Massage & Bodywork Program

New Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Program

The Mayland Community College Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork program is a 680-hour program offered at the Yancey campus in Burnsville, North Carolina.

This program consists of four components, Therapeutic Massage I, II, III and IV, and provides participants with the basic information and skills needed to qualify to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). This is the exam (as of December 31, 2010) that is recognized by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (NCBMBT) as part of the licensing application process. All practicing massage therapists in North Carolina must be licensed by the NCBMBT.

The program consists of course work including: Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, Massage Application and Assessment, Human Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology, Somatic Psychology, and a variety of adjunct modalities. A clinical component is accompanied by courses in ethics, professionalism and business management. Most courses in the program include a lecture-style presentation as well as a practical “hands-on” component.

The Mayland Community College Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Program prepares students to work in direct care settings to provide manipulation, methodical pressure, friction and kneading of the body’s soft tissues to support wellness throughout the lifespan.

Graduates may be eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and to apply for licensure to practice in North Carolina.

Graduates who become licensed should qualify for employment opportunities in hospitals and other medical settings, rehabilitation centers, sports or health clubs, retirement communities, day spas, resorts, and private practice. The median annual salary for a licensed therapeutic massage and bodywork practitioner is $35,230.

The program is offered through Continuing Education as either a full time day program or a part time evening program. The full time program may be completed in approximately six months or 24 weeks, while the part time program spans approximately one year or 48 weeks.

Admission to the program is available on a first come, first served basis and requires that the applicant be at least 18 years of age by the first day of class and a high school graduate or equivalent (GED).

Classes will begin on September 17th!

For more information

If you would like additional information about the Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork program at Mayland Community College, please visit us at the Yancey Campus or call (828) 682-7315. We can be reached by email at mscarpenter@mayland.edu.

Download the Program Brochure here

Download the Admissions Packet, Textbook & Supply Info

Supervised Clinic

Our clinical experience is a supervised opportunity for students to practice hands-on skills and business practices in a professional setting. Students are required to successfully complete Therapeutic Massage I before entering this phase of the training.

The clinic is located on site at the MCC Yancey campus and is open to the public. Clients are encouraged to call early to schedule appointments for a student therapeutic massage, as appointment times are limited. All sessions are one hour in length and consist of Swedish or integrative modalities.

Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete or update intake forms.

Affordable fees and appointment times will be announced in September.

Estimated Costs

Estimated Costs

Tuition and fees

Therapeutic Massage                            175.00
Malpractice Insurance                           13.00
Student liability insurance                    45.00

Total                                                  $233.00

Books

The cost of textbooks will vary depending on where they are purchased and whether they are purchased new or used. Required textbooks may be purchased from the Mayland Community College Bookstore.

Supplies

See Admissions Packet for cost of supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Therapeutic Massage Program?

   The program provides students with a strong foundation for professional practice and the skill and information needed to qualify to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensure Exam, required for licensure in North Carolina.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The full time day program can be completed in approximately 6 months. The part time evening program is about 12 months in length.

How many students will be in the class and what is the student/teacher ratio?

   In order to offer the best possible educational experience, our classes are limited to no more than 14 students and at least one instructor. Some classes may have as few as 10 students.

Is it possible to continue my job while taking this training?

   Yes. Students may choose between a full-time day program and a part-time evening program. The day program meets Monday through Thursday, 9:00am – 4:00pm, which allows students to continue a part-time job.
The evening program is designed to accommodate students with full-time day employment. Evening classes meet Monday through Thursday, 6:00pm – 9:00pm. During the last 13 weeks of the training, students should plan to be in clinic once each week for a full day, 8:30am – 4:00pm. 

I am a high school senior and plan to graduate this year. Will I be able to attend the Therapeutic Massage program?

Meet our instructor Louise Devine Loveland

   Louise is a graduate of the Florida School of Massage and The Center for Massage and Natural Health and has over twenty years of experience in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She is nationally certified and licensed to practice in North Carolina and Virginia. She has also served as a staff and freelance writer, editor, and photographer for a variety of publications, private clients and a Virginia university.
Her interest in therapeutic massage, bodywork and natural healing traditions began while earning a B.A. in English and Anthropology. While owning and operating a massage therapy and wellness center in Virginia for a decade, Louise worked at two Virginia hospital wellness centers and stayed busy with referrals from the medical/health care community, teaching massage therapy to groups and individuals, and volunteering with a local hospice. In addition to offering massage therapy for relaxation and stress management, Louise has worked with clients dealing with rehabilitative issues, autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, Cerebral palsy and autism.
Within her private practice, Louise’s modality offerings include a blended style of “integrative” massage which incorporates Swedish, trigger point therapy, connective tissue therapy, aromatherapy and “energy work” as needed, as well as Pregnancy and Infant Massage, Geriatric Massage, and reflexology.
Currently, Louise is finishing a master’s degree in Administration and Leadership at State University of New York (SUNY). She enjoys volunteering with community organizations, gardening, cooking and a variety of creative pursuits. She lives in a vintage log cabin near Burnsville with her husband and a menagerie of furry children.