Therapeutic Massage

Certificate in Therapeutic Massage (CERT_TMSC)

Newport County Campus, Newport

The Therapeutic Massage program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), COMTA 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, Va, 22201; www.comta.org; 202-888-6790.

CCRI's Massage Therapy Certificate Program combines a strong scientific basis for the understanding and application of various soft tissue massage therapy techniques, with high standards in professional development. The intensified evening weekend program is a 655-hour, 34-credit curriculum leading to a Massage Therapy Certificate. Our program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). The program emphasizes ethics, clinical assessment, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. Students are prepared for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), overseen by the Federation of State Massage Boards, to apply for a license to practice massage in the state of Rhode Island. The program can be completed in 12 months.

CCRI graduates, who are licensed massage therapists, are employed in a variety of settings that include rehabilitation clinics, wellness centers, chiropractic and acupuncture offices, health clubs and spas. Additionally, many of our graduates have opened successful private businesses. CCRI’s Therapeutic Massage Program rigorously prepares students to be able to work in hospitals, medical environments and with clients who have compromised health or physical impairments.

Students must be able to perform basic massage techniques and demonstrate the ability to give and receive a therapeutic massage treatment. Student must be at least 18 years old prior to taking TMSG 1000. Note: Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions at the back of the catalog for details.

This certificate program can be applied toward the associate degree in applied science in Therapeutic Massage. Students interested in completing the associate degree program in Therapeutic Massage may continue by enrolling in:
Fifth semester (Fall): TMSG 2030, 2040: COMM 1100; PSYC 2010 (online option)
Sixth semester (Spring): MATH 1025; PSYC 2030; General Education Elective

Total Additional Credits for Associate Degree: 21

GENERAL POLICIES

See important general policies in the beginning of this section on the performance-based Health Sciences application process, academic progress, advanced placement, background check, CPR certification, health insurance, health records, reinstatement, transportation, uniforms, and equipment.

Minimum requirements to apply to the Therapeutic Massage certificate program

1. CCRI application – Complete and submit a CCRI Application for Enrollment. General Studies should be the first choice; TMSC should be the second choice.
2. High school transcript – An official copy of the applicant’s high school or GED® transcript, including date of graduation or, if the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, the high school transcript may be waived; a college transcript must indicate completion and degree awarded
3. Placement testing – Complete a standardized test (ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION) issued by CCRI’s Department of Advising and Counseling. Competency of 250 or above is required for reading comprehension or completion of ENGL 0890 - Critical Reading with a grade of B- or better
4. Complete the following courses with a grade of C or better:
   1. BIOL 2201 - Human Anatomy and Physiology
   2. TMSG 1000 - Introduction to Therapeutic Massage
   3. RHAB 1020 - Fundamentals of Palpation 
5. Age requirement – Must be 18 years of age or older to register for TMSG 1000 - Introduction to Therapeutic Massage.
6. GPA – Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better for all college courses taken.
7. Health Sciences application – Complete and submit performance-based Health Sciences application including a preadmission degree evaluation during the open enrollment period. The application and instructions can be found at www.ccri.edu/oes/admissions/index.html.
   1. IMPORTANT: All the above requirements must be completed satisfactorily BEFORE submission of performance-based Health Sciences application and do not guarantee acceptance to the program. At the time of admission, the student must meet the current admission requirements of the program. Students declining acceptance into the program for the semester offered must resubmit a performance-based Health Sciences application for the program and meet the current admission requirements. Once accepted into Therapeutic Massage certificate program, the student must attend a mandatory orientation conducted by the Rehabilitative Health Department.
8. Background check – Students are required to submit a background check when directed by notification from Enrollment Services. Final acceptance to the program is dependent on the results of the background check.

Total General Education Requirements Credits 3

Total General Education Credits (including preadmission) 6

Total Major Requirements Credits 23

Total Major Requirements Credits (including preadmission): 28

Total Certificate Credits 34