Fall 2023 Program Admission

About the Program

The Entry-level Massage Therapist three-term career pathways certificate meets the requirements for licensure application to the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board’s Licensing Examination and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) certification. Oregon law, however, sets the qualifications for certification of applicants. Grounds for denial of state licensure include physical or mental conditions that would make an applicant unable to safely conduct a massage, or conviction of a crime that bears a demonstrable relationship to the practice of massage. See Oregon Law 687.081.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Massage Therapy Career Pathway Certificate are:

Demonstrate professional communications, regulations, laws and ethics.

Classify, describe and apply treatments.

Locate, identify and describe the function of the body systems.

Recognize pathologic conditions and determine appropriate treatment.

Assess, create, implement and document individualized treatment plans.

Develop and implement a personalized career plan.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process.

Massage Therapy is a limited-entry program. Interested applicants must attend a mandatory massage therapy information meeting and complete a short quiz. The timeline for submitting program application materials for fall 2024 admission is April 1 to June 24, 2024. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis once prerequisites are completed. It is recommended that students receive influenza, varicella-zoster, rubella, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B series immunizations prior to entering the program. A tuberculin test, drug test, criminal background check and COVID vaccination may be required for some Cooperative Work Experience activities. Students must attend a mandatory orientation prior to the beginning of fall term.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the Massage Therapy Department Chair’s approval. Sealed official transcripts and a transfer credit evaluation request must be submitted to RCC’s Enrollment Services Office by May 1 to be considered in the application process. The transfer credit evaluation request may only be submitted online.

Completion Requirements

Students completing all credits in this program with a grade of “C-” or better will receive their certificates. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade. Credits earned in this program can be applied to the Associate of General Studies degree.

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note: some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.