Massage Therapy (Certificate)

ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ massage therapy students

Massage Therapy Program

January 2025-December 2025: full-time day program (Cohort: Full)

Next program begins January 2026! This class will be an evening and weekend program. Enrollment for the program is capped at 12 students. See admissions process below.

Massage Therapy Matriculation Form (PDF)

Completed Matriculation forms are being accepted starting April 1, 2025 for the January 2026 program. Please meet with a One Stop Advisor to assist you with this process!

Program Overview

Massage Therapists work directly with people, enhancing wellbeing through skilled compassionate touch. By combining specific understanding of the role of relaxation in wellness and integrating specific knowledge of anatomy and physiology, massage therapists provide a supportive environment for clients of all ages.

People are attracted to the massage therapy profession for the individual client-care focus, flexible scheduling with part-time opportunities, and the potential for self-growth and life long learning.

The Massage Therapy Certificate program prepares students to become Massachusetts state licensed Massage Therapists with the skills and knowledge to provide effective relaxation and wellness massage.

Students develop the professional communication and behavior; the proficient draping skills to promote client modesty; and the skilled and compassionate touch expected of entry-level massage therapists. In addition, students apply the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to provide safe and effective client-centered massage therapy sessions.

Graduates are prepared to enter various settings such as spa, franchise clinics, fitness centers, medical/wellness offices, and on-site for workplaces and client's homes.

Contact Us

Judy Gawron, Program Advisor
jgawron@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-4604

Sean Reagan, One Stop Advisor
sreagan@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-1627

Massage therapy class
  • Program Learning Outcomes

    By the end of successfully completing the Massage Therapy Program, students are expected to:

    1. Perform and adapt competent, safe, and effective, full body massage for a variety of clients with specific indications and precautions.
    2. Demonstrate critical thinking skills to integrate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and kinesiology sciences with the client-centered massage.
    3. Maintain professional and client-centered communication and behavior throughout academic and clinical/practicum experiences
    4. Demonstrate a practical working knowledge of state and professional legal and ethical standards with a clear focus on the health and welfare of the client, practitioner, and massage therapy profession.
    5. Demonstrate a personal self-care plan to allow for career fulfillment and longevity.

Admissions Process

We highly encourage you to meet with a One Stop Academic Advisor. They can guide you through this process, answer any questions you may have, and help ensure you complete the matriculation process and register for the correct courses effectively.

Steps to Enrolling into the Massage Therapy Certificate Program:

1. Apply to ºìÐÓÖ±²¥. Program: Health Science (Pre-Massage Therapy), AS

  • Note: all students must apply to the college first, then apply for matriculation into the Massage Therapy Certificate. Students will be notified via email from the Office of Admission if their matriculation application to the program is accepted.

2. Submit your official high school transcript (or equivalent) and/or college transcripts (if applicable) to admissions@berkshirecc.edu

  • If your high school or college transcripts were obtained outside of the United States, the transcripts must be evaluated and translated by an outside agency accredited by the National Association for Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or a member of NAFSA. Some examples are below:
  1. The Evaluation Company (TEC)
  2. The Center for Educational Documentation (CED)
  3. World Education Services (WES)

3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

  • ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ FAFSA Code 002167
  1. January 2025 cohort: apply for 2024-2025 FAFSA
  2. January 2026 cohort: apply for 2025-2026 FAFSA

4.Submit the Massage Therapy Certificate matriculation form to admissions@berkshirecc.edu after completing a college-level English Composition course with a C (73) or higher.

  • Schedule an Advising Appointment.
  • Review the immunization and health verification forms required to participate in clinical and/or field experiences.

5.Proof of immunization and health verification is due if admitted into the Massage Therapy Certificate program (see below)

  • Immunization and Health Verification Requirements.Due date is December 1st for students who matriculate to the spring 2026 Certificate Program

    Students matriculated into the ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ Massage TherapyCertificate program are required to follow the immunization policy set by Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) for health students and by clinical sites.

    *Students who are in Pre-Massage (who have applied, in the matraculation process, or deferring program start date) submit immunization records once fully matriculated and accepted to the Certificate program

    Students must submit proof of compliance with immunizations by the follow dates:
    For entering January (2026) Massage Therapy Program December 1st (2025 deadline)

    • Please note: The Hep B vaccination series may take up to six months to complete. Students should plan accordingly.

    Immunization information may be shared with the Dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness; Massage Therapy Program Advisor; Administrative Assistant; Immunization Office; and contracted agencies to allow for clinical experiences.

    ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ Immunization and Verification of Student Health Forms

    Massage Therapy Program Health and Immunization Policy (PDF)

    Tdap

    T-dap vaccination within 10 years (and every 10 years)

    Hepatitis B

    3 doses or positive titer that demonstrates immunity (if immunity is not seen, complete 3 series dose, or 2 series dose of Heplisav-B, or declination may be signed)

    *3-dose series takes up to 6-months to complete

    MMR

    2 doses or positive titer that demonstrates immunity (if immunity is not seen, complete 2 series dose of MMR)

    Varicella

    2 doses; a reliable history of chickenpox* or positive titer that demonstrates immunity (if immunity is not seen, complete 2 series dose of varicella vaccine)

    *A reliable history of chickenpox includes a diagnosis of chickenpox, or interpretation of parent/guardian description of chickenpox, by a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or designee.

