Clinical Anatomy
This course provides an overview of the gross anatomy of the human body and the interrelationships of the muscular, osseous, integumentary, nervous and cardiovascular systems as they relate to the practice of clinical massage therapy. The digestive, urinary, respiratory and reproductive systems are also examined. (90 clock hours)
Anatomy Lab
This course focuses on intensive palpation of muscles, tendons, bones, and ligaments in order to locate and assess tissues of the body. (60 clock hours)
Clinical Integration
This course introduces client intake forms, client history documentation, posture and gait observation and joint range of motion. Students study the clinical significance of palpatory findings as well as orthopedic tests related to the practice of clinical massage therapy. (60 clock hours)
Clinical Massage Therapy I
This course introduces the principles of Swedish massage therapy. Professional standards and techniques of therapeutic communication, draping, client positioning, health, hygiene and body mechanics are demonstrated and practiced in laboratory classes. In addition, the anatomical and physiological effects of massage are examined, together with the indications, precautions and contraindications for particular massage therapy techniques. Finally, key ethical issues including scope of practice, informed consent, confidentiality, boundaries, and dual relationships are introduced. (80 clock hours)
Clinical Massage Therapy II
This course builds on the skills learned in Clinical Massage Therapy I. Students are introduced to several techniques used during clinical massage treatments including Trigger Point Therapy, Fascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, Neuromuscular Techniques, and a general protocol that guides the clinical massage treatments. Students also learn to recognize specific pathologies of the neck and shoulder, determine whether the condition would benefit from clinical massage, design and incorporate applicable massage treatment protocols and goals. (64 clock hours)
Clinical Massage Therapy III
In this course students refine the techniques introduced in Clinical Massage Therapy II with a focus on specific soft-tissue pathologies of the upper and lower extremities, the trunk, and postural distortion. Specific techniques are refined and incorporated into the general protocols for each condition. Students are expected to recognize specific pathologies, develop treatment goals and objectives, and implement the treatment plan. (64 clock hours)
Complementary Therapies
This course introduces students to the basic principles and theories of traditional Eastern therapies. It also provides an introduction to other selected alternative approaches and their clinical significance as a complement to massage therapy. (24 clock hours)
Hydrotherapy
This course explores the principles and applications of therapeutic hydrotherapy and thermotherapy modalities. Students apply thermal agents commonly used in a clinical setting and observe their physiological effects on the human body. Students are introduced to Seated Massage techniques. (20 clock hours)
Kinesiology
This course introduces students to the principles of movement. The relationship between the anatomy and the kinesiology of joints and muscles is studied, as are complications, precautions and contraindications when applying basic therapeutic movement protocols. (48 clock hours)
Pathology
In this course students learn to identify etiology, signs and symptoms, as well as massage indications and contraindications for various commonly occurring pathological conditions. (52 clock hours)
Physiology
This course introduces students to the basic processes that underlie the functions of the major anatomical systems of the human body so that the clinical massage therapist understands the effects of specific massage treatments and is able to determine the most effective techniques. (60 clock hours)
Professional Development
This course examines the fundamentals of building a successful clinical massage therapy career. Students are introduced to a variety of career development topics including: job-search strategies, resumé writing, interviewing techniques, marketing, clinical practice issues and licensure, professional insurance and credentialing requirements. A final written comprehensive examination offers preparation for credentialing. (28 clock hours)
Sports Massage and Advanced Techniques
This short course introduces students to the fundamentals of Sports Massage, and other advanced techniques. (20 clock hours)
Clinical Education I: Internship
The on-campus Teaching Clinic provides students who have completed CPR/First-Aid training with an opportunity to apply knowledge, skills and theory as they work with members of the public in a faculty-supervised clinical environment. In order to encourage effective practice-building skills, the on-campus clinic also serves as a practice management laboratory in which student interns assist in the management of clinic operations. (48 clock hours)
Clinical Education II: Externship
Through clinical affiliations established with Kindred Hospital Chicago North, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Swedish Covenant Hospital, among others, students gain experience interacting with patients and medical teams under faculty supervision. Note: Some externships require criminal background checks and drug screening. (32 clock hours)
