Massage Therapy FAQ | Hagerstown Community College
close video

Hagerstown Community College

Massage Therapy FAQ

Massage Therapy FAQ

Massage Therapy FAQ

What is the Massage Therapy Program?

The Massage Therapy Program at HCC provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive as professional massage therapists. Students learn the evidence-based methods and approaches that are most effective, as well as anatomy and physiology, so they can understand the impact massage can have on the body’s various systems. Students also learn soft skills, such as interviewing, assessment, and body mechanics so they can be successful in their career and stand out as highly effective massage therapists. An emphasis is placed on preparing for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam.

What does a massage therapist do?

  • Work hands-on with clients to enhance their overall health and wellbeing
  • Enhance performance and strength by facilitating muscle recovery
  • Relieve pain by releasing shortened, chronically contracted muscles and freeing entrapped nerves
  • Improve mobility by reducing adhesions and restrictions in a client’s connective tissue
  • Educate clients about posture and usage patterns that may negatively impact their health
  • Support clients in reducing their stress and anxiety levels
  • Keep accurate client records detailing their treatment plans and the results obtained through massage
     

Where do massage therapists work?

  • Spas and salons
  • Athletic Teams
  • Wellness centers
  • Casinos
  • Hospitals
  • Concert Venues
  • Chiropractor Offices
  • Schools
  • Physical Therapy Offices
  • Acupuncture Clinics
  • Resorts
  • Retreat Centers
  • Cruise Ships
  • Private Practice
     

Why should I choose HCC’s Massage Therapy Program?

  • Our massage therapy instructors all have extensive real-world experience and are subject matter experts.
  • Students receive training in all aspects of massage therapy that goes beyond the minimum requirements for licensure.
  • Students get hands-on experience in a supervised massage clinic where they gain professional experience while still in school.
     

How long is the program?

  • Duration: Approximately eleven months.
  • Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 5.5 hours per day. (2.5-hour classes with a half hour break between.)
     

What are the courses that are required?

  • Massage Therapy Theory I (HCE-207)
  • Massage Therapy Theory II (HCE-211)
  • Massage Therapy Theory III (HCE-214)
  • Massage Therapy Hands-on Practice I (HCE-208)
  • Massage Therapy Hands-on Practice II (HCE-212)
  • Massage Therapy Hands-on Practice III (HCE-215)
  • Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology for Massage Therapists (HCE-209)
  • Professionalism, Ethics, and Jurisprudence in Massage Therapy (HCE-210)
  • Clinical Assessment & Documentation for Massage Therapists (HCE-216)
  • Pathology & Contraindications of Massage Therapy (HCE-213)
  • Massage Therapy Supervised Clinical Experience Practicum (HCE-217)

Are there any additional fees?

Additional fees include books, physical exam, immunization/records, drug screen, background checks, scrubs, closed toe shoes, etc.

How do I sign up?

  • Our next start date is January 11, 2027. Apply to the Massage Therapy Program at Hagerstown Community College.
  • Applying will put you on our email list for important updates and will reserve your place in line, as we take applicants on a first-come-first served basis.
     

What documents do I need to upload for the application?

Applicants need to upload a driver’s license and proof of legal residency in U.S. (birth certificate or passport, visa, etc.)

What does the scholarship cover?

Scholarships may be available to help offset the costs of the program. All awards are on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the limited nature of funds, you MUST begin the application process as soon as possible for the best chance of an award.

What happens after I complete the application process?

WSCE staff will then register you for Foundations of Healthcare Careers, in addition to the classes in the Massage Therapy Program. If you have more questions about registering for classes, email ceregister@hagerstowncc.edu or call 240-500-2565.

How do I obtain a Massage Therapy license?

To apply for licensure in the state of Maryland, the applicant must have:

  • Passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx): https://fsmtb.org/examination/
  • Passed the MD State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners Jurisprudence Examination: health.maryland.gov/massage/Pages/exam.aspx
  • Graduated with at least 750 hours of education in a Board-approved program for the study of massage therapy.
  • A current certification in CPR
     

HCC’s Massage Therapy Program meets all of these requirements and prepares the student to successfully pass both the MD jurisprudence exam and the MBLEx.