Massage Therapy & Bodywork (A.A.S.)

CCV’s Massage Therapy & Bodywork program incorporates a variety of massage and bodywork techniques for the purposes of therapeutic treatment and relaxation. Ours is the only program offered by an institute of higher learning in Vermont and the only one offering eligible students the opportunity to receive federal financial aid. CCV offers two options – an associate of applied science degree or a career certificate. Both options provide adequate contact hours for eligibility to take the national certification examination. Courses are taught by credentialed massage therapists and bodyworkers who are employed as spa directors, and own and operate wellness centers and yoga centers. Our faculty have studied at institutions such as the Swedish Institute, Utah College of Massage Therapy, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, and the Barbara Brennan School of Healing.

The program is available in Morrisville and Burlington. The cohorts must meet minimum enrollment to run. Contact an advisor for details.

Two prerequisite courses must be taken prior to enrolling in any core program courses: Introduction to Massage Therapy & Bodywork (AHS-1025) and Human Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO-2011).

Degree or Certificate

The 65-credit associate degree program includes general education courses that provide foundational written, oral and technological skills that are essential for success in the workplace. The 47-credit certificate program is an option for students who either already have a college degree or who do not wish to pursue one. The certificate includes the same core massage and bodywork courses as the degree program, as well as English Composition.

Massage program students are required by the State of Vermont to provide documentation of immunizations. Click here for more information.
Immunzation Record form
Documentation of Varicella (Chickenpox) form

Program Outcomes

Successful graduates will be able to:

• plan and organize an effective massage and bodywork session in various settings, applying a diverse set of techniques;
• perform massage therapy and bodywork for general wellness and for therapeutic benefit;
• develop successful and ethical therapeutic relationships with a variety of clients;
• identify career options for a successful practice, business or employment situation;
• participate in professional activities and pursue personal and professional development;
• complete the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork examination for national certification and obtain licensure required by some states; and
• demonstrate academic skills required of all CCV graduates, including competency in writing, information literacy, oral communication, and quantitative reasoning.

Program Requirements '09-'10

AHS-1025 - Introduction to Massage & Bodywork
BIO-2011 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 cr)
(Must be taken prior to admission into the program.)

AHS-1030 - Swedish Massage
AHS-1050 - Hydrotherapy
AHS-1210 - Reflexology
AHS-1230 - Professional Self-Development for Bodywork Practitioners
AHS-2211 - Anatomy & Physiology for Massage–Western
AHS-2212 - Anatomy & Physiology for Massage–Eastern
AHS-2220 - Acupressure
AHS-2240 - Deep Tissue Approaches
AHS-2250 - Energy Massage & Bodywork
AHS-2260 - Pathophysiology for Massage
AHS-2310 - CPR & First Aid Certification (0 cr)
AHS-2830 - Professional Practitioner Internship
BIO-2012 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 cr)
Field Placement:
EDU-2860 - Community & Work Experience

General Education Requirements

In addition to the program-specific courses listed above, an associate's degree includes completion of general education program requirements, which together must constitute a minimum of 65 credits.

*You may use a course to meet both a program requirement and a general education requirement; however, you may not use a single course to meet two general education requirements.

More info

Printable program description