Career Pathways for Massage Therapy

MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The benefits of alternative and complementary forms of health care are on the rise and the demand for professional massage therapy has increased dramatically. COCC is preparing students to be massage therapy professionals who can work with health care providers to improve the health of the community.

Licensed massage therapists work with doctors, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists, chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, sport teams, veterinarians and wellness programs within corporate businesses. They may choose to have a private practice or be employed at hospitals, athletic clubs, family health centers, and/or on cruise ships, vacation resorts, spas and salons.

The COCC Massage Therapy program offers both a one- and two-year certificate. The one-year certificate requires 740 hours (four terms) of instruction and qualifies the student to apply for Oregon State massage therapy licensing as an entry-level therapist. The two-year certificate requires an additional 410 hours of massage and business course instruction. The degree program includes both the one- and two-year program classes with the addition of general education classes specified. The AAS degree in massage therapy and the certificate programs have been approved by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists, Oregon Department of Education and accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

WHAT IS A CAREER PATHWAY?
A career pathway is a series of connected educational programs, with integrated work experience, on-the-job training, and support services, that enables students to combine school and work and advance over time to better jobs and higher levels of education and training. Career pathways target jobs of importance to local economies. They are designed to create educational "stepping stones" for advancement of workers and jobs seekers, particularly those stuck in low-wage jobs, and a supply of qualified workers for employers. As such, career pathways help to ensure that investment in education and training pays off in enhanced economic development. - From Davis Jenkins, University of Illinois at Chicago

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Regional Employment Projections from OLMIS (Oregon Labor Market Information System) indicate that Massage Therapy related occupations are expected to grow at a slightly higher rate than the statewide average.

GET STARTED 
Click to view the COCC Massage Therapy Career PathwaysRoadmap.

CERTIFICATE BRIEFS
Click to view information for 1 and 2 Year Massage TherapyCertificates and the Massage Therapy AAS Degree.