Built on national standards and accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation ( COMTA), this 675-hour certificate program presents entry-level and advanced skills in the art and science of therapeutic massage. This comprehensive, clinical based program is designed to prepare students to integrate with other health care practitioners and establish independent business in this growing complementary health care profession. Massage therapists are employed by hospitals, chiropractic offices, physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation centers, athletic teams, health clubs, spas, and hotel resorts.

The principles of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and human movement are presented and built upon throughout the program. Professional standards and ethics, client assessment, practical application techniques, self-care, and business strategies are also integrated. The UAA Massage Therapy Clinic offers the opportunity for students to practice their communication, assessment, and application skills with the guidance of our instructors.

Successful completion of this program qualifies graduates to sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam. Additionally, certification through this program meets Municipality of Anchorage licensure requirements.

Admission Requirements

Students must complete the following admission requirements:

1. Satisfy the Admission to Certificate and Associate Degree Program Requirements by being either:
   
   • Have earned a high school diploma, GED, or at least 60 college-level semester credits; or
   • Be 18 years of age or older and have participated in UAA’s Ability to Benefit process.
2. Contact the Massage Therapy Program for additional admission requirements.
3. Once admitted to the Massage Therapy Program, students are required to provide evidence of current First Aid certification and BLS-C or CPR for Professionals certification. These certifications must remain current throughout the program.
4. UAA approved placement test administered by Testing and Assessment Services. Call 1-907-786-4500 to make arrangements.

Application Process

Please be advised of the following:

1. The department is not currently accepting applications.
2. The HOBET Exam will be replaced with the AccuPlacer test to maintain uniformity with the rest of UAA. If you have already taken the HOBET you do not need to take the Accuplacer. For more information regarding times and locations of the AccuPlacer, please call Enrollment Services at 1-907-786-4500.

Required Course Sequence

Complete the following required courses:

Fall Semester (16 credits)

MTP A151 - Human Health & Disease I - 3 credits
MTP A154 - Documentation & Professional Communication - 2 credits
MTP A156 - Standards in Therapeutic Massage - 3 credits
MTP A157 - Applications in Massage Therapy - 4 credits
MTP A158 - Swedish Massage Development - 2 credits
MTP A167 - Introduction to Human Movement - 2 credits

Spring Semester (14 credits)

MTP A152 - Human Health & Disease II - 3 credits
MTP A254 - Structure, Function and Movement - 3 credits
MTP A266 - Goal-Oriented Massage - 2 credits
MTP A267 - Assessment and Applications in Massage - 4 credits
MTP A295 - Massage Therapy Clinic - 2 credits

Summer Semester (5 credits)

MTP A155 - Massage Therapy Business Management - 2 credits
MTP A173 - Basic Jin Shin Do® Acupressure - 3 credits