Massage Therapy Information

Interested in Massage Therapy as a Career?

Central Oregon Community College offers a two-year degree... an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Massage Therapy! COCC is the only college in Oregon that offers this degree in massage therapy and one of the few nationwide.

As the benefits of alternative and complementary forms of health care are recognized, demand for professional massage therapy has increased. COCC is preparing students to be massage therapy professionals who will work with health care providers to improve the health of the community.

Be the Best  - Central Oregon Community College is one of only a handful of colleges nationwide offering an associate of applied science degree program in massage therapy. The rise in holistic medicine, skyrocketing health care costs and the credibility of manual medicine are providing a variety of career opportunities for massage therapists. A two-year certificate or an associate's degree will provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Location - The College's main campus is located on the western edge of Bend, a city known for its natural beauty and its proximity to diverse recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, snowboarding, skiing, fishing, hunting, and much more all within a 45 minute drive to their locations.

The 193-acre Bend campus offers quiet, peaceful surroundings for study and reflection. On the western slope of Awbrey Butte, students have a spectacular view of the Oregon Cascade mountain range from nearly every point on the grounds.

Education Options

Certificate Program - The COCC Massage Therapy Program offers both one-year and two-year certificates.

The one-year certificate requires hours 790 (four terms) of instruction and qualifies students for state licensing exams. The participants are prepared for entry level massage therapy .

The two-year certificate requires an additional hours of instruction and qualifies the practitioner to treat soft-tissue dysfunctions, work in a spa, PT office, hospital setting, or begin a private practice.

Degree Program - To meet the demand for extensively trained massage therapists, COCC offers an associate's degree of applied science degree program in massage therapy. This two-year degree prepares students for additional opportunities and advancement in massage therapy careers. Course hours earned in the certificate program can be applied to degree program requirements.

COCC is the only school in the state that offers a degree in massage therapy!

Continuing Education Workshops - All of our second year and degree classes qualify as CE hours and can be applied toward your LMT licensing requirements for CE hours!

There is also classes offered through the CE department. Enrollment is limited to ensure quality education, so early registration will guarantee a space in class. Registration deadlines are due one week before classes begin, unless otherwise noted. Registration will be accepted only with payment.