Study Massage Therapy 

At Blue Cliff College Arkansas

The intention of the staff and faculty of Blue Cliff College is rooted in the very name itself. “Blue Cliff” is taken from an ancient Zen text, “Blue Cliff Records”, containing dialogues between Zen Masters and their students. “Blue Cliff” has come to symbolize the role of the teacher in bringing personal knowledge and insight to a student, while simultaneously kindling the flame of his or her personal development and personal awareness.

"Commitment... Competency... Career..."

A diploma in massage therapy is offered at these Blue Cliff College campuses:  Alexandria, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, and Shreveport, LA and also in Fayetteville, AR and Gulfport, MS.

An Associate of Occupational Studies degree in massage therapy is offered at Lafayette, Metairie and Shreveport, LA and in Gulfport, MS.

What is Massage Therapy

Massage is the manipulation of soft tissue, connective tissue, and the balancing of body energy for the purpose of maintaining good health and good physical condition.

Massage Therapy is both a science and an art form. As a science, Massage Therapy increases body awareness, corrects system imbalances, assists in relaxation, reduces stress, increases vitality and promotes a sense of well-being. As an art form, Massage Therapy facilitates a positive exchange of mental, emotional, and spiritual energies which promotes holistic healing.

A Career in Massage Therapy

Employment for massage therapists is expected to increase faster than average over the period from 2004 to 2014 as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy.  In States that regulate massage therapy, therapists who complete formal training programs and pass the national certification exam are likely to have very good job opportunities.
(Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

BENEFITS OF YOUR CAREER IN MASSAGE:

Massage Therapy Diploma

The Massage Therapy Diploma program provides a foundation in anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology which form the basis for training in specific massage techniques. Hands-on techniques include Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage, Basic Shiatsu, and Supervised Clinical Practice. The diploma program prepares the student for entry level positions in the massage therapy industry.

Our graduates pursue a variety of jobs including private practice, athletic team massage therapist, massage therapist in a hospital, athletic club massage therapist, on-site massage therapist, massage therapist in a hair salon and/or spa assistant to physical therapists or chiropractors, and massage therapist on cruise ships.

Successful completion of this diploma program qualifies the graduate for massage therapy licensure or registry in both Louisiana and Mississippi and provides eligibility to sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examination. Both states require fewer than the total contact hours included in the diploma program. Blue Cliff College offers day and night schedules to accommodate almost any lifestyle or work routine. The normal completion time for the day program is nine (9) months, and, for the evening program, fifteen (15) months. Class schedules are provided as an addendum to this catalog (see “Greeting” letter). The diploma program requires the completion of 53 quarter credits. A Diploma will be awarded upon successful completion of the program.

Contact us today for more information about our Massage Therapy program.

Associates in Occupational Studies Degree Massage Therapy

The Associate in Occupational Studies Degree in Massage Therapy program expands the training provided in the diploma program. Courses in the associate degree program broaden the scope of massage technique training provided and adds courses in general education to provide a well rounded massage therapist trained in management and communication. The associate degree program prepares the student for entry level positions in the massage therapy industry and provides additional training for future spa managers and business owners.

Our graduates pursue a variety of jobs including private practice, athletic team massage therapist, massage therapist in a hospital, athletic club massage therapist, on-site massage therapist, massage therapist in a hair salon and/or assistant to physical therapists or chiropractors, and massage therapist on cruise ships. The normal completion time for the day program is eighteen (18) months, and, for the evening program, twenty-seven (27) months. Graduates from the Associate in Occupational Studies Degree in Massage Therapy must complete and earn a total of 96 quarter credits including credits earned in a diploma program and will be awarded an Associate in Occupational Studies Degree in Massage Therapy. At a minimum, the final 25% of the required 96 quarter credits must be completed at Blue Cliff College.

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