Massage Therapy


Vocational Certificate   |   Program Code: 102400   |   Catalog: 2026-2027


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

Teresa Cole, Administrative Assistant, 386-506-3189, Teresa.Cole@daytonastate.edu

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

Admission Note

Limited Access Program: Admission to this program is selective and requires completion of additional admission and enrollment requirements.

Program Overview

Mission:

Students develop massage therapy application skills, critical thinking, and communication necessary to practice in a professional, ethical, and caring manner.

Description:

Massage Therapy is a 650-hour vocational certificate program preparing students for the state licensing examination and entry-level employment. Content includes anatomy and physiology, hydrotherapy, allied modalities, Florida statutes, ethics, pathology, professional development, medical errors, and HIV/AIDS education.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate principles and theories of therapeutic massage, safety, hygiene, and health practices.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology.
  3. Apply allied modalities, including hydrotherapy.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of business practices and ethical standards in the Florida Massage Practice Act.
  5. Communicate effectively as massage therapy professionals.

Program Requirements

Admission:

This is a Limited Access Program.

  • Possess a standard high school diploma or GED.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Meet minimum CASAS Reading and Mathematics scores or qualify for an exemption.
  • Meet with an academic advisor for placement evaluation.
  • Complete FDLE/FBI background screening.

Completion:

  • Meet CASAS exit requirements or qualify for an exemption.
  • Submit a continuing enrollment application.
  • Complete all program courses with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Adhere to the Massage Therapy and the college handbooks.

Financial Aid

This program is eligible for federal financial aid and the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.

Financing Options: Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For information on grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, visit the Office of Financial Aid at daytonastate.edu/financial-aid/. Students are also encouraged to apply for Daytona State College Foundation scholarships and, when available, the Open Door Grant. Additional information is available at daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.

Note: Students who do not possess a standard high school diploma or GED are not eligible for federal student financial aid.

Career and Labor Market Information

Graduates are prepared for employment and advancement in a variety of massage therapy settings, including healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, chiropractic and physical therapy offices, spas, wellness centers, and private practice.

Related Career Opportunities Massage Therapist; Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT); Sports Massage Therapist; Spa Massage Therapist; Clinical Massage Therapist
Primary Occupation (SOC) 31-9011 Massage Therapists
Regional Demand 72 annual openings • Approximately 768 regional jobs
Regional Wage Median: $48,140 annually ($23.14/hour)
10th Percentile: $32,870  |  90th Percentile: $72,560
Career Resources O*NET Online

Regional labor market information is based on the CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia Regional Demand Occupations List (Region 27), FloridaCommerce employment projections, and regional wage data sources identified for the occupation.

Note: It is never too early to prepare for your career. Log in to the Daytona State Career Services Student Job Board to create your account, submit your resume for review, search for employment opportunities, and practice your interviewing skills through Big Interview. For assistance, contact Career Services to connect with a Career Advisor.

Program Specific Courses

Program Specific Courses

HSC0005Healthcare Concepts for the Massage Therapist

55.00

MSS0156Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapist I

70.00

MSS0157Anatomy and Physiology Massage Therapist II

70.00

MSS0215Statutes/Rules and Ethics

20.00

MSS0274Pathology Related to Massage Therapy

40.00

MSS0283Allied Modalities I

43.00

MSS0284Allied Modalities II

43.00

MSS0315Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy

15.00

MSS0601Professional and Personal Development

18.00

MSS0803Massage Theory and Clinical Practicum I

62.50

MSS0803LMassage Theory and Clinical Practicum I Lab

75.50

MSS0804Massage Theory and Practicum II

62.50

MSS0804LMassage Theory and Practicum II Lab

75.50

 

Sample Program of Study

1st Semester - Fall

HSC0005Healthcare Concepts for the Massage Therapist

55.00

MSS0156Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapist I

70.00

MSS0283Allied Modalities I

43.00

MSS0215Statutes/Rules and Ethics

20.00

MSS0803Massage Theory and Clinical Practicum I

62.50

MSS0803LMassage Theory and Clinical Practicum I Lab

75.50

 

2nd Semester - Spring

MSS0157Anatomy and Physiology Massage Therapist II

70.00

MSS0601Professional and Personal Development

18.00

MSS0274Pathology Related to Massage Therapy

40.00

MSS0284Allied Modalities II

43.00

MSS0804Massage Theory and Practicum II

62.50

MSS0804LMassage Theory and Practicum II Lab

75.50

MSS0315Theory and Practice of Hydrotherapy

15.00

TOTAL VOC. HRS. 25.00
TOTAL CONTACT HRS. 650.00

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