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Massage Therapy
To begin, connect with an advisor who can guide you through program options and next steps, including the application process.
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Massage Therapy program is designed to provide students with the foundational and advanced technical skills to meet State of Arizona licensure qualifications and is designed to prepare students for employment as massage professionals. The field of massage therapy is a holistic profession focused on helping people improve their physical and emotional well-being. Partnering with instructors and fellow students in a hands-on learning environment, students will gain a deep understanding of massage therapy integrating classic techniques including Swedish, deep tissue, and therapeutic. Students will have opportunities in onsite clinical and classroom settings working with a variety of individuals. Upon completion of this program students will be prepared to work in a range of settings including private practice, physical therapy clinics, chiropractic offices, corporate/franchised spas, sports industry, and destination resorts.
Details
Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Massage Therapy (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3144
Total credits required
61-71
Catalog Year
2026-2027
Effective Term
Fall 2026
Admission criteria
High school diploma or GED. Proof of current immunization: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), tuberculosis skin test (TB), varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, and Hepatitis B vaccine (HEB). Have the ability to fully participate in classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting program activities. Submit current CPR card for Health Care Provider and maintain current status throughout the practicum(s). Complete and submit the health declaration form signed by a licensed health care provider. Submit to a drug screening and demonstrate negative results. Successfully complete an interview process.
Formal application and admission to the program are required.
Background Check Requirements
Admission to an Allied Health program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Supplemental Background Check policy. Program applications will not be accepted without a copy of an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Upon conditional program admission, the student must comply with all requirements of the current MCCCD background check policy.
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students must attend an orientation prior to applying to the program and be advised by the Program Director.
A special application must be completed to be officially accepted in the program.
Contact the Program Director or Advisement to obtain the Massage Therapy Program packet.
What You'll Learn
- Utilize effective written and oral communication skills with clients and colleagues in accordance with industry standards.
- Effectively apply knowledge of body systems, functional anatomy, physiology, and common pathologies to the practice of massage therapy.
- Demonstrate effective and culturally responsive communication skills to build trust and rapport with clients.
- Establish and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for both therapist and client.
- Demonstrate appropriate physical and emotional self-care strategies.
- Evaluate the profession of massage therapy within the context of the healthcare field.
- Assess and create individualized treatment plans that are safe and effective for a variety of populations.
- Practice industry-accepted professional and ethical behavior including the maintenance of boundaries appropriate to the field.
- Perform effective targeted and full body massage techniques in a professional environment.
Career Statistics
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
- Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCC130 | Fundamentals in Health Care Delivery | May be waived if student has Associate in Applied Science degree or higher degree in a health science discipline | 0–3 | ||
| HCC145AA | Medical Terminology for Health Care Professionals I | May be waived if student has Associate in Applied Science degree or higher degree in a health science discipline | 0–1 | ||
| WED165 | Overview Of Massage Therapy | Critical course Gateway course | 2 | ||
| WED215 | Self-Care for Health Care Providers | 2 | |||
| BIO160 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | Critical course | NSI, SQ | 4 | |
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course Gateway course | FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM | 3 | |
| COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | SB, SCB or SB, SCB or L, OCM or SB, SCB | 3 | ||
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WED230 | Therapeutic Massage Practices I | 6 | |||
| WED231 | Therapeutic Massage Practices II | 6 | |||
| WED250AA | Clinical Preceptorship: Part I | 1.5 | |||
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 | |
| MAT140 or MAT141 or MAT142 or MAT145 or MAT146 |
College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics with Review or College Mathematics with Review | Critical course OR Equivalent or higher level mathematics course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area. | MA, QNR or MA, QNR or MA, QNR or MA, QNR or MA, QNR | 3–6 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGT253 or WED204 |
