500-Hr Syllabus

500-Hr Syllabus 
500-Hour Advanced Massage Therapy Diploma 
Program Length: 500 Hours 
(20–40 weeks depending on full-time or part-time schedule) 
Delivery: On-Campus & Virtual 
(Hybrid with required in-person intensives & clinical placements) 
Credential Awarded: Diploma in Advanced Massage Therapy 
Admission Requirements: High school diploma/GED, health clearance, background check, CPR certification prior to graduation.
🔹 Course Syllabi
1. Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) Course Code: MT-101 Hours: 70 (Lecture 50 / Lab 20)
Description: Covers the structure and function of the human body, including all major systems (musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and integumentary). Emphasizes clinical application to massage practice.
Learning Outcomes:
Identify and describe all major systems of the human body.
Apply anatomical and physiological knowledge to palpation and treatment planning.
Relate body mechanics and kinesiology principles to client outcomes.
Weekly Breakdown (10 weeks @ 7 hrs/week):
Week 1: Intro to anatomy, cells, tissues, membranes
Week 2: Skeletal system (bones, joints, connective tissue)
Week 3: Muscular system & biomechanics
Week 4: Nervous system — CNS, PNS, ANS
Week 5: Circulatory & lymphatic systems
Week 6: Respiratory & digestive systems
Week 7: Endocrine & reproductive systems
Week 8: Integumentary system & fascia
Week 9: Review & palpation labs (surface anatomy)
Week 10: Practical exam (palpation) + written final exam
Instructional Methods:
Lecture (on-campus or Zoom), dissection software, VR anatomy simulations
Palpation labs (on-campus & required weekend intensive for virtual students)
Assessment:
Weekly quizzes, midterm written, practical palpation check-offs, final exam
Textbook: 
Tortora & Derrickson, Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (latest edition)
2. Kinesiology & Biomechanics Course Code: MT-102 Hours: 30 (Lecture 20 / Lab 10)
Description: Study of human movement, focusing on muscles, levers, and applied biomechanics for massage therapy.
Learning Outcomes:
Identify major muscle groups and their actions.
Apply movement analysis to client assessments.
Demonstrate proper therapist body mechanics.
Weekly Breakdown (5 weeks @ 6 hrs/week):
Week 1: Intro to kinesiology; levers & planes of motion
Week 2: Muscle origins, insertions, actions (upper body)
Week 3: Muscle origins, insertions, actions (lower body)
Week 4: Biomechanics in massage (ergonomics & therapist safety)
Week 5: Functional movement assessment + final exam
Assessment:
Muscle ID quiz, body mechanics practical, final exam
Textbook: 
Muscolino, Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function
3. Pathology & Contraindications Course Code: MT-103 Hours: 30 (Lecture 20 / Lab 10)
Description: Covers common diseases and medical conditions, emphasizing red flags, massage modifications, and referral guidelines.
Weekly Breakdown (5 weeks @ 6 hrs/week):
Week 1: Intro to pathology, infection control principles
Week 2: Musculoskeletal & nervous system conditions
Week 3: Cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory diseases
Week 4: Skin disorders, cancer, systemic diseases
Week 5: Contraindications, modifications, case studies, final exam
Assessment:
Case study presentations, written exam, practical safety demonstration
Textbook: 
Werner, A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology
4. Swedish Massage & Fundamentals Course Code: MT-104 Hours: 50 (Lecture 15 / Lab 35)
Description: Introduction to massage therapy techniques, focusing on Swedish methods, draping, client communication, and session flow.
