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Frequently Asked Questions about Massage Therapy
What is the minimum massage training I need to practice in Maryland?
Maryland requires 500 hours of training (including 100 hours of Anatomy and Physiology) from an approved school and passing the NCBTMB or NCBTM exam. Anne Arundel Community College's certificate program satisfies the requirements to sit for the National Certification Exam and apply to become a massage professional in Maryland.
How do AACC students do on the National Certifying Exams?
AACC massage program grads enjoy one of the highest pass rates in the State and the Nation.
How can I find out exactly what Maryland's regulations are?
Go to www.mdmassage.org
Do I need a degree in order to become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Maryland?
No. In order to become a LMT, Maryland requires that you have 60 college credits. There is no specificity as to how those 60 credit hours are comprised.
How fast can I get my massage training at AACC?
There are three consecutive semesters of bodywork (“hands-on”) training (MAS-110, MAS-111 and MAS-113) after the initial 1 credit hour MAS-100. There is one semester of Biology (BIO-230) and one semester of Kinesiology (MAS-117). BIO-230 and MAS-117 may be taken concurrently with the hands-on classes. By taking classes in the summer, the shortest time to complete the program is about 11 months. Most students complete their training in about 18 months.
Are classes offered evenings as well as during the days?
All of the massage courses are in multiple sections during the day and the evening in the Fall and Spring semesters. MAS-110 is currently offered in the mornings in the summer semester. MAS-111 is currently offered in the evening during the summer semester. MAS-113 is currently offered in the afternoons in the summer semester. (Summer sessions are 10 weeks for the hands-on classes)
How much will the core training cost me?
Approximately $2,848.00.
What is the average class size?
The largest bodywork class is 20 students. The average is 14.
I see the list of courses required. Do I have to take them in order?
A number of specific massage classes have prerequisites and/or co-requisites listed. See the detailed list for specifics. Otherwise you can take classes in whatever order makes the most sense for you.
How is a typical massage class structured?
The three hands-on classes (MAS-110,111 & 113) meet twice a week and have 2 hours of lecture and 2 1/2 hours of bodywork lab each class day.
What happens in the bodywork lab?
The bodywork lab is where you learn and practice massage techniques. In the lab you will work with all of your fellow students under the direction of the instructors. We will be required to give and receive massage during those lab sessions.
What sort of touch feedback do the students receive?
We encourage the opportunity for the students to work on the instructors in order to provide the best feedback to improve their work. In addition MAS-110 has two hands-on practical exams, MAS-111 has one and MAS-113 has two.
Do you have a student clinic?
Yes. At the end of MAS-111 and MAS-113, students have the opportunity to refine their skills on faculty and staff of the college. The massage clinic is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on campus.
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy spans a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, working to improve an individual’s health and well-being through the hands-on manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body.
Where do massage therapists practice?
Massage therapists offer their services in a wide variety of settings, including:
Last Updated: Jul 1 2009 4:17PM
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