Meet and Greet sessions provide opportunity to learn about the program, meet faculty
and receive introductions to BCC resources. If you are a prospective student or curious
about the profession, register to join us. Topics include the admissions process,
pre-requisites and immunization information, and more.
Massage Therapy Program
January 2024 – May 2025: Current part-time evening and Saturday program (see block
schedule below)
Next Class: begins January 2025! This class will be a full-time day program (see block schedule below)
Program Overview
Massage Therapists work directly with people, enhancing wellbeing through skilled
compassionate touch. By combining specific understanding of the role of relaxation
in wellness and integrating specific knowledge of anatomy and physiology, massage
therapists provide a supportive environment for clients of all ages.
People are attracted to the massage therapy profession for the individual client-care
focus, flexible scheduling with part-time opportunities, and the potential for self-growth
and life long learning.
The Massage Therapy Certificate program prepares students to become Massachusetts
state licensed Massage Therapists with the skills and knowledge to provide effective
relaxation and wellness massage.
Students develop the professional communication and behavior; the proficient draping
skills to promote client modesty; and the skilled and compassionate touch expected
of entry-level massage therapists. In addition, students apply the knowledge of anatomy,
physiology, and pathology to provide safe and effective client-centered massage therapy
sessions.
Graduates are prepared to enter various settings such as spa, franchise clinics, fitness
centers, medical/wellness offices, and on-site for workplaces and client's homes.
By the end of successfully completing the Massage Therapy Program, students are expected
to:
Perform and adapt competent, safe, and effective, full body massage for a variety
of clients with specific indications and precautions.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills to integrate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology,
pathophysiology, and kinesiology sciences with the client-centered massage.
Maintain professional and client-centered communication throughout academic and clinical/practicum
experiences
Demonstrate a practical working knowledge of state and professional legal and ethical
standards with a clear focus on the health and welfare of the client, practitioner,
and massage therapy profession.
Demonstrate a personal self-care plan to allow for career fulfillment and longevity.
Admissions
Choose Associate Degree Health Science-Pre-Massage option when applying on-line (students
remain in this Pre-Massage Program until matriculation requirements are met). Once
the matriculation requirements have been met, applicants then move to the Certificate-Massage
Therapy Program
Students entering the BCC massage therapy program are required to follow the immunization
policy for BCC health students. Students must submit proof of compliance with immunizations
by December 1st, 2023 (for the January massage therapy program)
As of December 18, 2023: due to clinical site changes, the Massage Therapy Program
does not require Tb testing, and Covid and flu vaccinations. See the chart below for
updated requirements. BCC Immunization policy is developed according to Massachusetts
Department of Public Health (MDPH) Immunization Program 2023-2024 School Year and
per requirements of clinical sites. If there are changes to MDPH or clinical immunization
requirements, the program will follow those changes. Please feel welcome to contact
Sue Smith medicalrecords@berkshirecc.edu or Judy Gawron jgawron@berkshirecc.edu with any questions.
Spring Program Starting 2025: Immunization and Health Verification are due December
1st, 2025. In order to attend classes, proof of compliance is due before the start of
classes.
Fall Program: due date is August 1st
Tdap
T-dap vaccination within 10 years (and every 10 years)
Hepatitis B
3 doses or positive titer that demonstrates immunity (if immunity is not seen, complete 3 series dose, or 2 series dose of Heplisav-B,
or declination may be signed)
*3-dose series takes up to 6-months to complete
MMR
2 doses or positive titer that demonstrates immunity (if immunity is not seen, complete 2 series dose of MMR)
Varicella
2 doses;a reliable history of chickenpox* or positive titer that demonstrates immunity (if immunity is not seen, complete 2 series dose of varicella vaccine)
*A reliable history of chickenpox includes a diagnosis of chickenpox, or interpretation
of parent/guardian description of chickenpox, by a physician, nurse practitioner,
physician assistant, or designee.
Meningococcal
1 dose; 1 dose MenACWY (formerly MCV4) required for all full-time students 21 years of age
or younger. The dose of MenACWY vaccine must have been received on or after the student's
16th birthday. Doses received at younger ages do not count towards this requirement. Students
may decline MenACWY vaccine after they have read and signed the MDPH Meningococcal Information and Waiver Formprovided by their institution. Meningococcal B vaccine is not required and does not
meet this requirement
*Please Note: In addition to immunization requirements, The Verification of Student
Health History and Physical Exam form is required to be completed by the student’s health care provider*
Submit requirements to the Nursing Immunization and Medical Records Office located in the Hawthorne building,
office #323, Berkshire Community College Main Campus.
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 32% from 2020 – 2030, much faster
than average for all occupations. Massachusetts is one of the top five paying states
for massage therapists with the mean wage of $69,790 per year (U.S. Department of
Labor — Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Massachusetts Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements: please be aware that all massage
therapy student applicants must undergo a background check by the Board of Registration
of Massage Therapy as part of licensure application process. Please read the information
below:
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, sections 229 Massage therapists; application
for license; renewal requires applicant to be of good moral character as determined
by the discretion of the board. MGL 112 Section 229
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy Policy Bulletin Regarding Applicants
With Criminal Convictions Or Pending Criminal Charges:
This policy describes the type of convictions that disqualify an applicant from licensure
as a massage therapist under the licensing laws and Board regulations, and the type
of convictions that may result in a denial of an application for licensure for failure
to satisfy the good moral character requirement. Bulletin: Applicant with Criminal Convictions or Charges
There are numerous opportunities for students to volunteer while as a student and
as an alum of the massage therapy program. Faculty volunteer too, as students are
accompanied by BCC massage therapy faculty at each event. For spotlight of events
go to News and Events 2023.
Post marathon massage for the Dana Farber team at the Boston Marathon
AHS-101 Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health
AHS-131 Anatomy of Human Movement
BIO-150 Introduction to the Human Body
MBW-110 Therapeutic Massage I
Summer 2025
MBW-128 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience I
Fall 2025
AHS-115 Fundamentals of Human Disease
AHS-162 Form and Function of the Human Body
MBW-120 Therapeutic Massage II
MBW-129 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience II
MBW-131 Therapeutic Massage Seminar
Everyone involved in the BCC massage therapy program is so experienced, knowledgeable
and helpful. You learn something new every day. Not just about massage therapy but
about yourself. I left the program feeling completely prepared to start my new profession.
It gave me more confidence as an individual and I look forward going into work now.
Every day is exciting.