    Meningococcal

    1 dose; 1 dose MenACWY (formerly MCV4) required for all full-time students 21 years of age or younger. The dose of MenACWY vaccine must have been received on or after the student's 16th birthday. Doses received at younger ages do not count towards this requirement. Students may decline MenACWY vaccine after they have read and signed the provided by their institution. Meningococcal B vaccine is not required and does not meet this requirement

    *Please Note: In addition to immunization requirements, The Verification of Student Health Verification form is required to be completed by the student's health care provider*

    Submit requirements to the Nursing Immunization and Medical Records Office located in the Hawthorne building, office #323, ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ All Rights Reserved Main Campus.

    Telephone: 413-236-4609; Fax: 800-724-9943; medicalrecords@berkshirecc.edu

    Updates: 12/18/2023

Learn More

  • Free Community College for Eligible Residents

    Learn About MassReconnect and MassEducate

    /news-events/2024/free-community-college.php

  • Job Growth and Wages

    Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 18% from 2022 – 2032, much faster than average for all occupations. Massachusetts mean wage for massage therapists with an annual mean wage of $66,990 (U.S. Department of Labor — Bureau of Labor Statistics).

  • Job Titles
    • Licensed Massage Therapist
  • Local Employers of Massage Therapists
    • Miraval Resort
    • Kripalu
    • Canyon Ranch
    • Massage In Lenox
    • Elle Day Spa
    • Blu Salon and Spa
    • Mend
  • Employment
    • About half of massage therapists work part-time
    • Self-employed workers 35%
    • Personal care services 33%
    • Offices of all other health practitioners 12%
    • Offices of chiropractors 7%
    • Accommodation (travel to client homes) 6%

    Source: U.S. Department of Labor — Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • Good Moral Character

    Massachusetts Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements: please be aware that all massage therapy student applicants must undergo a background check by the Board of Registration of Massage Therapy as part of licensure application process. Please read the information below:

    • MGLCORI acknowledgment form for CORI check through Department of Criminal Justice Information Services ("DCJIS").
    • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, sections 229 Massage therapists; application for license; renewal requires applicant to be of good moral character as determined by the discretion of the board.
    • 269 CMR 3.04 The Good Moral Character Requirements

    Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy Policy Bulletin Regarding Applicants With Criminal Convictions Or Pending Criminal Charges:

    • This policy describes the type of convictions that disqualify an applicant from licensure as a massage therapist under the licensing laws and Board regulations, and the type of convictions that may result in a denial of an application for licensure for failure to satisfy the good moral character requirement.
  • Student Health Insurance

    Health Insurance charges are charged to all students enrolled in 9 or more credits in a degree or certificate program.

    Information about accident and medical insurance, including a student health insurance waiver form is available online at

  • Community Events

    There are numerous opportunities for students to complete required community hours and volunteer while a student in the massage therapy program. Students are accompanied by ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ massage therapy faculty at each event.

    • Post marathon massage for the Dana Farber team at the Boston Marathon
    • Chair Massage at
      • Jacob's Pillow
      • Various Berkshire County Events, including 12th Annual Caregive Expo
      • Harvest Run
  • Student Massage Clinic

    Thank you to all who are participating Spring 2025!

    Student massage therapy sessions will also be available Summer 2025.

Massage Therapy Block Schedules

  • January 2025-December 2025 Day Program

    Spring 2025 (15-week semester, starting January 21st)

    • AHS-101 Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health
      • Asynchronous online
    • AHS-131 Anatomy of Human Movement
      • Wednesdays
        • Lecture: 11:00am-1:00pm
        • Lab: 1:30-3:30pm
    • BIO-150 Introduction to the Human Body
        • Wednesday and Fridays 9:30am-10:45am or asynchronous online
    • MBW-110 Therapeutic Massage I
      • Lecture
        • Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-10:45am
      • Lab
        • Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 11:00am-2:00pm

    Summer 2025 (8-week session)

    • MBW-128 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience I
      • (lecture online, clinic T or TH (May 27-July 17)

    Fall 2025 (15-week semester, September 2nd - December 18th)

    • AHS-115 Fundamentals of Human Disease
      • Asynchronous Online
    • AHS-162 Form and Function of the Human Body
      • W 8:00-10:45am
    • MBW-120 Therapeutic Massage II
      • TTh 8:00-9:00 (lecture)
        TTh 9:15-12:15 (lab)
    • MBW-129 Therapeutic Massage Practicum Experience II
      • W 2:00-3:00 (lecture)
        Chose: MBW 129C-01 M 9:30-2:00
        or            MBW 129C-02 F 9:30-2:00
    • MBW-131 Therapeutic Massage Seminar
      • W 11:00-1:00pm
  • January 2026-December 2026

    (Weekday courses typically start at 5 p.m., Saturday courses at 9 a.m. Please check MyºìÐÓÖ±²¥ Self-Serve or meet with One Stop Advisor for details.)

    Spring

    • AHS 101 (2cr) Online-asynchronous
    • AHS 131 (3cr)
      • W 5:00-9:00 (includes lecture and lab)
    • MBW 110 (6cr)

    Summer

    • BIO 150 (3cr) Online-asynchronous (or BIO 154 (4 credit with lab spring 2026)
      • Please consult the Financial Aid Office before scheduling summer courses to understand any potential impact on your financial aid award.
    • MBW 128 (1cr) hybrid: lecture Online, practicum in-person
    • MBW 131 (2cr) hybrid: Online and in-person components

    Fall

    • AHS 115 (3cr)
    • AHS 162 (3cr)
    • MBW 120 (4cr)
    • MBW 129 (2cr) hybrid: lecture Online, practicum in-person

     

Everyone involved in the ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ massage therapy program is so experienced, knowledgeable and helpful. You learn something new every day. Not just about massage therapy but about yourself. I left the program feeling completely prepared to start my new profession. It gave me more confidence as an individual and I look forward going into work now. Every day is exciting.

Ned Torrico, Class 2019