Course Descriptions

Course Numbering System

All courses are designated with a three letter prefix and then a three digit number designating term and class number. Example: PHY101 designates Physiology Term 1, Class 1.

Term 1 are numbers starting with 100

Term 2 are numbers starting with 200

Term 3 are numbers starting with 300

Allied Modality classes are designated with a three letter prefix and a three digit number beginning with 400.

Physiology 1 (PHY100)
This section will introduce the student to the structure and function of the human body. You will be introduced to the basic levels of organization of the body, from cells to body systems. You will learn basic terminology, such as directional terms and planes of the body, as well as major cavaties of the body and their subdivisions. The concept of homeostasis and the mechanisms of disease will also be discussed. And finally you will study two major body systems: The Integumentary System and the Skeletal System.

Physiology 2 (PHY200)
This section will concentrate on two major body systems that are primarily affected by massage therapy: The Muscular System, and the Nervous System. During your study of the muscular system you will learn about the three types of of muscle tissue, and compare the structure and function of each. You will also study the joints of the body and the muscles movement associated with them. During your study of the nervous system you will learn the divisions of the nervous system and the function of each. You discuss the specific anatomy of the central and autonomic nervous systems, beginning with nerve cells on up to the major components of the brain and spinal cord. This section will end with an overview of the Senses, and the Endocrine System.

Florida Massage Therapy Law & Professional Ethics (LPE100)

This section will introduce the student to the history and requirements of the Florida Massage Therapy Practice Act (Chapter 480 of the Florida Statutes.) The laws governing the practice of massage therapy in the State of Florida will be discussed. Students will also be introduced to the standards and ethics of the massage therapy profession.

HIV/AIDS Education (HIV400)

This class will discuss the epidemiology of HIV infection. Students will learn how the immune system works, and how it is affected by HIV. Students will also discuss "Opportunistic infections," and how these infections are spread and identified. The role of Massage Therapy, and the benefits to those who are HIV positive, are also discussed.

Hydrotherapy (HYD100)

This course discusses the scientific application of water, in all three of its physical states (solid, liquid, vapor,) for the purposes of therapy and rehabilitation. Students will learn and practice the correct uses of hot & cold tempuratures, alternate applications, ice packs, and hot packs.

Massage Therapy 1 (MAS100)

This will introduce the student to the clinical techniques and practice of a basic massage therapy routine. It will also introduce the student to the concepts of developing trusting touch, classroom community awareness, giving and receiving helpful feedback, as well as lengthening and strengthening exercises, body mechanics, movement and hygiene.

Massage Therapy 2 (MAS200)

This class builds on the fundamentals of massage therapy technique learned in semester #1. The emphasis in massage #2 is on learning a specific full-body massage therapy routine including: scalp, face, neck and upper chest, arms, abdomen, back, anterior and posterior legs, hip and gluteal region, and feet. This class will also place emphasis on writing client intake forms, feedback forms and "S.O.A.P." not client documentation. This class will end with a series of practical clinics with the students working on the public.

Massage History and Theory (MHT100)

This section covers a variety of massage topics, giving students a basic understanding of the origins, progression, developments, and current thought and practice in the field of massage therapy and bodywork. Topics will include history, benefits, indications/contraindications, endangerment sites, theory of various modalities, and current research.

Musculo-Skeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology 1 (MAK100)

This course will introduce students to anatomical terms, major bones of the skeleton, and general location of the major muscles of the body. Muscles, ligaments and movements of the shoulder girdle, along with common injuries to the area will be covered. The location of the muscles through palpation will also be practiced.

Musculo-Skeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology 2 (MAK200)

This section will cover the bones, muscles, ligaments, and movements of the elbow, wrist, and hand, as well as common injuries of the region and major nerves of the upper extremity will follow, covering bones, muscles ligaments and movements of the hip, knee, ankle and foot. Common injuries and major nerves of the lower extremity will be introduced and practice locating the muscles by palpation will continue.

Business Practices (BUS400)

This course will introduce the student to basic massage therapy business practices. Topics include: marketing, advertising, contract negotiations, insurance billing, and taxes.

Client/Therapist Relationship (CTR400)

This course will discuss the parameters of the relationship that develops between the massage therapist and the massage client. Topics include: Communication Skills, Boundary Issues, Intake Interview and Client Health History, Draping, Clients with special needs.

Community Outreach (COM400)

In this section, the students learn a gentle form of seated massage to share with specialized population in the community, such as active and frail seniors, families of hospitalized patients and support group participants. The power of caring presence and nuturing touch is emphasized and the importance of ongoing service to the community is modeled.

Medical Errors (MDE400)

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with current information on Medical Errors as required by the Florida Statue, Chapter 456.013. The course is geared specifically toward the Massage Therapist as a health care provider. Topics include: Types of Medical Errors, their prevention, scope of practice, contraindications, and endangerment sites.

Oriental Theory & Modalities (ORM400)

This course will introduce the student to the basic concepts of the Five Element Theory of Chinese Medicine. They will also learn Meridian Line Indentification, along with introductions to several oriental techniques, such as Shiatsu.

Pathology (PAT400)

This section will introduce the student to the study of the human body in health and disease. The massage therapy student will learn to recognize the major diseases they may encounter with their clients, including etiology, signs and symptoms, contraindications, and treatments.

Polarity (POL400)

Polarity is a healing art that unblocks then balances the flow of energy in the human body, both physically and emotionally. The student will be introduced to the basic theory of Polarity, that the body is an electromagnetic energy unit, with positive and negative poles. When positive and negative zones are contacted simultaneously, blockages in the energy system are released and the flow of energy is rebalanced and restored.

Pregnancy Massage Techniques (PRG400)

This class is designed to prepare the student to apply basic massage techniques to women in various stages of pregnancy. Specific techniques for comfort, safety, as well as contraindications will be addressed. Videos of births and ways to help couch, support and assist in the birthing process will also be discussed. This class includes hands on experience, and if time permits, an actual demo on a mother to be.

Seated Massage (ATM400)

This class will introduce the student to the uses of the seated massage chair. It will enable the student to set up and adjust the professional massage chair and implement various massage therapy techniques fora  15 or 30 minute "on-site" massage. This class will also offer tips on lotions, dress changes and cleanliness. Focus will be on the back, neck, head, arms, and hands.

Sports Massage (SPM400)

This class is designed to introduce students to pre and post-event massage techniques to be utilized on athletes. Topics covered include protocol for working at events, precautions, contraindications, basic emergency identification, care and referral. In addition record keeping networking, and practice building will be addressed. Hands on experiences at various sporting events will be available after taking the class.

Wellness (WEL400)

The Wellness section will provide the massage therapy student with a broad, conceptual foundation of holistic health. In addition, the course acts as a mechanism for self-management and personal evolution. By understand more about our own state of wellness, we will be better equipped to help our clients achieve a higher level of wellness.