Massage Therapy Courses >> Massage Therapy Program >> This is one of the most comprehensive and thorough programs of its kind in the United States. Understand the vital benefits of therapeutic massage. Gain a practical working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Develop skills necessary to facilitate the healing process. DESCRIPTION: Capps College's program in massage and neuromuscular therapy is made up of 76.5 quarter credit hours of study, consisting of 1,020 hours of training that prepares the student to become a professional massage and neuromuscular therapist, capable of pursuing private practice or of seeking employment with a variety of health care providers. The curriculum stems from the philosophy of the College, and the standards of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Emphasis is placed on developing a variety of skills useful in the art of acute and chronic pain management. Courses throughout the program balance the technical skills required with a strong grounding in personal growth and development. A comprehensive presentation of the science and art of massage therapy provides the student with the background necessary for enhancing communication with clients, and supporting confident interaction with other care providers. Opportunities for learning through experiential exercises, group processes, lectures, and discussions form the core of this unique program. TECHNIQUES: Students learn massage theory and techniques in Oriental, sports, polarity, spa, orthopedic, deep tissue, and Swedish therapies. In addition, students learn a wide range of allied therapeutic modalities, including reflexology, Reiki, aromatherapy, therapeutic touch, and more so they can incorporate a holistic approach to their practice. A 120-hour course in Body-Mind Somatic Integration sets this massage training program apart from others. This specialized training focuses on developing and integrating self-awareness into the therapist-client relationship. PROGRAM DURATION: Normal completion time for day students is 9-1/2 months, and for night students, 14 months. Day students attend classes six hours per day for 40 weeks, and night students attend classes four hours per day for 59 weeks. In addition, students are required to complete a clinical rotation consisting of 60 hours in the Student Therapy Center during which they participate in actual therapy sessions with clients from the general public. CERTIFICATION & LICENSING: A diploma is awarded to graduates. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam offered by the National Certification Board for Massage Therapists (NCBMT). Massage therapists must be licensed in the State of Alabama by the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy in order to practice in the field. Applicants must successfully pass the NCBMT exam as a prerequisite to filing for a state license. Requirements may vary from state to state.