Massage Therapy Program (08/29/24 - 04/24/25)

Aug 29, 2024 - Apr 24, 2025

Spots remaining: 2

Become a licensed massage therapist in less than 9 months! HCC/ICCE’s new 500-hour massage therapy program is approved by the Florida Board of Massage and meets all the training requirements to become a licensed massage therapist. The program also includes additional MBLEX exam preparation!

Dates, Times, and Location:

08/29/24 to 04/24/25
TWTH evenings from 5:30pm to 10:00pm
HCC Brandon Campus, 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr, Tampa, FL 33619 Room: 236

Course Fee: By clicking this tile, you will be registering for the entire 500-hour Massage Therapy Program: $5500.00 total.

Financial Assistance: Need help paying for some or all of this course? Visit our Financial Assistance Page.

Scholarship Available: The Florida Department of Education has provided HCC with funding to provide scholarships for our Massage Therapy program! The scholarship covers 100% of the program cost of $5500!

Further details and the application can be found at https://www.tampatraining.com/open-door/.

(Pre-payment plan eligible).

If you are between the ages of 16 and 24 with a high school diploma or GED, you may qualify for a local grant. Please visit www.careersourcetampabay.com.

Included in the registration fee:

· Textbook

· 2 sets of scrubs

· Exam Prep 1-year Online Access

· BLS Training

· Massage supplies bag

· Lotion bottle with holster

· Lab supplies

· MBLEX Exam prep

· MBLEX Certification Exam (one attempt)

· ABMP Membership

Students must complete a Level 2 background check ($55) for HCC before the first-class meeting. Those with felonies may not be accepted. This information will be provided to you after you register for the program.

Vaccines (MMR, Varicella, Hep B, TDAP, COVID-19, Flu) are highly recommended for all massage therapy students for the safety of the students and patrons.

Payment must be received in full before the Program begins. Any refund requests must be received in writing before the course start date. Visit http://tampatraining.com/about-us/information-policies/ for details.

Once a student completes all 500 hours, HCC submits this information to the Florida Board of Massage. Students will need to apply for licensure to the Florida Board of Massage ($155) and complete an additional background check for the State of Florida ($85). Visit the Florida Board of Massage for detailed instructions.

Program info:

HES-8900: Anatomy and Physiology (150 hours)
Semester 1: 30 hours online and 30 in class
Semester 2: 60 hours online and 30 in class
This course covers Anatomy and Physiology as they relate to massage therapy. Will review the study of the structures of body parts and their relationships to one another and physiology will review the study of the functions of the body.

HES-8901: Basic Massage Theory and History (100 Hours)
Semester 1: 25 hours online and 75 in class
This course will take the students through the various stages of history and bring them to the future massage trends of tomorrow. Students will examine the history of massage, tracing its progression from ancient roots, intermingled with religious ceremonies and mystical traditions, to the complementary applications in traditional and alternative healthcare we are currently using right now. Massage Theory topics will also be reviewed and discussed including Indications and Contraindication of Massage, Massage Methods and Terminology, Modes of Application, the Mechanical Forces involved, Body Mechanics, Routine vs. Outcome-Based Massage, Muscle Energy Techniques, Sanitation & Standard Infectious Disease Precautions, and the application of the above to the patient’s treatment plan.

HES-8902: Clinical Practicum (125 hours)
Semester 1: 50 hours in lab
Semester 2: 75 hours in lab working on the public
This course covers stages of rehabilitation, tissue healing, factors that influence tissue healing, and treatment of common injuries. Training in applications such as myofascial release techniques, neuromuscular therapy, basic postural analysis, and structural bodywork will be taught to students. Specific assessment and treatment applications include Thoracic outlet syndrome, rotator cuff strain/sprains, sciatica, cervical & lumbar strain/sprain, functional leg length discrepancies, and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunctions. Students will be receiving these clinical hours through scheduled massage clinic sessions at our five college campuses and an ongoing massage clinic for the public. In addition, students have three days MBLEX test prep and review prepared for the licensing exam.

HES-8903: Allied Modalities (76 Hours)
Semester 1: 30 hours in class
Semester 2: 46 hours in class
A variety of massage and bodywork styles will be covered in this course. Students are exposed to a wide variety of modalities and styles of techniques to meet the needs of a growing population who need a massage. This section also teaches body mechanics, professional draping techniques, seated massage, side lying massage, pregnancy massage, sports massage, and massage adaptations for special populations. The instructors will act as coaches, evaluate the student, and give feedback based on technique application and body mechanics. Additionally, students will prepare and give a short presentation to the class on a massage modality of their liking. Learning these varieties of modalities will enable the graduates to integrate these techniques into their treatment sessions that are most appropriate for each occasion.

HES-8904: Florida Laws and Rules (10 Hours)
Semester 1: 10 hours online
Students will familiarize themselves with the laws in the State of Florida that are pertaining to their massage profession. How do you set up a massage establishment and what laws do you need to be aware of? How frequently you must renew your state license to satisfy the State of Florida and other essential items will be discussed such as permits & zoning, tax laws, and more.

HES-8905: Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy (15 Hours)
Semester 2: 3 hours online and 12 in class
This course explores client treatment using various forms of water. Discussions include water as a healing agent, the effect of heat and cold, contraindications for use, safety, and procedural guidelines. Specific applications of heat and cold include packs, compresses, hot and cold stones, body wraps, saunas, steam baths, whirlpools, Vichy showers, paraffin baths, body shampoos, dry brush massages, polishes and scrubs, cold towel frictions, and salt glows.

