Massage Therapy (Limited Access Program), Vocational Certificate

Program Information

Vocational Certificate - Code 102400 - Catalog 2024/2025

Katherine Jankowski, Assistant Chair, 386-506-3185, Katherine.Jankowski@daytonastate.edu 

Maggie Muszka, Administrative Assistant, 386-506-3080, Magdolna.Muszka@daytonastate.edu

Melissa Brown, Academic Advisor, 386-506-3052, Melissa.Brown@daytonastate.edu

Program Mission, Description, and Outcomes

Mission:

Students will develop the skills of massage therapy applications, critical thinking, and communication which will permit them to practice the science of massage in a professional, ethical, and caring manner.

Description:

Massage Therapy is a 650-hour vocational certificate program which provides students with the knowledge and skills of therapeutic massage. The curriculum prepares students to pass the state licensing exam which is required to practice in the state of Florida. Students will be prepared for entry level employment as a massage therapy professional. The course content includes Anatomy and Physiology, History of Massage, Hydrotherapy, Allied Modalities, Theory and Practice of Massage, Florida Statutes, Professional Ethics, Pathology, Professional and Personal Development, Prevention of Medical Errors, and a HIV/AIDs education course. Students must obtain and provide proof of CPR/BLS prior to enrollment.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Exhibit an understanding of the principles theories of therapeutic massage and demonstrate the proper techniques of massage manipulations including safety, hygiene and health practices.

  2. Demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and pathology as related to the practice of massage therapy.

  3. Explain and appropriately apply allied modalities including the principles theories and use of hydrotherapy.

  4. Demonstrate knowledge of basic business practices and ethical standards as outlined in statutes of the Florida Massage Practice Act and the rules of The Board of Massage Therapy (Chapter 480, F.S, Chapter 456 F.S., and Chapter 64B7).

  5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively as a medical therapy professional.

Financial Aid

This program is eligible for federal financial aid and state Bright Futures Scholarship Program. 

Financing Options: All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state student financial assistance by visiting FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For more information on grants, loans and work programs available please visit the Office of Financial Aid webpage at daytonastate.edu/financial-aid/.  Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the many Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information see: daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.

Note: Students who do not have a standard high school diploma/GED cannot receive student financial aid.  

Approximate Additional Costs

Program Tuition and Fees*: $2,056 
 Access Fee: $29 ($1.16 per credit)
 Assessment Fee: $34
 Lab Fees: $121.45
 Textbook Estimate: $400
 Uniforms: $50
 Laboratory Supplies: $25
 Licensure Fees: $430
 FDLE/FBI Background Screening: $90

*In-state tuition only; out-of-state tuition will be higher.

Additional Admission Requirements

Students must take the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) for Career & Technical Education (CTE) Reading and Math skills and achieve specified minimum scores or meet exemption requirements for admission for this program (See an Academic Advisor for exemption criteria). 

  • Meet with a counselor/advisor for placement test evaluation or exemption criteria and to receive advice on course selection and registration. 

  • Admission into the program will be contingent on the satisfactory completion of both a drug screen and a background check consisting of a fingerprint check of state and federal criminal history information conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
  • Students must have a standard high school diploma (or GED) and be at least 18 years of age to enroll by the start of the program.

  • Applicants starting in a Florida Public high school in 2003 or after and graduating from a Florida public high school with a standard high school diploma and active duty military are exempt from any placement testing. Applicants that have successfully completed college level English and/or Math may be exempt from placement testing also.

Additional Completion Requirements

Students must take the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) for Career & Technical Education (CTE) Reading and Math skills and achieve specified minimum scores or meet exemption requirements to graduate from this program (See an Academic Advisor for exemption criteria). 

  • Meet with a counselor/advisor for placement test evaluation or exemption criteria and to receive advice on course selection and registration. 

  • Submit completed application for continuing enrollment to the School of Health Careers.

  • Selection for continuing enrollment is made once per year based on the date of the School of Health Careers application. This is based on first come, first served.

  • Program specific courses must be completed with a grade 'C' or better.

  • Students will be held accountable for the policies and procedures of the Massage Therapy program as outlined in the Massage Therapy student handbook, as well as the College Student handbook.

  • Students not exempt from placement testing (see above) must take the AE-CASAS test and must achieve a 10th grade level in Reading and a 9th grade level in Math prior to graduating.

Careers

The following information is required by federal regulations to be provided to students for all vocational and certificate programs. Additional information on any career, job, or salary potential can be found at http://www.onetonline.org.  For additional career information, please see: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9011.00.

Program Length:  The typical length of this program is two (2) semesters (30 weeks) for a full-time student. The Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program (FETPIP) lists the placement rate (2021-22) for this field at 65%.

CIP Code (6 digit) - 51.3501

Note: It’s never too early to prepare for your career! Login to your Daytona State Career Services Student Job Board and create your personal account to submit your resume for review and search for jobs, and practice your interview skills with Big Interview. For questions, please email Career Services to connect with a Career Advisor.

Program Specific Courses

Program specific courses must be completed with a grade 'C' or better.

HSC0005Healthcare Concepts for the Massage Therapist

55

MSS0156Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapist I

70

MSS0157Anatomy and Physiology Massage Therapist II

70

MSS0215Statutes/Rules and Ethics

20

MSS0274Pathology Related to Massage Therapy

40

MSS0283Allied Modalities I

43

MSS0284Allied Modalities II

43

MSS0315Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy

15

MSS0601Professional and Personal Development

18

MSS0803Massage Theory and Clinical Practicum I

62.5

MSS0803LMassage Theory and Clinical Practicum I Lab

75.5

MSS0804Massage Theory and Practicum II

62.5

MSS0804LMassage Theory and Practicum II Lab

75.5

 

Sample Program of Study

1st Semester - Fall

HSC0005Healthcare Concepts for the Massage Therapist

55

MSS0156Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapist I

70

MSS0283Allied Modalities I

43

MSS0215Statutes/Rules and Ethics

20

MSS0803Massage Theory and Clinical Practicum I

62.5

MSS0803LMassage Theory and Clinical Practicum I Lab

75.5

 

2nd Semester - Spring

MSS0157Anatomy and Physiology Massage Therapist II

70

MSS0601Professional and Personal Development

18

MSS0274Pathology Related to Massage Therapy

40

MSS0284Allied Modalities II

43

MSS0804Massage Theory and Practicum II

62.5

MSS0804LMassage Theory and Practicum II Lab

75.5

MSS0315Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy

15

TOTAL VOC. HRS. 25.00
TOTAL CONTACT HRS. 650.00

Note: Sequence of courses may vary. Check catalog course descriptions for requisite requirements.