Massage Therapy Program
Pre-Licensure Courses
Health Sciences
Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology
A total of five courses, the Anatomy/Physiology/Pathology series offers an integrative approach to establishing a basic foundation in all three of these sciences. By combining these disciplines into one course, students assimilate structure, function, and dysfunction in a single learning environment. The application of these concepts to the practice of massage, and the effects of massage, are emphasized. Students also learn and use anatomical terminology, health and wellness concepts, and assessment tools. All courses in the APP series share the same required textbooks.
Kinesiology - Lower & Upper Body
Building upon Introduction to Palpation courses, these two courses present more advanced kinesiology principles along with complex muscle actions and coordinated movements, with a focus on the lower or upper body. These courses share a required textbook. Both Introduction to Palpation courses are prerequisites.
Massage and Practical Application
Essentials of Acupressure
A survey of Chinese medicine and its application within massage, this course introduces traditional Chinese meridians, their functions, and methods for treatment, and explores how therapists can incorporate acupressure techniques into massage sessions. Concepts such as yin and yang, Qi, and the five phases are also presented.
Introduction to Communication
In this course, students consider their personal communication styles and how to most effectively and constructively communicate with both classmates and instructors. The power of non-verbal communication is also explored, and how it relates to giving and receiving touch. Materials are provided.
Introduction to Palpation - Lower & Upper Body
In these introductory, hands-on classes, students palpate bony landmarks and the origins and insertions of muscles, learn specific muscle actions and joint movements, and begin to understand and use anatomical terminology. These courses share a required textbook.
Laws and Ethics
This class asks students to engage with the particular ethical challenges faced by touch therapists, using an emotional intelligence framework to encourage self-reflection and clarify boundaries. Students also learn about the laws that regulate the practice of massage in Oregon. There is a required textbook. Massage III and Introduction to Communication are prerequisites.
Massage I
In this course, students learn the history and principles of massage, exploring the practical application of basic strokes. Practitioner preparation and treatment procedures are introduced as anatomical terms and concepts are reinforced. Students must bring sheets to first class. There is a required textbook.
Massage II
This course continues to focus on basic Swedish strokes, but introduces their variations as well as the use of tools. Body rocking, joint range of motion and mobilization, and oppositional stretches are presented. Students deepen their knowledge of body mechanics, further sensitize their touch, and experiment with session design. Sheets required for first class. Massage I is a prerequisite.
Massage III
This course presents deep-tissue techniques, introducing various modalities for discussion, demonstration, and skills practice. Some non-Swedish techniques – like craniosacral therapy, reflexology, and Thai massage – are also explored. Massage II is a prerequisite.
Massage IV
This course presents new skills for client assessment, emphasizing the use of manual resisted muscle testing. The treatment and management of injuries is also explored, as students learn the mechanisms of injury, examine relevant anatomy, and apply techniques such as trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Students must bring sheets to first class. There are required textbooks. Massage II is a prerequisite.
Massage V
In this course, students begin to explore advanced connective tissue techniques, adding to their therapeutic “toolbox” and helping them create more integrative sessions and more well-rounded treatment plans. Students will further develop their evaluation, analysis, and intake skills as well. There is a required textbook. Massage III is a prerequisite.
Massage VI
In this final massage course, students develop their knowledge of specialty techniques, advance their intake and communication skills, and gain even greater confidence working with clients from special populations. Massage III is a prerequisite.
Professional Practices
This course presents various skills and strategies for managing a successful massage therapy career. Essential topics such as insurance billing, bookkeeping, taxes, and client retention are among those discussed. There is a required textbook. A/P/P II, Laws and Ethics, and Massage III are prerequisites.
Student Clinic & Community Outreach
In their final three terms (typically terms 4-6), three courses – Introduction to Community Massage, Introduction to Spa Massage, and Student Clinic – are designed to support students as they provide massage to the public, in a clinic or outreach setting. Massage Program instructors oversee student therapists; and students get feedback from these instructors as well as from the public they serve. This real-world experience often shapes students’ career goals.
This Recommended Course of Study offers a 6-term plan for completion.
For many students, the program may take longer to complete.
Are you interested in enrolling in Lane's Massage Program?
Contact Program Coordinator Kathy Calise at calisek@lanecc.edu or attend an Informational Meeting to learn more.