Owning and Operating a Small Business or Establishing A Massage Practice | 3 | |||
| WED232 | Therapeutic Massage Practices III | 6 | |||
| WED250AB | Clinical Preceptorship: Part II | 1.5 | |||
| Restricted Elective | Select from list of Restricted Electives below | Select course(s) from the emphasis area that aligns with academic and professional goals. | 4–5 | ||
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Elective | Restricted Electives | Select course(s) from the emphasis area that aligns with academic and professional goals. | 4–5 | ||
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | 3 | |||
| REC120 or PSY101 |
Leisure and the Quality of Life or Introduction to Psychology | SB, SCB or SB, SCB | 3 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.Part-time is for the Prerequisites Area only - Term 1 and 2
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCC145AA | Medical Terminology for Health Care Professionals I | May be waived if student has Associate in Applied Science degree or higher degree in a health science discipline | 0–1 | ||
| WED165 | Overview Of Massage Therapy | Critical course Gateway course | 2 | ||
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCC130 | Fundamentals in Health Care Delivery | May be waived if student has Associate in Applied Science degree or higher degree in a health science discipline | 0–3 | ||
| WED215 | Self-Care for Health Care Providers | 2 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WED230 | Therapeutic Massage Practices I | 6 | |||
| WED231 | Therapeutic Massage Practices II | 6 | |||
| WED250AA | Clinical Preceptorship: Part I | 1.5 | |||
| Restricted Elective | Select from list of Restricted Electives below | Select course(s) from the emphasis area that aligns with academic and professional goals. | 4–5 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGT253 or WED204 |
Owning and Operating a Small Business or Establishing a Massage Practice | 3 | |||
| WED232 | Therapeutic Massage Practices III | 6 | |||
| WED250AB | Clinical Preceptorship: Part II | 1.5 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course Gateway course | FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM | 3 | |
| REC120 or PSY101 |
Leisure and the Quality of Life or Introduction to Psychology | SB, SCB or SB, SCB | 3 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 | |
| MAT140 or MAT141 or MAT142 or MAT145 or MAT146 |
College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics with Review or College Mathematics with Review | Critical course OR Equivalent or higher level mathematics course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area. | MA, QNR or MA, QNR or MA, QNR or MA, QNR or MA, QNR | 3–6 | |
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM | 3 |
Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | SB, SCB or SB, SCB or L, OCM or SB, SCB | 3 | ||
| Restricted Elective | Restricted Electives | Select course(s) from the emphasis area that aligns with academic and professional goals. | 4–5 |
Term 8
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | 3 | |||
| BIO160 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | Critical course | NSI, SQ | 4 |
Footnote
Restricted Electives
Select courses 100-level or higher to complete the minimum total program credits required for this degree.
WED+++++ Any WED Wellness Education course(s) approved by the Program Director except courses already used to satisfy Required Courses and Restricted Electives areas. 1-4
Focus Area: Massage Techniques
WED120 Massage Therapy: Anatomy Refresher - Upper Body 1
WED126 Cupping Therapy 1
WED145 Reflexology 1
WED174 Myofascial Release 1
WED195AA Special Topics in Wellness Education A 0.5
WED195BB Special Topics in Wellness Education B 1
WED195AC Special Topics in Wellness Education A 2
+ WED210 Sports Massage 2
WED220 Gentle Touch for Individuals Living with Cancer 2
WED297AA Special Topics: Therapeutic Massage 1
WED297AB Special Topics: Therapeutic Massage 2
WED297AC Special Topics: Therapeutic Massage 3
Focus Area: Alternative and Complimentary Methods
WED125 Reiki: Healing and Symbols 2
WED151 Introduction to Alternative Medicine 3
WED162 Meditation and Wellness 1
WED172 Overview of Herbal Remedies 1
WED176 Flower Essences 1
WED182 Health Conditions and Popular Herbs 2
WED183 Introduction to Ayurvedic Principles 2
WED218 Aromatherapy 1
+ WED225 Reiki: Master Level and Teacher Training 2
Focus Area: Mind-body Activities
PED101JU Judo 1
PED101PS Pilates 1
PED102PS Pilates - Intermediate 1
PED103PS Pilates (0.5) (May be repeated) 1
PED101TC Tai Chi 1
PED102TC Tai Chi - Intermediate 1
PED103TC Tai Chi (0.5) (May be repeated) 1
PED201TC Tai Chi - Advanced 1
PED101YO Yoga 1
PED102YO Yoga - Intermediate 1
PED103YO Yoga (0.5) (May be repeated) 1
PED201YO Yoga - Advanced 1
Focus Area: Health and Wellness
FON241 Principles of Human Nutrition 3
HES100 Healthful Living 3
REC120 Leisure and the Quality of Life 3
SPT271 Sports Medicine Foundations 3
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- FYC = First-Year Composition
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- NSI = Natural Sciences
- OCM = Oral Communication
- QNR = Quantitative Reasoning
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SCB = Social and Behavioral Sciences
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
- WCM = Written Communication
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=16454039.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Massage Therapy
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