Weekly Breakdown (8 weeks @ ~6–7 hrs/week):
Week 1: Intro, history, ethics of touch, sanitation
Week 2: Draping & positioning techniques
Week 3: Effleurage techniques & practice
Week 4: Petrissage techniques & practice
Week 5: Tapotement & vibration
Week 6: Integrating Swedish strokes
Week 7: Full-body Swedish sequence (supervised practice)
Week 8: Final practical exam
Assessment:
Technique check-offs, SOAP note practice, final practical exam
Textbook: 
Fritz, Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage
5. Deep Tissue & Myofascial Release Course Code: MT-105 Hours: 50 (Lecture 15 / Lab 35)
Description: Covers advanced manual techniques for working with deeper layers of muscle and fascia.
Weekly Breakdown (8 weeks):
Week 1: Principles of deep tissue massage
Week 2: Myofascial release concepts
Week 3–4: Upper body applications
Week 5–6: Lower body applications
Week 7: Integrating deep tissue with Swedish
Week 8: Final practical exam
Assessment:
Practical check-offs, final hands-on exam, case study
Textbook: 
Chaitow, Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques
6. Sports Massage & Trigger Point Therapy Course Code: MT-106 Hours: 30 (Lecture 10 / Lab 20)
Description: Introduction to sports massage applications for athletes, including pre-event, post-event, and maintenance techniques. Focuses on trigger point therapy for myofascial pain syndromes.
Learning Outcomes:
Demonstrate appropriate pre-, post-, and maintenance sports massage protocols.
Identify and release common myofascial trigger points.
Apply modifications for acute vs. chronic conditions.
Weekly Breakdown (5 weeks @ 6 hrs/week):
Week 1: Intro to sports massage & athlete assessment
Week 2: Pre-event and post-event massage protocols
Week 3: Common injuries (sprains, strains, tendinopathies)
Week 4: Trigger point therapy — theory & lab (upper body focus)
Week 5: Trigger point therapy — lab (lower body) + final check-offs
Assessment:
Practical skill check-offs, case study analysis, final practical exam
Textbook: 
Clay & Pounds, Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment
7. Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Basics Course Code: MT-107 Hours: 20 (Lecture 5 / Lab 15)
Description: Focuses on palpation, muscle-specific work, and neurological considerations for common conditions.
Learning Outcomes:
Demonstrate NMT techniques for key muscle groups.
Understand neurological referral patterns.
Incorporate NMT into treatment plans safely.
Weekly Breakdown (4 weeks @ 5 hrs/week):
Week 1: NMT principles, ischemic compression
Week 2: Cervical & upper back NMT applications
Week 3: Lumbar & lower body NMT applications
Week 4: Integrative lab & final practical
Assessment:
Practical check-offs, SOAP notes, final practical exam
Textbook: 
Chaitow & DeLany, Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques
8. Prenatal, Geriatric & Special Populations Course Code: MT-108 Hours: 20 (Lecture 5 / Lab 15)
Description: Adapting massage techniques for pregnancy, elderly clients, and those with medical considerations.
Learning Outcomes:
Identify contraindications and modifications for pregnancy and geriatric clients.
Use positioning aids and adaptive equipment safely.
Develop individualized treatment plans for special populations.
Weekly Breakdown (4 weeks @ 5 hrs/week):
Week 1: Prenatal massage — physiology, positioning, contraindications
Week 2: Techniques for prenatal care (lab)
Week 3: Geriatric massage considerations
Week 4: Lab — gentle massage techniques & adaptive protocols
Assessment:
Case studies, practical demonstration, SOAP documentation
Textbook: 
Osborne, Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy
9. Clinical Assessment & Treatment Planning Course Code: MT-109 Hours: 30 (Lecture 10 / Lab 20)
Description: Introduces intake procedures, SOAP notes, postural assessment, range-of-motion testing, and creating treatment plans.
Learning Outcomes:
Conduct comprehensive client intake interviews.
Perform postural and orthopedic assessments.
Develop treatment plans based on assessment findings.
