The curriculum of the Massage Therapy Certification Program involves 500 contact hours spread over 3 10-week modules. Classes designated “On Site” meet at the National College of Naprapathic Medicine. “Online” courses are accessed via the NCNM website.

Instructional time is distributed as follows:

Course

Class
Type

Credit
Hours

Contact
Hours

Orientation

Introduction to program
Explanation of curriculum
Tutorial in online learning, course maintenance, and
communication methods
Scheduling of on-campus instruction
Registration

On Site

1

5

Module 1

Anatomy and Physiology I

Anatomy
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Connective Tissue
Nervous System
Digestive System
Physiology
Digestion
Circulation
Respiration

Online

8

80

Massage I

Historic Overview
Physiologic Effects of Massage on Tissues
Massage Manipulations
Draping Techniques
Application of Swedish Massage for:
- Torso
- Lower Extremity
- Upper Extremity
- Neck and Head
Sequencing and Patterns for General Massage
Applications of Swedish General Body Massage

On Site

7

70

Professional Development I

Medical Terminology
Record Keeping

Online

2

20

Introduction to Nutrition

Food as fuel
Proteins, Fats and Carbohydrates
Types of Diets
Vitamins
Minerals

Online

2

20

Module 2

Anatomy and Physiology II

Causes of Pain
Inflammation
Hyperextension
Muscle Fatigue
Muscle Injuries
Connective Tissue Disorders

Online

8

80

Massage II

Introduction to Assessment
Muscular Conditions of:
- Low Back
- Upper Back and Neck
- Lower Extremity
- Upper Extremity
Application of Modalities
Application of Partial Massage
Medical Massage
Principles of Lymphatic Drainage
Deep Tissue Techniques
Trigger Point Application
Introduction to Wellness Concepts

On Site

7

70

Professional Development II

Hygiene and Healthcare Issues
Professionalism
Ethics

Online

2

20

Module 3

Massage III

Introduction to Cranio-sacral Technique
Introduction to Neuromuscular Technique
Chair Massage
Geriatric Massage
Prenatal Massage
Reflexology
Oriental Approaches to Massage
Introduction to Sports Massage

On Site

7

70

Kinesiology

Kinematics
Biomechanics
Gait analysis
Principles of Exercise

Online

4

40

Pathology

Introduction to pathology
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Traumatic injuries
Repetitive motion injuries

Online

4

40

Professional Development III

Professional Communication
Standards of Practice
Scope of Practice
Confidentiality
Therapeutic Relationship

Online

2

20

Totals:

54

535