Welcome to the Massage Therapy Program at Austin Community College. You have chosen one of the fastest-growing, exciting, and rewarding fields in healthcare today. Our goal, as a team at ACC, is to provide you with the skills required for you to gain entry into this field and provide your clients with professional ethical care in massage therapy.
The Massage Therapy Academy is within the Health Professions Institute at Austin Community College. We are glad that you are taking the time to look into your future in Massage Therapy here at ACC. In just a few short months, you can be working in the career of your dreams as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Feel free to browse though this site and learn more about our state-of-the-art training program.
This program is based on the belief that humankind has a natural drive towards human interaction and balance, and that the body has its own movement towards this balance in its environment. Successful interaction with one's environment implies active involvement and adaptation. One learns to interact successfully as a massage therapist through "the use of hands as they are energized by the mind and will, with the gift of intuition" for exploration, manipulation, and emulation, all necessarily involving activity. This learning requires time, energy, attention, and nurturing.
For more information please contact Program Coordinator, Alex Matthews.
Basic Certification
Day and Evening programs are now available!
This program is designed for individuals who wish to become licensed to practice massage therapy in the state of Texas. For admission to the Massage Therapy Program, each student must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Have no criminal record
- Be in good general health
Passing score on appropriate assessment and/or department approval required. All students must contact (512) 223-7583 before registering.
Course Curriculum
The following nine courses make up the required curriculum for the basic certificate in Massage Therapy. This curriculum is regulated by Texas occupational code 455, and administrated by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Austin Community College is approved by the department as a Program Provider, as well as a Continuing Education Provider.
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MSSG 1013 Anatomy and Physiology for Massage
In-depth coverage of the structure and function of the human body. Includes cell structure and function, tissues, body organization, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Emphasizes homeostasis/wellness care. Meets the minimum 75-contact-hour requirement for Anatomy and Physiology for licensure.
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MSSG 2013 Kinesiology for Massage
Applied study of human kinesiology. Muscle movements and dysfunctions will be discussed and palpated. Includes theory and practice of functional muscle testing. Meets the minimum 50-contact-hour requirement for licensure.
Prerequisite: MSSG 1013/1313/1413: Anatomy & Physiology
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MSSG 2014 Pathology for Massage
General discussion of pathologies as they relate to massage therapy. Includes universal precautions and their management in professional practice. Also covers etiology, signs, symptoms, and the physiological and psychological reactions to disease and injury. Meets the minimum 40-contact-hour requirement for licensure.
Prerequisite: MSSG 1013/1313/1413: Anatomy & Physiology
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MSSG 1005 Hydrotherapy/Therapeutic Modalities
The use of accepted hydrotherapy and holistic healthcare modalities of external application of temperature for its reflexive effect. Meets the minimum 20-contact-hour requirement for licensure.
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MSSG 1007 Business Practices & Professional Ethics
The study of physical and financial office practices and marketing. Includes ethical practices for massage therapists as established by law or regulatory agency. Meets the minimum 45-contact-hour requirement for licensure.
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MSSG 1009 Heath and Hygiene
The study of safety and sanitation practices including universal precautions. The importance of proper body mechanics, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, maintaining the massage environment, and the advantage of therapeutic relationships is also included. Meets the minimum 20-contact-hour requirement for licensure.
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MSSG 1011 Massage Therapy Fundamentals I
Introduction to the theory and the application of skills necessary to perform Swedish massage to meet the minimum 125-contact-hour requirement for licensure.
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MSSG 2011 Massage Therapy Fundamentals II
A continuation of Massage Therapy Fundamentals I. Emphasizes specialized techniques and assessment of client needs to identify a specific plan of care. Completes the requirements for Massage Techniques for licensure.
Prerequisite: MSSG 1011/1411: Massage Therapy Fundamentals I
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MSSG 2086 Internship - Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
A work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college and the employer.
Each student will be required to supply writing tools and twin sheet sets for each class. ACC will provide massage tables, oils, and other needed supplies. It is also recommended to bring lots of energy to class each day.
Required Work of a Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists may practice in a group or as a solo practitioner. They can work in a massage office, group practice out of the home, in healthcare organizations (physician's office, chiropractic office, hospital, clinics, etc.), nursing homes, health clubs and fitness centers, spas, resorts, beauty and hair salons, cruise ships, for sports teams and events, and as private personal care massage therapists.
Areas Of Specialization
Massage Therapists may specialize in sports massage, deep tissue massage, craniosacral work, medical, geriatric, infant, and mother-to-be massage. There are many specializations from which to choose.
Work Detail Sheet For Massage Therapists
