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Roane State Community CollegeRoane State Community College

Roane State Community College

Massage Therapy
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Move Forward. Don't delay your future! Apply now! Register for online or traditional classes.Move Forward. Don't delay your future! Apply now!. Register for online or traditional classes.
Tennessee Reconnect and Promise. Graduating high school seniors can attend tuition-free. Free tuition for adults.Tennessee Reconnect and Promise. Graduating high school seniors can attend tuition-free. Free tuition for adults.
Online degrees available. Online education gives you flexibility to take classes that fit your schedule.Online degrees available. Online education gives you flexibility to take classes that fit your schedule.

Massage Therapy

Overview

Application Deadline: Open until July 31, 2021.

Massage therapists manipulate the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals: relaxation, stress relief, self-awareness, freedom from muscular aches & pains, peak performance in sports or the arts, improved sleep patterns, etc. Depending on the goal, massage may be vigorous and quick-paced, or very gentle and serene. It requires the practitioner to stand and move with fluid ease during massage sessions, and to develop strong hands and subtle techniques.

Many different personalities and body types seek the nurturing care of massage therapists. Like beauticians who also touch their clients, massage therapists hear private details of their clients' emotional lives. Respect, open mindedness, interpersonal warmth, and confidentiality are essential.

Income varies widely among massage therapists. Most are paid directly by their clients. Income is directly tied to the number of massages. Many massage therapists choose to work part time.

First year income is very irregular for a full time massage therapist and probably will not exceed $10,000. However, as a steady client base is built, many full time massage therapists reach $25-40,000 depending on effective marketing and physical stamina. A few exceed $70,000.

Work Settings

Massage therapists and other body work practitioners work in a wide variety of settings: health clubs & wellness centers; chiropractic and physical therapy offices; beauty salons & day spas; hotels, resorts, & cruise lines; health food stores and sports outfitters; pain management and sports injury clinics; and private homes and offices.

Some work under the supervision of other licensed health care providers. Some are self-employed. Many work part time and have a great deal of flexible control of their hours. Some work exclusively from their home offices.

Credentialing Requirements

Upon successful completion of the Massage Therapy Program, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the National Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage. Upon successful completion of the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) the graduate is eligible to apply for a Tennessee Massage Therapist License.

Note: Criminal Background Checks are required for the Tennessee Massage Therapist License and may be required for some clinical sites. Any convictions for felony, substance abuse or sexual misconduct would be likely to prevent a graduate from acquiring a Tennessee Massage Therapist License.

Location

The Massage Therapy program is taught at the Oak Ridge Branch Campus, Room F-110.

Professional Organizations

Admission Requirements

Application Deadline: Open until July 31, 2021.

MSSG Admissions Information

Massage therapy is a demanding field that necessitates continuous self-reflection and the ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds while maintaining an attitude of unconditional positive regard. Discrimination in any form is absolutely unacceptable in both the massage profession and the classroom. Moreover, given the intimate nature of massage education, it is crucial to possess maturity and the capacity to establish and respect physical and emotional boundaries. Because the subject matter and physical demands of the job present challenges that require individuals to overcome obstacles, seek support systems, and embrace opportunities for personal growth, these qualities should be evident during the interview process. Successful applicants will need to achieve a minimum score of 24 out of 36 on interview questions.

Additional MSSG Admissions Information (RSCC Catalog)

RSCC Application Link - Steps 1 and 2 are required for admission to the College and Allied Health Sciences programs

Program Costs

Roane State Tuition & Fees
All tuition and fees are subject to change by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

* Program courses that are taken in an online format are subject to a distance education fee. A Specialized Allied Health Science Fee of $25 per credit hour will be applied to all Allied Health Science courses. See Tuition and Fees link above.

Books, Supplies and Additional Program Expenses

Visit the bookstore for book titles and prices.

Books $600
Massage table w/ adjustable face cradle & carry case $650
Supplies $400
Black scrubs for student clinic $50
Black/brown closed toe shoes $70
Physical exam if required by clinical affiliate $150
Affiliate background check $120
Liability insurance (2 semesters) $30
Name tag for directed practice $10
Drug screen if required by clinical affiliate $130
MBLEx licensing exam $265
TN licensing fee plus fingerprinting $315.15
TOTAL

 $2790.15**

Total anticipated expenses: $8260.15

*Based on in-state tuition.

**Expenses are estimates based on current market retail prices and may vary.

Accreditation and Program Outcomes

Accreditation

The Massage Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 440, Washington, D.C. 20015; (202)895-1518; www.comta.org.

Program Outcome Data (be sure link works) - will check with program director about including data r/t program completion rate.

Faculty & Staff

Vicki S Winston
Click above for email address
(865) 354-3000 ext. 4991
LMT, BS
Interim Program Director

Mariella Akers
Click above for email address
(865) 481-2000 ext .2007
Oak Ridge Allied Health & Nursing Secretary

Health Sciences Admission Advisor
Michael Burtch
(865) 354-3000, ext. 4705
hsnadmissions@roanestate.edu

Mailing Address

Roane State Community College
701 Briarcliff Avenue
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Contact: 

Michael P Burtch • (865) 354-3000 ext. 4705 • Click name for email address

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