How long does it take to complete MCC’S Massage Therapy A.A.S. degree?

Once students have been accepted into the program, it will take at least two years to complete. Students are accepted into this program in the Fall semester only. Massage Therapy courses MUST be taken in sequential order and are only offered during the Fall and Spring semesters (there is no Intersession or Summer Session available). If a student does not complete the Biology courses prior to beginning the Massage Therapy program, they MUST take a Biology course every semester while in the program (i.e. MAS 101 and BlO 142 must be taken concurrently in the first semester). All Massage Therapy courses must be taken within the first two years; all remaining courses must be completed within four years of acceptance into the degree program.

What is the recommended sequence of classes?

Please download this page (.pdf) for the full sequence. Massage Therapy students need to take the Biology and Massage Therapy courses in sequence receiving a grade of "C" or better in order to complete degree requirements in 2 years and sit for the NYS Boards in a timely manner.

How much time should students plan to devote to this program each semester?

The following serves as a guide depending on whether a student plans to be full-time or part-time.

Full-time example: 15 credit hours + 30 study hours = 45 hour commitment per week

In the final semester of the program, students are expected to schedule approximately 2 four-hour rotations in the clinic MAS 260 - Massage Therapy Clinic) in addition to their weekly class schedule.

What are some of the initial costs associated with this program?

Initial expenses for MAS 120 and MAS 130 include: textbooks, 1-2 set of twin sheets, oil, holster for the oil, washable colored pens, hand sanitizer, 2 nametag , 2 pairs of black scrubs. A tape recorder for lectures and fleece blankets for massages are highly recommended. Other recommended sundries are Band-Aids, Kleenex, fingernail clippers/file, and a covered water bottle.

Students are charged a $3.00 liability insurance fee each Fall semester and a $5.00 liability insurance fee each Spring semester. In addition, students are charged lab fees for all Massage Therapy labs, including MAS 260.

What is required prior to the start of classes, for accepted students? Since Massage Therapy can be physically demanding, students must submit a Medical Clearance Form — completed by their physician — as well as a signed liability waiver, before they participate in the program. Please see our listing of Technical Standards (.pdf).

All Health Profession students, including Massage Therapy students, must complete the Hepatitis B series and CPR training before they begin classes.

What is expected of Massage Therapy students at MCC?

Massage Therapy students must complete the Massage Therapy and Biology classes in sequential order, without interruption. Massage Therapy courses are only offered in the Fall and Spring semesters (there is no Intersession or Summer Session available).

Students are expected to wear scrubs and to fully participate in all Massage Therapy labs, this means in both the giving and receiving of full body massages.

Students must maintain a minimum of a “C” average in all Massage Therapy and required science courses in order to remain in the program. Maintaining a “B” average is highly recommended for the passing of the New York State boards.

Animal dissection may be required in Biology courses.

Students must complete HED 114 during the first semester of their second year in the program so that CPR certification and the required hours for hygiene and safety will be current when they apply for New York State Licensure.

Students are required to recruit participants for MAS 260, the clinical experience that is held at the Damon City Campus Massage Therapy Clinic.

Since some information shared within the classroom — such as basic health histories — is considered confidential, students will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement.

How are grades determined in Massage Therapy courses?

New York State mandates that every student complete a certain number of Massage Therapy practical hours. Students will have completed most of those hours if they have attended and fully participated in their classes and labs (attendance and participation are strictly monitored).

Each absence affects the student’s grade. The student is put on program probation with 3 absences. A student will receive an “F” for the course upon a fourth absence.
Students in all Health Professions, including Massage Therapy, must pass a series of basic practical competencies in order to remain in the program. Practical competencies usually are Pass/Fail and may be not calculated into final grades. Students are given more than one chance to pass each competency.

Final grades in all Massage Therapy classes will take into consideration students’ ability to practice the professional ethics taught in the program and their willingness to develop themselves as Massage Therapy professionals. Students will be expected to follow hygiene procedures and demonstrate communication skills and group awareness. At least 10% of students’ grades will be a subjective professional grading of their Readiness for the Profession by the instructor(s) of the Massage Therapy classes.

Are there any other program requirements?

Yes. Beginning Fall 2005, students in MAS 140 are required to receive a massage from MAS 260 students at the Damon Clinic ($10.00 with Student I.D.). Students are also expected to participate in at least 10 hours of community service in connection with the MCC Massage Therapy Program over the course of their study.

Is a license required to practice Massage Therapy in New York State?

Yes. After graduating from MCC’s Massage Therapy Program, students will be required to take New York State’s written licensing examination (given in August and January each year) before they can practice in New York State. Students must be at least 18 years old and U.S. citizens or permanent residents in order to be eligible to sit for the exam, and will need to submit proof of a high school diploma or GED.