Massage Therapy (Certificate)

By the end of successfully completing the Massage Therapy Program, students are expected to:

1. Perform and adapt competent, safe, and effective, full body massage for a variety of clients with specific indications and precautions.
2. Demonstrate critical thinking skills to integrate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and kinesiology sciences with the client-centered massage.
3. Maintain professional and client-centered communication and behavior throughout academic and clinical/practicum experiences
4. 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.
5. Demonstrate a personal self-care plan to allow for career fulfillment and longevity.

Students matriculated into the BCC Massage TherapyCertificate program are required to follow the immunization policy set by Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) for health students and by clinical sites.

*Students who are in Pre-Massage (who have applied, in the matraculation process, or deferring program start date) submit immunization records once fully matriculated and accepted to the Certificate program

Students must submit proof of compliance with immunizations by the follow dates:
For entering January (2026) Massage Therapy Program December 1st (2025 deadline)

• Please note: The Hep B vaccination series may take up to six months to complete. Students should plan accordingly.

Immunization information may be shared with the Dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness; Massage Therapy Program Advisor; Administrative Assistant; Immunization Office; and contracted agencies to allow for clinical experiences.

BCC Immunization and Verification of Student Health Forms

Massage Therapy Program Health and Immunization Policy (PDF)

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 16^th 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 Form provided 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 Verification 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.

Telephone: 413-236-4609; Fax: 800-724-9943; medicalrecords@berkshirecc.edu

Updates: 12/18/2023

Learn About MassReconnect and MassEducate

https://www.berkshirecc.edu/news-events/2024/free-community-college.php

Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 18% from 2022 – 2032, much faster than average for all occupations. Massachusetts mean wage for massage therapists with an annual mean wage of $66,990 (U.S. Department of Labor — Bureau of Labor Statistics).

• Licensed Massage Therapist

• Miraval Resort
• Kripalu
• Canyon Ranch
• Massage In Lenox
• Elle Day Spa
• Blu Salon and Spa
• Mend

• About half of massage therapists work part-time
• Self-employed workers 35%
• Personal care services 33%
• Offices of all other health practitioners 12%
• Offices of chiropractors 7%
• Accommodation (travel to client homes) 6%

Source: 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:

• MGLCORI acknowledgment form for CORI check through Department of Criminal Justice Information Services ("DCJIS"). Massage Therapy Board of Registration CORI AcknowledgmentForm
• 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
• 269 CMR 3.04 The Good Moral Character Requirements Good Moral Character: Massage Therapists

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

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

There are numerous opportunities for students to complete required community hours and volunteer while a student in the massage therapy program. Students are accompanied by BCC massage therapy faculty at each event.

• Post marathon massage for the Dana Farber team at the Boston Marathon
• Chair Massage at
  • Jacob's Pillow
  • Various Berkshire County Events, including 12th Annual Caregive Expo
  • Harvest Run

Thank you to all who are participating Spring 2025!

Student massage therapy sessions will also be available Summer 2025.

• For more information and to schedule a session, please contact the Student Massage Clinic
  • studentmassageclinic@berkshirecc.edu
  • 413-236-4606

Spring 2025 (15-week semester, starting January 21st)

• AHS-101 Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health
  
  • Asynchronous online
• AHS-131 Anatomy of Human Movement
  • Wednesdays
    • Lecture: 11:00am-1:00pm
    • Lab: 1:30-3:30pm
• BIO-150 Introduction to the Human Body
  • • Wednesday and Fridays 9:30am-10:45am or asynchronous online
• MBW-110 Therapeutic Massage I
  • Lecture
    • Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-10:45am
  • Lab
    • Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 11:00am-2:00pm

Summer 2025 (8-week session)

• MBW-128 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience I
  • (lecture online, clinic T or TH (May 27-July 17)

Fall 2025 (15-week semester, September 2nd - December 18th)

• AHS-115 Fundamentals of Human Disease
  • Asynchronous Online
• AHS-162 Form and Function of the Human Body
  • W 8:00-10:45am
• MBW-120 Therapeutic Massage II
  • TTh 8:00-9:00 (lecture)
    TTh 9:15-12:15 (lab)
• MBW-129 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience II
  • W 2:00-3:00 (lecture)
    Chose: MBW 129C-01 M 9:30-2:00
    or            MBW 129C-02 F 9:30-2:00
• MBW-131 Therapeutic Massage Seminar
  • W 11:00-1:00pm

(Weekday courses typically start at 5 p.m., Saturday courses at 9 a.m. Please check MyBCC Self-Serve or meet with One Stop Advisor for details.)

Spring

• AHS 101 (2cr) Online-asynchronous
• AHS 131 (3cr)
  • W 5:00-9:00 (includes lecture and lab)
• MBW 110 (6cr)

Summer

• BIO 150 (3cr) Online-asynchronous (or BIO 154 (4 credit with lab spring 2026)
  • Please consult the Financial Aid Office before scheduling summer courses to understand any potential impact on your financial aid award.
• MBW 128 (1cr) hybrid: lecture Online, practicum in-person
• MBW 131 (2cr) hybrid: Online and in-person components

Fall

• AHS 115 (3cr)
• AHS 162 (3cr)
• MBW 120 (4cr)
• MBW 129 (2cr) hybrid: lecture Online, practicum in-person