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CMTDP Course Description

Program Info > Massage Training


Course Descriptions

LS100                        Anatomy & Physiology                                                      80 hrs
This course imparts a fundamental knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. Special emphasis is placed on the healthy dynamic of the major body systems, as well as, their common pathologies in regards to therapeutic massage.


LS101                        Kinesiology                                                                         80 hrs
This course offers an in-depth study of the structural component of the musculoskeletal system including the actions, origins, and insertions of the muscles and their corresponding bone landmarks. In addition, the course analyzes the dynamics of movement and the potential for mobility restrictions and decrease in range of movement.


LS102                        Pathology                                                                           40 hrs
This course focuses on the development, signs, and symptoms of selected pathologies of each major body system. Special emphasis is placed on contraindications and on recommended massage therapy protocols for the treatment of a variety of conditions and disorders.


LS103                        HIV/AIDS                                                                           08 hrs
This course is designed to allow the student to obtain information that pertains to working with people living with HIV/AIDS. The student will gain an understanding of how the Centers for Disease Control defines HIV/AIDS, its modes of transmission, methods for prevention, and the principals of Universal Precautions.


MS100                        Massage Technique I: Introduction to Massage             50 hrs
This course provides an introduction to the key principles and techniques necessary for entering the field of massage therapy such as the benefits of massage, indications and contraindications for massage, endangerment sites, necessary equipment, safety and sanitation issues, documentation and communication, body mechanics, positioning, bolstering, and draping, as well as, centering and grounding. In addition, the basic strokes and sequence of flow for a full body massage are demonstrated.


MS101                        Massage Technique II: Intuitive Massage                       20 hrs
This course builds on the techniques gained in Massage Technique I and explores the intuitive, artistic, and energetic aspects of massage creating a nurturing and profoundly comforting routine.


MS102                        Massage Technique III: Clinical Massage                         40 hrs
This course examines the clinical approach to common conditions encountered by massage therapists and includes the use of general assessment and hydrotherapy. Specific massage techniques are applied and combined with therapeutic intent of relieving various types of soft tissue pain and dysfunction.


MS103                        Massage Technique IV: Sports Massage                         20 hrs
This course is an introduction to the profession of athletic and sports massage. This course includes how to assist athletes in training to perform optimally with pre-event massage, athletes in competition in intra- and post-event massage, and athletes in injury recovery and rehabilitation.


MS104                        Massage Technique V: Hot Stone Massage                     20 hrs
This course is designed as a gateway training program in the art and science of hot stone massage. The participant will gain knowledge of the varied techniques of applying hot stones to the body while using proper body and hand mechanics. In addition, students will learn the proper care and handling of stones and all other equipment necessary to perform a hot stone massage.


MS105                        Massage Technique VI: Myofascial Massage                   30 hrs
This course explores the therapeutic benefits of Myofascial Massage discovering how to use this excellent modality to help free fascial restrictions, increase range of motion, evaluate and improve postural distortions and breathing capacity. The student will learn the anatomy of fascia and the location of the fascial lines running throughout the human body. Myofascial Alignment Technique can be easily integrated into the massage practice to ease the client's pain and restriction of motion.


MS106                        Massage Technique VII: Reflexology                               20 hrs
This course is designed to provide a basic overview of zone therapy. The focus of this course is on theory and technique of reflex points and their healing effects on the human body. In addition, students will learn how to incorporate the foot reflexology techniques into a general massage.


PM100                        Practice Development                                                      20 hrs
This course covers a broad spectrum of business practices and methods vital to establishing and maintaining a successful massage therapy practice. Detailed discussions of finances, business forms, and the business plan are all designed to prepare the student therapist to manage the business aspect of a career in massage therapy.


PM101                        Marketing and Business Promotion                                  18 hrs
This course is designed to instruct the student in the basics of business marketing and promotion offering a variety of information on proven methods of massage marketing. The subjects covered include advertising, branding and imaging, media campaigns, internet marketing, health and trade fair participation, public relations, and event promotion.


PM102                        Community Outreach                                                            07 hrs
This course is designed to afford the students an opportunity throughout the educational process to share the gift of touch with individuals and a wide variety of support groups.


PM103                        Ethics for Massage Therapists                                          10 hrs
This course covers the ethical guidelines and standards established by the massage profession. Students will be presented with a myriad of situational problems designed around ethical issues regarding personal and professional boundaries, scope and limits of practice, discrimination, sexual misconduct, and professionalism.


PM104                        Tennessee Massage Law                                                    05 hrs
This course is designed to provide the Licensed Massage Therapist with information regarding the law, rules, regulations, limitations, scope of practice, restrictions, and revisions for the practice of massage in the State of Tennessee. The course utilizes and distributes the most recent version of the Tennessee Massage Practice Act and General Rules Governing Licensure of Massage Therapists and Establishments issued by the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board, as its primary text.


PH100                        Pharmacology for Massage Therapists                              10 hrs
This course clarifies the nomenclature, actions, and therapeutic intent of various commonly used medications. An emphasis is placed on potential drug side effects and drug interactions with massage therapy allowing the student to make an informed decision regarding safe and appropriate massage protocols and techniques with their clients.


CR100                        CPR/First Aid                                                                        06 hrs
This course offers standard first aid and basic techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for respiratory and cardiac emergencies as taught throughout the United States by various authorizing agencies and organizations.


EW100                        Energy Work-Reiki                                                                24 hrs
This course is designed to introduce the students to the fundamental and rudimentary principles of energy work. Although the primary modality presented will encompass a comprehensive study of Reiki through level three, a variety of other methods of energy work are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course and students are encouraged to appropriately incorporate methods of energy work into a general massage.


CM100                        Survey of Complementary Modalities                                    30 hrs
This course is designed to introduce and expose the student to a wide variety of massage, bodywork and complementary wellness modalities. The student will gain a better understanding of the foundational concepts of the mind, body, spirit connection and body awareness and self image. Students will research, investigate, and experience many different forms of therapeutic modalities enabling them to make informed decisions regarding specialization of their massage practice.


CP100                        Clinical Practicum                                                                    100 hrs
The course affords the student the experience of working in a professional massage therapy clinic. The course offers faculty supervision of student massages preformed in the student clinic allowing the student to integrate all prior training. Interns experience both administrative and practitioner roles in a professional massage therapy clinic while building self-confidence through hands-on experience with a wide range of clients.

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