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Massage Therapy
To begin, connect with an advisor who can guide you through program options and next steps, including the application process.
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Massage Therapy program is designed to provide students with the foundational and advanced technical skills to meet State of Arizona licensure qualifications and is designed to prepare students for employment as massage professionals. The field of massage therapy is a holistic profession focused on helping people improve their physical and emotional well-being. Partnering with instructors and fellow students in a hands-on learning environment, students will gain a deep understanding of massage therapy integrating classic techniques including Swedish, deep tissue, and therapeutic. Students will have opportunities in onsite clinical and classroom settings working with a variety of individuals. Upon completion of this program students will be prepared to work in a range of settings including private practice, physical therapy clinics, chiropractic offices, corporate/franchised spas, sports industry, and destination resorts. Credits earned in the CCL directly apply to the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Massage Therapy degree.
This program is designed to meet education requirements for licensure or certification in the State of Arizona. Granting licensure and certification is the sole responsibility of the state board or approval agency. This program is only offered and available to students located in the State of Arizona. The Maricopa County Community College District and colleges define student location within Administrative Regulation 2.2.3(7).
Details
Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Massage Therapy (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5144
Total credits required
36-40
Catalog Year
2026-2027
Effective Term
Fall 2026
Admission criteria
High school diploma or GED.
Proof of current immunization: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), tuberculosis skin test (TB), varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, and Hepatitis B vaccine (HEB).
Successful completion of interview process.
Have the ability to fully participate in classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting program activities.
Submit current CPR card for Health Care Provider and maintain current status throughout the practicum(s).
Complete and submit the health declaration form signed by a licensed health care provider.
Submit to a drug screening and demonstrate negative results.
Formal application and admission to the program are required.
Background Check Requirements
Admission to an Allied Health program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Supplemental Background Check policy. Program applications will not be accepted without a copy of an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Upon conditional program admission, the student must comply with all requirements of the current MCCCD background check policy.
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students must attend an orientation prior to applying to the program and be advised by the Program Director.
A special application must be completed to be officially accepted in the program. Contact the Program Director or Advisement to obtain the Massage Therapy Program packet.
**GateWay Community College also offers a clock-hour based Massage Therapy certificate: www.gatewaycc.edu/massage-therapy
What You'll Learn
- Utilize effective written and oral communication skills with clients and colleagues in accordance with industry standards.
- Effectively apply knowledge of body systems, functional anatomy, physiology, and common pathologies to the practice of massage therapy.
- Demonstrate effective and culturally responsive communication skills to build trust and rapport with clients.
- Establish and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for both therapist and client.
- Assess and create individualized treatment plans that are safe and effective for a variety of populations.
- Demonstrate appropriate physical and emotional self-care strategies.
- Evaluate the profession of massage therapy within the context of the healthcare field.
- Practice industry-accepted professional and ethical behavior including the maintenance of boundaries appropriate to the field.
- Perform effective targeted and full body massage techniques in a professional environment.
