Massage Therapy Program
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Massage Therapy Pre-License Course Descriptions

Required Health Science Courses

Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology

A total of five courses, the Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology courses offers an integrative approach to providing a basic foundation in anatomy, physiology, and pathology. By combining all three disciplines into one course, students are able to assimilate structure, function, and dysfunction in a single learning environment. Topics covered include cells, tissues, and cancer, with a focus on skin pathologies. Application of these concepts to the practice of massage, and the effects of massage, are stressed throughout. The courses also introduce terminology, concepts of health and wellness, and tools of assessment. A/P/P courses need to be taken in sequence but more than one A/P/P class may be taken in any one term. Required textbooks.

Lower Body Kinesiology  

This course introduces students to the basic principles of kinesiology, the mechanics of human movement. Students will study specific muscle actions and coordinated movements with emphasis on the lower body. Kinesiology courses need not be taken in order. Students must take Massage I and Introduction to Palpation before taking this clas. Required textbook.

Upper Body Kinesiology

This course introduces students to the basic principles of kinesiology, the mechanics of human movement. Students will study specific muscle actions and coordinated movements with emphasis on the upper body. Students must take Massage I and Introduction to Palpation before taking this class. Required textbook.

              Required Massage and Practical Application Courses

Introduction to Palpation  

In this hands-on lab, students learn and practice palpation of bony landmarks and the origin and insertion of the muscles indicated by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists. Muscle action and joint movement also covered. . This is a first term course. Required textbooks

Law/Ethics

Students will learn how to work with clients who present challenging situations and to maintain the highest ethical issues standards in their practices. Materials provided.

Community Student Clinic

Community Student Clinic will reinforce the massage skills you’ve learned in classes on varied populations, increase your confidence, and network with potential clients/employers. You will have a variety of opportunities and options. A portion of your work will be in a supervised clinical setting. The remaining hours required may be spread among a group of approved public agencies, or if you choose you can serve in a medical environment (Willamette Valley Cancer Center and McKenzie Willamette Medical Center are available). You will have the opportunity to work with medically compromised clients if you choose the medical track  Student must take one term of A/P/P, Law/Ethics, Massage Technique Lab and /or concurrent enrollment in Massage III before taking this class.

Energy Systems

Survey the concepts of Chinese medicine and their application to massage.  Learn the traditional Chinese meridians, their functionsand methods for treatment and incorporate acupressure techniques into massage therapy.  Other theories explored include yin/yang, Qi, and the five phases.  For massage program students who are interested in learning acupressure and required for students planning on taking the NCBMT exam.

Hydrotherapy  

This couse is the introduction to hydrotherapy and spa experience. The student will experience and perform "hands on" training using all natural and botanical ingredients, including salts muds and aromatherapy, which will help with common ailments and relax, uplift and heal the body, mind and spirit. Class meets at a pool on one Saturday TBA. Required textbook

Massage I

This course explores the history and principles of massage. Practical application of massage techniques is emphasized. Students will learn basic strokes, practitioner preparation techniques and treatment procedures. Anatomical terms, and location of major muscles and bones, will also be covered. Bring sheets to first class. Student must take Introduction to Palpation before taking this class. Required textbook.

Massage II  

This course teaches students how to develop and improve massage ability and efficiency. Students learn pressure rhythm, and movement, and transition techniques. Swedish style emphasized. Bring sheets to first class. Students must take Massage I before taking this class.

Massage Technique Lab

This hands-on lab offers students the opportunity to practice Swedish techniques in a safe environment to increase their skills and confidence. Students must take Massage I and II before taking this class. Required text.

Massage III  

In this course deep tissue techniques are discussed, demonstrated and practiced. Non-Swedish modalities, such as Shiatsu, acupressure, and reflexology are introduced and explored. Bring sheets to first class. Students must take Massage Technique Lab before taking this class.

Massage IV  

This course familiarizes students in client history, evaluation with emphasis on manual resisted muscle testing, treatment and management of various injuries and pain. Mechanisms of injury, relevant anatomy and treatment techniques, such as basic trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. This hands-on class is not designed for diagnosis of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Bring sheets to first class. Students must take Massage I and II before taking this class. Textbook required at first class.

Professional Practices

In this course, students learn a variety of methods for managing and promoting a successful massage therapy practice. Essential business tools are discussed: intake procedures, charting, insurance billing, bookkeeping, taxes, marketing and networking. Students will take what they have learned in the classroom into a clinic setting on Saturdays. Required textbook.

Communication from the Heart

Good communication skills are foundational to successful relationships. This class will explore different communication styles.  Students will also learn strategies for success in Lane's massage program and later as professional massage therapists.  Communication skills can be learned, and you can learn them.

               Other Courses offered for Massage Students

CPR for Massage Students  

Students will receive the American Heart Association certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is a two year certification. The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists   requires all Licensed Massage Therapists to have current CPR certification at time of license application or renewal.

.LMT Practice Lab  

Practice Lab is available for massage students. Lab hours will be posted the second week of term. Pre-registration is required to use the lab. Instructional aide available for tutoring. Bring own sheets.