Start Working as a Massage Therapist in Two Semesters
About the Program
The Massage Therapy program is a one-year certificate program designed to prepare students for careers as professional massage therapists. The curriculum prepares students to develop knowledge and skills for practicing massage therapy.
Core courses emphasize:
- Massage therapy principles
- Ethics
- Business application
- Pathology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Technique modalities
- Kinesiology
Career Opportunities
Students completing this program should be able to find jobs in employment settings such as:
- Spas
- Clinics
- Fitness centers
- Wellness centers
- Corporations
- Sports organizations
- Doctors’ offices
- Private practices
The median annual wage for massage therapists was $55,310 in May 2023 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Massage Therapists.
Degree Options and Requirements
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), accepted by the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy (MSBMT). Students must pass a licensing exam in order to be a Licensed Massage Therapist within the state of Mississippi, as well as successful completion of the Mississippi State Law Examination (MSLE), administered by the MSBMT.
This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science Degree and is preparatory for employment upon graduation from MGCCC. Where a transfer to four-year college or university is desired, a conference should be scheduled with an MGCCC advisor.
All students completing a career or technical program must complete an MGCCC Board- approved Technical Skills Attainment where applicable. Students should see an advisor for further details.
Admission Procedure
- Complete application and be accepted to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Application can be completed online.
- Submit copies of official transcripts of all schools attended to the Office of Admissions. All transcripts must be reviewed for determination of course credits.
- Meet all Academic Requirements (listed below) and complete any program pre-requisites or Entry Requirements.
- After successful completion of all academic and entry requirements (see section below), the student is eligible to complete the Massage Therapy Supplemental Application for Program Admission. To complete and submit the online Supplemental Application:
- Visit Web Services.
- Select Student.
- Select School of Nursing and Health Professions Supplemental Application.
Thereafter, the applicant MUST read the guidelines carefully. In order to complete and submit the application, college admission and ALL pre-requisite requirements are required.
Please schedule an appointment with the Massage Therapy Program Director at the Perkinston Campus to discuss your eligibility and application process at (601) 528-8714.
Application deadline for Fall entry programs is July 1. Special Fall 2024 Admission Deadline has been extended until enrollment is filled. (If deadline falls on a weekend, holiday, or closing, the deadline is 5 p.m. on the next college business day). All required test scores, transcripts, and entry items (CBC, pre-orientation, etc.) must be completed with results placed in Banner (MGCCC’s computer information system) by the appropriate college employee prior to the deadline. In addition, any outstanding college holds must be clear in order for the applicant to complete and submit the supplemental program application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. (MGCCC reserves the right to review additional supplemental applications following the posted deadline).
Academic and Entry Requirements
- At least 18 years of age.
- High school graduate or high school equivalency equivalent.
- Achieve a minimum ACT of 16 (composite) with at least 12 in Reading and Science.
- Review the online mandatory Pre-School of Nursing and Health Professions Orientation Session prior to completing the supplemental application for program ranking. The session can be viewed anytime and anywhere you have access to the internet. The Power Point presentation gives you valuable information on topics common to all School of Nursing and Health Professions programs at MGCCC. Even without the ability to speak directly or interact immediately with a School of Nursing and Health Professions advisor, the session speaks to frequently asked questions from program entrance to completion. In order to receive credit for viewing the session, follow the steps below. The information is approximately one (1) hour in length. To complete this requirement do the following:
- Visit Web Services.
- Select Student.
- Select School of Nursing and Health Professions Supplemental Application Orientation Session.
- In order to receive credit, you must review the entire session.
- Click survey complete so that your log-in information will be recorded in the college’s BANNER system.
- Meet with the Massage Therapy Program Director to discuss your eligibility and application process.
- Complete the Gulf Coast Work Ready Training class.
Selection Process
Program openings are filled based on Selective Admission; applicants are ranked based on their individual achievement test scores and prior college course work. Student ranking for entry into the Massage Therapy program is based on a point system. Students are awarded points for their required ACT composite score. Bonus points will also be awarded for successful completion of any other college credit courses which could be used to complete degree requirements for AAS. Program enrollment as specified by the MS Board of Massage Therapy is limited to 14 students. Students who are selected are also held to the following program policies:
Massage Therapy Program Policies
- Upon program acceptance, School of Nursing and Health Professions students are required to submit to substance testing in accordance with the substance testing policy and procedures. The testing policy can be viewed by clicking here: School of Nursing and Health Professions Substance Testing Policy
- Once a program opening has been awarded, the student will be required to obtain a clear or acceptable Criminal Background Check from the MGCCC Campus Police at HC, JC, Perkinston or the George County Campus/Center. The criminal background check policy (including testing dates and times) can be viewed at School of Nursing and Health Professions Criminal Background Check Policy.
- The School of Nursing and Health Professions requires proof of Immunizations and/or CPR. Submission of all required documents will begin following program acceptance. Failure to meet the requirements will result in withdrawal/dismissal.
- All students who accept their admittance to the Massage Therapy program must maintain 90% attendance in each individual class. Not maintaining 90% attendance in each individual class will result in dismissal from the program for the academic year. Re-admittance in the following academic year will be decided on a case by case basis.
- Upon admission to the Massage Therapy program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA on the required courses and complete each course with a C or better.
- School of Nursing and Health Professions Student Manual (PDF)
Massage Therapy Program Expenses
Non Refundable (Estimate only, cost may be subject to change)
Prior to Entering Program
- Initial Criminal Background Check $50-$80 (MGCCC Campus Police)
Once Admitted into Program
- Substance Testing $29 – $35 per semester
- Uniform, Accessories $150-$200.
- Additional purchase items, supplies $50-$150.
- Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy Exams and Initial Licensure Costs no more than $651.00.
Massage Therapy Program Coursework
1 Year Certificate
For class times, visit the MGCCC class schedules.
Massage Therapy Certificate
Semester One
Semester Two
Total Credits: 39
Massage Therapy Diploma
Semester Three
| Course | Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| MGT 2223 - Massage Therapy III | 3 |
| MGT 2233 - Massage Therapy IV | 3 |
Total Credits: 6
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Semester Four
| Course | Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| ENG 1113 / 1114 English Composition I or ENG 1033 Technical English | 3/4 |
| SPT 1113 - Public Speaking I or LLS 1721 - Employment Readiness and SPT 2172 - Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Math/Natural Science Elective | 3/4* |
| Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
Total Credits: 14/17
Note:
Please refer to “The Credit by Non-Traditional Means” regarding stipulations for receiving articulated credit.
* MAT 1033, MAT 1313 or higher or any laboratory science.
Contact Us
For information on how to become a student at MGCCC, orientation, registration, and our programs, please call (228) 896-2536 or email questions@mgccc.edu.
The 1-year, 735 hour Massage Therapy program at MGCCC is approved and licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy (MSBMT), P.O. Box 20, Morton, MS 39117, 601-732-6038, under Temporary License #1711. Industry standards referenced are from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Content Outline.