Associates Degree

Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Massage Therapy
BCMT is one of the first massage therapy colleges in the nation to offer a program leading to an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Massage Therapy. This postgraduate training allows students to choose a focused track of specialization, mastering techniques which are immediately applicable and beneficial to their clients. Instruction is by BCMT's most experienced and accomplished educators.

Students explore advanced concepts in human anatomy and physiology, including neurophysiology and neuroanatomy, medical massage, and other topics not covered in the 1000-Hour Massage Therapy Certificate Program. Advanced bodywork techniques, with application to specific special populations, will be emphasized during the practical portion of the symposium courses.

Program Format
The Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Massage Therapy program is designed in a six-month, part-time format. Classes meet Monday & Wednesday, 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Non-BCMT Graduates: In accordance with ACCSCT regulations, non-BCMT graduates are required to take 104 hours of additional coursework which is offered on weekends [ download application ]. The estimated program length is nine months, and program cost is $5,252.

Core Curriculum
Medical Massage - In this course, the study of advanced pathophysiology and critical thinking skills is combined with specific practical hands-on techniques. Students learn treatment methods specifically geared toward clients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and post-surgical conditions.

Trauma and the Body - This course introduces the major concepts of post traumatic stress, and outlines the benefits of massage therapy to survivors of trauma. Students learn techniques that can help restore a sense of balance in the nervous system as well as foster reconnection for survivors who often experience intense physical reactions, memories, and a sense of disconnectedness from their body.

Craniosacral Therapy - Students will learn the fundamental skills that serve as the foundation of craniosacral therapy, including an introduction to the core anatomical and physiological relationships of the Craniosacral system: the fluctuation of cerebrospinal fluid, body articulations, reciprocal tension membranes, dural tube and spinal cord dynamics, and the motillity of the central nervous system.

Electives
In addition to the core curriculum, students select 120 hours of weekend modules from the Advanced Certificate Program courses. These courses are scheduled Friday-Sunday, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm, and must be completed within nine months of the program start date.

Students choose 120 hours from the following:

The Art of Zen
- Foundational Techniques and Theory: Prone Position
- Foundational Techniques and Theory: Supine Position
- Masunaga's Meridian Extensions in the Leg
- Masunaga's Meridian Extensions in the Arm
- Hara Assessment: The Expression from Within
- Exploring the Body in Side Position

Canine Massage
- Fundamental Techniques and Theories of Canine Massage
- Pathologies and Clinical Application of Canine Massage
- Expanding Canine Massage Knowledge Through Acupressure

Orthopedic and Sports Massage
- Core Techniques and Foundations of Orthopedic and Sports Massage
- Massage Therapy Management of Inflammation: The Acute Phase Through Rehabilitation
- Neurovascular Compression Syndromes of the Upper and Lower Exremities
- Sports Injuries and Dysfunctions of the Cervical Spine and Upper Extremity: Including Frozen Shoulder, Headache, and TMJ Dysfunction
- Sports Injuries and Dysfunction of the Lower Extremity and Lumbar Spine

Prenatal, Labor, Postpartum Massage Therapy
- Massage for Healthy Pregnancies
- Massage for New Mothers
- Creative Support for Laboring Women
- Advanced Techniques

Spa Elements
- Hydrotherapy
- Stone Massage
- Aromatherapy and Herbal Applications
- Body Masques

Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Massage Therapy Admissions Information
For more information about the program contact our admissions department at admissions@bcmt.org. Visit our frequently asked questions for more information