Career Statistics
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCC130 | Fundamentals in Health Care Delivery | May be waived if student has Associate in Applied Science degree or higher degree in a health science discipline" | 0–3 | ||
| HCC145AA | Medical Terminology for Health Care Professionals I | May be waived if student has Associate in Applied Science degree or higher degree in a health science discipline | 0–1 | ||
| BIO160 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | Critical course | NSI, SQ | 4 | |
| WED165 | Overview Of Massage Therapy | Critical course Gateway course | 2 | ||
| WED215 | Self-Care for Health Care Providers | 2 | |||
| Restricted Elective | Select from list of Restricted Electives below | 0–4 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WED230 | Therapeutic Massage Practices I | 8 week course | 6 | ||
| WED231 | Therapeutic Massage Practices II | 8 week course | 6 | ||
| WED250AA | Clinical Practicum: Part I | 1.5 | |||
| Restricted Elective | Select from list of Restricted Electives below | 0–4 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WED232 | Therapeutic Massage Practices III | 8 week course | 6 | ||
| WED250AB | Clinical Practicum: Part II | 1.5 | |||
| MGT253 or WED204 |
Owning and Operating a Small Business or Establishing a Massage Practice | 3 | |||
| Restricted Elective | Select from list of Restricted Electives below | 0–4 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCC145AA | Medical Terminology for Health Care Professionals I | May be waived if student has Associate in Applied Science degree or higher degree in a health science discipline" | 0–1 | ||
| BIO160 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | Critical course | NSI, SQ | 4 | |
| WED165 | Overview Of Massage Therapy | Critical course Gateway course | 2 | ||
| Restricted Elective | Select from list of Restricted Electives below | A total of 4 credits of restricted elective courses is required for the CCL. | 0–4 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WED151 | Introduction to Alternative Medicine | 3 | |||
| WED215 | Self-Care for Health Care Providers | 2 | |||
| HCC130 | Fundamentals in Health Care Delivery | May be waived if student has Associate in Applied Science degree or higher degree in a health science discipline" | 0–3 | ||
| Restricted Elective | Select from list of Restricted Electives below | 0–4 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WED230 | Therapeutic Massage Practices I | 8 week course | 6 | ||
| WED231 | Therapeutic Massage Practices II | 6 | |||
| WED250AA | Clinical Practicum: Part I | 1.5 | |||
| Restricted Elective | Select from list of Restricted Electives below | 0–4 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WED232 | Therapeutic Massage Practices III | 6 | |||
| WED250AB | Clinical Practicum: Part II | 1.5 | |||
| MGT253 or WED204 |
Owning and Operating a Small Business or Establishing a Massage Practice | 3 | |||
| Restricted Electives | Select from list of Restricted Electives below | 0–2 |
Footnote
Restricted Electives:
Students must select courses from those listed below for a total of four (4) credits.
WED+++++ Any WED Wellness Education course(s) approved by the Program Director except courses already used to satisfy Required Courses and Restricted Electives areas. 1-4
EMPHASIS: MASSAGE TECHNIQUES
WED120 Massage Therapy: Anatomy Refresher - Upper Body 1
WED126 Cupping Therapy 1
WED145 Reflexology 1
WED174 Myofascial Release 1
WED195AA Special Topics in Wellness Education A 0.5
WED195BB Special Topics in Wellness Education B 1
WED195AC Special Topics in Wellness Education A 2
+ WED210 Sports Massage 2
WED220 Gentle Touch for Individuals Living with Cancer 2
WED297AA Special Topics: Therapeutic Massage 1
WED297AB Special Topics: Therapeutic Massage 2
WED297AC Special Topics: Therapeutic Massage 3
EMPHASIS: ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY METHODS
WED125 Reiki: Healing and Symbols 2
WED151 Introduction to Alternative Medicine 3
WED162 Meditation and Wellness 1
WED172 Overview of Herbal Remedies 1
WED176 Flower Essences 1
WED182 Health Conditions and Popular Herbs 2
WED183 Introduction to Ayurvedic Principles 2
WED218 Aromatherapy 1
+ WED225 Reiki: Master Level and Teacher Training 2
EMPHASIS: MIND-BODY ACTIVITIES
PED101JU Judo 1
PED101PS Pilates 1
PED102PS Pilates - Intermediate 1
PED103PS Pilates (0.5) (May be repeated) 1
PED101TC Tai Chi 1
PED102TC Tai Chi - Intermediate 1
PED103TC Tai Chi (0.5) (May be repeated) 1
PED201TC Tai Chi - Advanced 1
PED101YO Yoga 1
PED102YO Yoga - Intermediate 1
PED103YO Yoga (0.5) (May be repeated) 1
PED201YO Yoga - Advanced 1
EMPHASIS: HEALTH & WELLNESS
FON241 Principles of Human Nutrition 3
HES100 Healthful Living 3
HES271 Sports Medicine Foundations 3
REC120 Leisure and the Quality of Life 3
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- NSI = Natural Sciences
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=16454042.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Massage Therapy
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