Massage Therapy Program
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January 2023 – December 2023: Current full-time day program (see block schedule below)
Next program starts January 2024: Part-time evening and Saturday 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.
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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.
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
Download the Massage Therapy Matriculation form (PDF)
Immunization Requirements
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)
BCC Immunization and Verification of Student Health Forms
Learn More
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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).
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- Licensed Massage Therapist
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- Miraval Resort
- Kripalu
- Canyon Ranch
- Elle Day Spa
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- About half of massage therapists work part-time
- Self-employed workers 35%
- Personal care services 33%
- Offices of all other health practitioners 11%
- Offices of chiropractors 8%
- Accommodation (travel to client homes) 6%
Source: U.S. Department of Labor — Bureau of Labor Statistics
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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 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
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Health Insurance charges are charged to all students enrolled in 9 or more credits
in a degree or certificate program.
Information about accident and medical insurance, including a student health insurance
waiver form is available online at https://www.gallagherstudent.com/berkshire
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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
- Chair Massage at
- BCC Wellness Day
- Kimball Farm Wellness Fair
- Pittsfield Third Thursday
- Jacob's Pillow Staff
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Fall 2023
September-December Schedule
- Mondays 2:30-3:30, 3:45-4:45
- Tuesdays 12:30-2:00 (90-minute)
- Thursdays 2:30-4:00 (90-minute)
- Fridays 11:30-12:30, 12:45-1:45
To Schedule a Session
What to Bring
- Bring 1 set of linens (twin or full- size — 1 flat, 1 fitted, 1 pillowcase)
- What if I forget? To cover the cost of laundering, please pay $5
Location
Hawthorne 302 (Massage Therapy Lab) — 3rd level/purple hallway
Parking
Central Lot (along West St.) — arrive a few minutes early to allow time for you to
walk from the lot up the hill to Hawthorne (there are signs to guide you)
Handicapped parking: along the back of Hawthorne — entrance to building is by these
spaces
What is the Student Massage Clinic?
The student massage clinic is a required and very important component for the BCC
massage therapy students. This is where they apply the skills learned in lab and the
classroom to ‘real’ people — you, the BCC and Berkshire community!
You'll receive a Swedish-style relaxation massage. Your student massage therapist
will check for any areas that you wish to focus on within the session and any areas
to avoid.
Level of pressure: Swedish-Relaxation massage ranges from light to moderate/firm.
Deep pressure for specific areas may also be included. Students adjust pressure to
the level that enhances your relaxation, and they will check in with you during the
session
Lightweight oil is used during the session. If you have sensitivity or allergies,
please let your student massage therapist know.
There is no charge for receiving a massage (a $35-$45 value).
If you are able, the suggested donation of $25 will go toward additional student learning
opportunities and programming.
What to Expect
When you arrive, your student massage therapist will have you complete, then review
with you, a health history form and your expectations for the massage. From this the
student massage therapist will explain the flow of the massage, level of pressure,
and techniques they will use.
When you disrobe and get on the massage table, a full curtain is drawn for your privacy,
and you’ll place yourself under the sheets, lying face-up or face-down.
- During the massage session the curtain will be open so that the massage therapy faculty
(licensed massage therapist) can provide student feedback during the massage. You
are draped throughout the massage with only the area being massaged uncovered
- Your comfort is important, and your student massage therapist will check-in during
the massage — please let them know when you would prefer adjustment in position or
pressure
- When you get off the table to dress, the curtain, again, will be drawn for your privacy.
- After the massage you will support student learning by completing a form to provide
feedback of your experience. Students may ask for feedback on specific aspects of
the massage session. Your constructive feedback is truly helpful to them!
Questions
Please feel welcome to reply to this email with any questions!
Massage Therapy Block Schedules
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Spring 2023
- MBW 110 Therapeutic Massage
- AHS 131 Anatomy of Human Movement System
- AHS 101 Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health
- BIO 150 Introduction to the Human Body
Summer 2023
- MBW 128 Therapeutic Massage Practicum I
Fall 2023
- 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 II
- MBW 131 Therapeutic Massage Seminar
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Spring 2024
- AHS 131 Anatomy of Human Movement
- MBW 110 Therapeutic Massage I
Summer 2024
- MBW 128 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience I
Fall 2024
- AHS 162 Form and Function of the Human Body
- BIO 150 Introduction to the Human Body
- MBW 120 Therapeutic Massage II
Spring 2025
- AHS 101 Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health
- AHS 115 Fundamentals of Human Disease
- 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.
Ned Torrico, Class 2019