HES-8906: Business Theory (15 Hours)
Semester 2: 15 hours online
This area will cover details how to operate a successful massage business and how to promote your newly acquired massage skills to the public. Students will learn how to set up a web-based massage site utilizing online tools. Accounting type of business form selections will be presented, as well as related business knowledge will be taught to the students to sustain a successful massage business. This course allows you to define the business and how to effectively run it. It’s essential to define the business and set up short term and long-term goals and how to recognize what choice of business makes most sense.

HES-8907: Professional Ethics (4 Hours)
Semester 1: 4 hours online
This section emphasizes communication skills and modes of conduct for establishing an atmosphere of safety in order to build client trust and rapport. Students will be taught standards of practice code, professional conduct & liability for misconduct, personal & professional boundaries, boundary management, the scope of practice, Florida massage laws, and the new HIPAA regulations.

HES-8908: HIV/AIDs (3 Hours)

Semester 1: 3 hours online
This course will be of interest to massage therapists involved in caring for patients with HIV & AIDS. You will learn about HIV and AIDS and how it impacts human life. You will also know how to it is being transmitted, what the early symptoms are, and how to prevent HIV and AIDS infections. There is no real solution to this global issue. We need to educate and spread the knowledge of how to protect ourselves and to further breakthrough scientific research to somehow find a cure in the future.

HES-8909: Medical Errors (2 Hours)
Semester 1: 2 hours online
The course will cover the most common sources of medical error and the most effective steps in preventing them to occur. Identify some common behaviors and situations that create high-risk potential. As future members of the healthcare industry, massage therapists need to be aware of their responsibilities regarding the law of reporting medical errors and the prevention of medical errors.

Program Benefits:

Q: Why should I become a massage therapist?

A: The Massage Therapy field is a very nurturing and giving profession and provides plenty of opportunities to assist people that are in great need for healing hands. We all live in very stressful times and massage is very much needed in the market right now. If you choose to work for yourself or in clinical, spa or a corporate setting your services will be very much needed. There are many places that require your skilled hands. Many people are drawn into this profession because it offers:

- Flexibility

- Great earning potential

- Stress free environment

- Full Time Opportunities

- Part Time Opportunities

- Personal Fulfillment

You can work as many or as little hours you want in the profession. Maybe you want to work part time and make some extra money while in school or create a full fledge profession. It is entirely up to you!

Q: What is the earning potential to become a massage therapist?

A: You can choose to make as little or as much you desire. There are therapists that are making up to $60,000 - $80,000 in a clinical profession, such as in a medical or clinic office, and there are therapists that choose to work part time and bring around $30,000 per year. You schedule your own clients and therefore decide how much you want to work and make. The regular going pay for one hour massage is around $60.00 - $90.00 and for clinical work it ranges from $60.00 to $125.00 per hour. You make your schedule, and you make your pay! Once you graduate, you could potentially be working in multiple locations.

Throughout the United States & Canada, Massage Therapy is growing as healthcare profession. Since massage directly affects the body's response to stress, the appeal of massage therapy is universal. Athletes are discovering that improved performance can be achieved through the addition of sports massage to their weekly routines. Parents are learning infant massage techniques to enhance bonding, stimulate development, and ease the pain of colic. Rehabilitation clinics are now hiring massage therapists to manage injuries and conditions ranging from chronic pain cases, to migraines, whiplash, lumbar sprain/strain, rotator cuff injuries, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), thoracic outlet syndrome, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Corporations are realizing that massage in the work place is cost-effective, lowers lost time due to sick leave, and increases employee morale and, therefore productivity. Retirees are finding that while massage does not reverse that ravages of aging, it can still provide consistent relief by increasing flexibility and joint range of motion, as well as decrease levels of pain.

Most graduates establish their own private practices, either individually or with other massage therapists. Being your own boss is both challenging and rewarding. As a massage therapist in private practice, you will cultivate referral sources from many other professionals, such as chiropractors and athletic trainers. Your practice may cover a wide range of services, from injury prevention and rehabilitation to relaxation therapy to health maintenance. Spas and Resorts - The fastest growing career opportunities for a massage therapist are the spa and resort industry. In fact, there are approximately 10,000 spas in the United States that are generating more than 10 billion in revenue annually. Clinical Settings - A career in massage therapy offers many exciting opportunities for working with people in the healthcare industry. As a massage therapist in a clinical setting, your practice will range from clinical corrective work to relaxation therapy. Working as a healthcare provider in a medical or rehabilitative setting can be extremely gratifying. Many health conditions can be treated effectively with massage therapy. Chiropractic clinics, hospitals, physical and occupational therapy clinics, hospices, home health agencies, pain management clinics, dentists, podiatrists, psychiatric clinics, and even veterinarians are now hiring massage therapists.

Massage therapists can practice in a wide variety of settings and opportunities for employment extend far beyond private practice. What a graduate can do after graduation is limited only by his or her dedication, resourcefulness, and imagination.

Career Options Include: Acupuncturists Hospitals, Airports Hotels, Athletic, Teams, Massage Therapy clinics, Bed & Breakfast Inns, Nursing Homes, Dance Companies, Onsite massage in offices, Chiropractic clinics, Pain Management Clinics, Corporate Wellness Program, Physical & Occupational Therapy Clinics, Cruise Lines Private Practice, Day Spa Salons, Fitness & Luxury resorts, Shopping Malls, Golf & Tennis Clubs, Sport Medicine Clinics, Health Clubs & Gyms, Veterinary Clinics. Minimum Qualification for Licensure as a Massage Therapist.

Full course description