Massage Therapy Curriculum at Acupuncture and Massage College in Miami, FL

In a previous article, we discussed the core massage therapy courses required by the State of Florida. In all, the courses numbered 500 hours in total classroom hours.

However, since most massage therapy programs have longer curriculum, it is helpful to analyze an actual curriculum as an example. In this article, we will analyze and evaluate the massage therapy school curriculum of Acupuncture and Massage College in Miami, Florida. This way, you can get an accurate idea of what our program courses are like.

Massage Therapy Curriculum at AMC in Miami, FL

The Massage Therapy program at Acupuncture and Massage College consists of 6 academic modules, 5 Massage Board Review classes, and a 165-hour clinic module.

Shiatsu and Qi Kung I: This course will teach a thorough and effective treatment of the back and upper extremity based on the Hoshino system of Shiatsu. Point location and palpation will be stressed as well as correct body movement and proper hand/thumb technique. This course helps the student visualize and actually feel the flow of “Qi” in the channels. Qi Kung and Qi enhancing exercises will also be taught.

Musculoskeletal Anatomy: This course will teach the fundamentals of musculoskeletal anatomy. The class will enable the student to understand the different parts of the body, their relationship to each other, and the action of the muscles and bones.

Shiatsu and Qi Kung II: This course will teach a thorough and effective treatment of the back and lower extremity based on the Hoshino system of Shiatsu. Point location and palpation will be stressed as well as correct body movement and proper hand/thumb technique. Students will learn Yin Yang Theory, Eight Principles and four Examinations, Cause of Disease, and a Survey of the channels. This course will enable students to understand the major concepts of Oriental Medicine and perform a comprehensive patient interview.

Anatomy and Physiology: The study of the human body’s structure and functions. A particular emphasis is placed on the specific needs of massage therapists.

Swedish/Medical Massage/Ethics: This course will cover the theory of massage, classical techniques and strokes, professionalism in treatment, and indications and contraindications of massage treatment. Standard medical ethics and the strategies for ethical decision making in a clinic setting will be discussed. Clinical assessment techniques, postural analysis, as well as exercise and stretch techniques will be taught. These techniques will assist students in developing a strong background in the healing applications of Massage Therapy.

Practice Management: This course will introduce the students to marketing concepts and strategies. Students will learn effective public speaking and begin to develop a networking and business plan.

Pathology: The class will provide the student with information about mechanisms of disease and the pathological process that occurs within each system of the human body. The following subjects will be covered: genetic disorders, neoplasms, infections, trauma, immune disorders, mental and emotional disorders, respiratory disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, and medical terminology.

Hydrotherapy: This course will teach the fundamentals of hydrotherapy. The class will enable the student to understand the different therapeutic approaches used in hydrotherapy.

Best Practices in Massage Therapy, State Law, Medical Errors, HIV: An overview of current information on the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), including epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, prevention, legal/ethical issues, and the importance of behavior and attitude changes for the caregiver.

Massage Clinical Practice: Massage clinic is designed to build student skills, confidence, and comfort level one step at a time. The clinical practicum provides students with the opportunity to practice the various techniques they have studied.

Massage Comprehensive Review: The course consists of five classes. The course reviews the information required to take and pass AMC’s comprehensive Exam as well as the National Board Exam for Massage Therapy. Students will review all academic coursework given in the program and will be required to take and pass the Massage Therapy Comprehensive Exam the day of the course.

If I started now, when would I graduate?

For the sake of simplicity, let’s assume you enroll in the upcoming massage therapy program session that begins on February 4, 2019. How would your schedule look for the year?

February 4-March 1, 2019 (90 hrs): Shiatsu and Qi Kung II

March 4-April 5, 2019 (90hrs): Anatomy and Physiology

April 8-May 3, 2019 (90 hrs): Swedish and Medical Massage, Practice Management, Ethics

May 6-May 31, 2019 (90 hrs): Pathology, Hydrotherapy, Best Practice in Massage Therapy (State Law, Medical Errors, HIV)

June 3-June 28 (90 hrs): Shiatsu and Qi Kung I

July 1-July 26, 2019 (90 hrs): Musculoskeletal Anatomy

July 29-August 23, 2019 (90 hrs): Clinical Practicum

August 26 - September 20, 2019 (90 hrs): Clinical Practicum (75 hrs). Massage Board Review (15 hrs). Final Exam. Graduation.

There you have it. If you begin classes in February, you can complete your degree before the end of September. Less than 9 months of study for a life-changing career. Doesn’t sound bad. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in massage therapy by downloading our free career guide below!