Weekly Breakdown (5 weeks @ 6 hrs/week):
Week 1: Intake procedures & SOAP notes
Week 2: Postural analysis & observation
Week 3: Range of motion testing (upper body)
Week 4: Range of motion testing (lower body)
Week 5: Treatment planning & case presentations
Assessment:
Written SOAP notes, practical testing, treatment plan presentation
Textbook: 
Muscolino, The Muscle and Bone Palpation Manual
10. Ethics, Jurisprudence & Professional Standards Course Code: MT-110 Hours: 20 (Lecture 15 / Lab 5)
Description: Covers ethics, boundaries, professional communication, and state regulations governing massage therapy.
Learning Outcomes:
Apply professional codes of ethics to clinical practice.
Recognize and manage boundary issues.
Understand state laws, licensure requirements, and scope of practice.
Weekly Breakdown (3 weeks @ ~7 hrs/week):
Week 1: Ethics, confidentiality (HIPAA), and professionalism
Week 2: Boundaries, client communication, informed consent
Week 3: Jurisprudence — state massage laws & licensing process
Assessment:
Ethics case study, open-book jurisprudence exam
Textbook: 
Cherie Sohnen-Moe, Ethics in the Massage Profession
11. Business Practices & Practice Management Course Code: MT-111 Hours: 20 (Lecture 15 / Lab 5)
Description: Introduces business planning, record keeping, marketing, and financial management for massage professionals.
Learning Outcomes:
Develop a business plan for private practice.
Demonstrate correct documentation and billing practices.
Understand marketing, insurance billing, and tax responsibilities.
Weekly Breakdown (3 weeks @ ~7 hrs/week):
Week 1: Business models, record keeping, documentation
Week 2: Marketing, branding, social media strategy
Week 3: Insurance, taxes, practice financial planning
Assessment:
Business plan submission, mock marketing presentation
Textbook: 
Sohnen-Moe, Business Mastery
12. Hydrotherapy, Spa Modalities & Chair Massage Course Code: MT-112 Hours: 20 (Lecture 5 / Lab 15)
Description: Explores hydrotherapy principles, spa treatments, and chair massage for corporate/on-site settings.
Weekly Breakdown (3 weeks @ ~7 hrs/week):
Week 1: Hydrotherapy (ice, heat, contrast therapy)
Week 2: Spa modalities (wraps, scrubs, aromatherapy)
Week 3: Chair massage — technique & ergonomics
Assessment:
Practical demos, SOAP notes, final practical exam
Textbook: 
Beaulieu, Hydrotherapy for Bodyworkers
13. Pharmacology & Medical Considerations (Basic) Course Code: MT-113 Hours: 6 (Lecture)
Description: Basic overview of pharmacology relevant to massage therapy practice.
Topics:
Common medications (NSAIDs, anticoagulants, antidepressants)
Drug–massage interactions & contraindications
Recognizing side effects & referral guidelines
Assessment:
Short quizzes, case scenarios
Textbook: 
Edmunds, Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology (excerpted readings)
14. Infection Control, CPR & First Aid Course Code: MT-114 Hours: 4 (Lecture / Skills)
Description: OSHA and CDC infection control standards plus American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification.
Learning Outcomes:
Demonstrate universal precautions and sanitation.
Respond to emergencies with CPR/First Aid skills.
Assessment:
CPR certification exam
Practical sanitation demonstration
Resources: 
American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Manual
15. Clinical Practicum / Student Clinic Course Code: MT-115 Hours: 100 (Supervised Clinical)
Description: Hands-on clinic under direct supervision, working with public clients.
Learning Outcomes:
Deliver professional massage sessions independently under supervision.
Maintain accurate SOAP notes and treatment records.
Demonstrate professionalism, time management, and client care.
Weekly Breakdown:
Ongoing clinic shifts (10 hrs/week for 10 weeks or part-time equivalent)
Each student completes a minimum of 50 client sessions
Assessment:
Supervisor evaluations after every 12 hours
Final cumulative evaluation & portfolio of SOAP notes
Textbook/Resources: 
Clinic Handbook, SOAP note templates
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