty And Hair Salons
• Cruise Ships

BENEFITS OF YOUR CAREER IN MASSAGE:

• Developing a Meaningful Career with New Job Skills and Abilities.
• Flexible job schedule as a private practitioner.
• Financial Independence and Personal Growth.
• Working with other Professionals in a Health-Care Environment.
• Facilitating Others to Feel and Live Better
  

Massage Therapy Diploma
The Massage Therapy Diploma program provides a foundation in anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology which form the basis for training in specific massage techniques. Hands-on techniques include Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage, Basic Shiatsu, and Supervised Clinical Practice. The diploma program prepares the student for entry level positions in the massage therapy industry.

Our graduates pursue a variety of jobs including private practice, athletic team massage therapist, massage therapist in a hospital, athletic club massage therapist, on-site massage therapist, massage therapist in a hair salon and/or spa assistant to physical therapists or chiropractors, and massage therapist on a cruise ship and more.

Successful completion of this diploma program qualifies the graduate for massage therapy licensure or registry in both Louisiana and Mississippi and provides eligibility to sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examination. Both states require fewer than the total contact hours included in the diploma program. Blue Cliff College offers day and night schedules to accommodate almost any lifestyle or work routine. The normal completion time for the day program is nine (9) months, and, for the evening program, fifteen (15) months. Class schedules are provided as an addendum to this catalog (see "Greeting" letter). The diploma program requires the completion of 53 quarter credits. A Diploma will be awarded upon successful completion of the program.

Associate in Occupational Studies Degree Massage Therapy
The Massage Therapy Associate in Occupational Studies degree program expands the training provided in the diploma program. Courses in the degree program broaden the scope of massage technique training provided and adds courses in general education to produce well-rounded massage therapists trained in management, and communication. The program prepares the student for entry-level positions in the massage therapy industry and provides additional training for future spa managers and business owners. Our graduates pursue a variety of jobs including private practice, athletic team massage therapist, massage therapist in a hospital, athletic club massage therapist, on-site massage therapist, massage therapist in a hair salon and/or assistant to physical therapists or chiropractors, and massage therapist on cruise ships. The completion time for the day program is eighteen (18) months, and twenty-seven (27) months, for the evening program, twenty-seven (27) months. Graduates from the Associate in Occupational Studies Degree program must complete and earn a total of 96 quarter credits including credits earned in the diploma program and will be awarded an Associate in Occupational Studies Degree in Massage Therapy credential. At a minimum, the final 50% of the required 96-quarter credits must be completed at Blue Cliff College.

Licensing Information

• State requirements and licensing may vary from state to state.
• Licensed by Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration, License No. C–110.
• Licensed by the Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas State Boards of Massage Therapy.
• Licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy, License No.9803   (The Blue Cliff College Massage Therapy program is approved by the MS Board of Massage Therapy for 775 hours.)
• Licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Regents.
• Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Click here for textbook information.

Contact us today for more information about our Massage Therapy programs.

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