Q: How can I get registered for the Massage Therapy Certificate Program?
A: Admissions into the Massage Therapy Certificate Program is by special application. The special application specifies the requirements for the course. The deadline for the special applications will be July 16, 2012 for the Fall 2012/Spring 2013 Program. Admission into the program will be based upon the applicants who have fully completed the paperwork and provided proof of the necessary requirements. Date upon which the application and required elements are received will determine the students allowed admission into the program. Students who complete all application requirements in a timely fashion up to the class quota will then be given an authorization code to register for the program. All other eligible applicants will be put on a waitlist in case any openings occur before the program starts in the fall.
Q: When is the Massage Therapy Certificate Program offered?
A: The Massage Therapy Certificate Program begins in the Fall semester and is a 500-hour, in- class program that will be held Monday through Thursday evenings, 6:00 – 10:00 pm, for the Fall and Spring semesters.
Q: Is it necessary to take both semesters? Can I start the class in the Spring semester?
A: Both semesters of the class are required in order to complete the program. Students must start the program in the Fall semester (WELL 701) and complete the program in the Spring semester (WELL 702).
Q: How many units does the program earn?
A: Each course is 9 units per semester; 18 units total for the two semesters.
Q: Will the program lead to certification as a Massage Therapist?
A: Once the 500-hour program is successfully completed, students are eligible to receive a Certificate of Achievement from Skyline College. Students are also eligible to apply for Certification as a Massage Therapist in the State of California from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC).
Q: Where will the Massage Therapy Program be taught?
A: The program will be taught in Skyline's new, state-of-the-art facility (Building 4) with media- equipped lecture room and lab area with high quality equipment.
Q: Are there any pre-requisites for the program?
A: Please see the special application for admission to the program for all requirements. It is recommended that students are eligible for English 836 and Reading 836, or English 846 or ESOL 400 or equivalent, since students will need to comprehend the textbook material and successfully take written tests during both semesters.
Q: What subject matter will be included?
A: Students will learn Assessment, Theory, and Practice of several massage modalities (primarily Swedish, with introductions to Sports Massage, Sidelying and Seated Massage, Polarity Therapy, and Hot/Cold Stone Massage). Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Kinesiology, Business, and Ethics, as they relate to the practice of therapeutic bodywork, will also be taught.
Students will work with clients in the massage clinic to gain mastery of the skills learned in the classroom.
Q: What is the entire cost for the two-semester program?
A: Students will purchase textbooks that cost approximately $160. Cost for tuition will be $414 per semester ($828 for the two semesters) plus minimal student fees including parking. Students will also purchase a supply kit, massage table, if the student does not already own one, and uniform shirts. Total cost for the program in the fall semester will be approximately $1,200 including tuition, books, kit, massage table, and uniform shirts. The full cost is paid at the beginning of the fall semester except for the tuition, parking, and student fees for the spring semester.
Q: Is Financial Aid available for the Massage Therapy Certificate Program?
A: Yes, Financial Aid is available to cover program costs. It is important to apply as soon as possible so funding can be granted before the program starts. Textbooks and supplies will be needed immediately when the program begins. Failure to procure texts and supplies prior to the beginning of the program may jeopardize a student's ability to continue in the program. For Financial Aid information and assistance go to: http://www.skylinecollege.edu/general/finaid/index.html.
Q: What are the required textbooks?
A: There are three required textbooks: "Trail Guide to the Body, 4th Edition" and "Trail Guide to the Body, Student Workbook, 4th Edition," Andrew Biel; Books of Discovery, 2010; and "Massage Therapy: Principles & Practice, 4th Edition" by Susan G. Salvo; Saunders Elsevier, 2011. Please make certain that you have the fourth edition of all three books.
Q: What is the required uniform?
A: Students will purchase a Massage Therapy Program uniform shirt and be required to wear black attire suitable for performing massage therapy: flat, closed toe, soft soled walking or athletic shoes; stretchy, black, full-length pants that allow for movement; and a black uniform shirt.
Q: What can students expect once they complete the Massage Therapy Certificate Program?
A: Skyline's Massage Therapy Certificate Program will prepare students for gainful employment as massage therapists in many healing art environments. The program is designed to provide theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in massage therapy and related spa/wellness modalities. Please see the Career Section on this website for further information.
Q: Is there anything else I need to know about the program?
A: Students need to know they will be giving massages to and receiving massages from men and women in the class and also giving massages to members of the general public during the massage clinic. Students will be required to remove their clothing in order to receive a massage, but professional draping techniques will always be used to protect the privacy of everyone receiving massage. Students will need to keep their fingernails cut short (short enough that the ends of the fingers can be seen beyond the ends of the nails). Attendance is very important, so students need to make arrangements to be able to attend classes on a regular basis. Failure to attend regularly may jeopardize a student's ability to remain in the program.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Admissions into the Massage Therapy Certificate Program is by special application: http://www.skylinecollege.edu/programsofstudy/business/wellness.html. Please watch the Wellness Program website for updated information.