Continuing Education Massage Therapy Courses

This three-semester program features classroom instruction, hands-on training and client service internships. To help you transition from student to practitioner, you will complete an internship in which you work directly with clients to provide massages.

Upon successful completion you should be ready to take the Massage and Bodyworks Licensing Exam (MBLEX) to become licensed to practice in the State of Texas. This program meets the requirements of individuals planning to take the MBLEX exam for state licensing put forth by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and presents material in business practices and ethics, anatomy and physiology, health and hygiene, chair massage, pathology, hydrotherapy, kinesiology, history of massage, body mechanics, massage techniques, and rehabilitative aspects of massage. Additionally, students will have a practice internship on proper massage protocol for various populations.

For admission to the Massage Therapy Program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age with a High School diploma or GED
  • Be physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially able to complete the program
  • Complete the healthcare requirements and background check and HIPAA Training, as stated on the website prior to registration
  • Register for fall classes
  • Be available during summer hours to complete internship

View the course details and semester layout below. 

REGISTER FOR CE COURSES

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO STUDENTS:

Additional supplies such as a massage table, sheets, towels, textbooks, massage oils, and linens must be purchased separately. Students are required to have these prior to internship. Background check and registration with the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) are an additional cost. Students must meet the healthcare program requirements listed on our website at least one week prior to class starting. This includes a criminal background check and HIPAA training, as well as immunizations. Please be advised that depending on your record, a criminal conviction may prevent you from licensure by the State of Texas for this program. If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with the program coordinator. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.

 

Fall: Semester 1 

Students Must Enroll in the Entire Fall Semester Block

The study of safety and sanitation practices including universal precautions. The importance of proper body mechanics, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, maintaining the massage environment, and the advantage of therapeutic relationships is also included.

Successful completer should be able to explain the need for universal precautions; develop a health and safety plan; exhibit proper personal hygiene; and demonstrate therapeutic interaction in various practice.

Students must enroll concurrently in MSSG 1009, MSSG 1011, MSSG 2013, MSSG 2014, and MSSG 1012 in the fall semester.

Course Resources
Course Healthcare Requirements 

Introduction to the theory and the application of skills necessary to perform basic massage skills. Students are taught to be able to demonstrate proficiency in the skills necessary to perform basic massage skills within the rules and regulations set by the regulatory agency.

Students must enroll concurrently in MSSG 1009, MSSG 1011, MSSG 2013, MSSG 2014 and MSSG 1012 for the Fall Semester Massage Therapy Training

Course Resources
Course Healthcare Requirements 

Applied study of human kinesiology. Muscle movements and dysfunctions will be discussed and palpated. Includes theory and practice of functional muscle testing. Describe aspects of movement in relation to structural kinesiology; palpate bony landmarks and major muscle attachments and describe their functions; and apply specific therapeutic approaches and assessment tools.

Students must enroll concurrently in MSSG 1009, MSSG 1011, MSSG 2013, MSSG 2014 and MSSG 1012 for the Fall Semester Massage Therapy Training.

Course Resources
Course Healthcare Requirements

General discussion of pathologies as they relate to massage therapy. Includes universal precautions and their management in professional practice. Also covers etiology, signs, symptoms, and the physiological and psychological reactions to disease and injury.

Students must enroll concurrently in MSSG 1009, MSSG 1011, MSSG 2013, MSSG 2014 and MSSG 1012 for the Fall Semester Massage Therapy Training.

Course Resources
Course Healthcare Requirements

Theory of reflexology including the importance of relaxation associated with the feet and hands, and the benefits of reflexology as a therapeutic intervention. Selected reflexology techniques are demonstrated and practiced. Students must enroll concurrently in MSSG 1009, MSSG 1011, MSSG 2013, MSSG 2014 and MSSG 1012 for the Fall Semester Massage Therapy Training.

Course Resources
Course Healthcare Requirements 

 

Spring: Semester 2 

Students Must Enroll in the Entire Fall Semester Block

The successful student is taught how to refine previously learned techniques; investigate treatment protocols utilizing proven, outcome-based techniques; perform thorough client assessments; create treatment plans using carefully selected techniques for the given pathology; and implement supplementary care as prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional.

Students must register for all four courses in the Spring Semester: MSSG-2011, MSSG-1013, MSSG-1005, and MSSG-1005.

Course Pre-requisites
(required) Massage Health and Hygiene
(required) Massage Therapy Fundamentals I
(required) Kinesiology for Massage
(required) Pathology for Massage
(required) Reflexology-Chair Massage

The successful student is taught to identify the anatomical structure of the human body; explain the relationship of the structure of the body to the practice of massage therapy; describe the processes, mechanisms, and functions of whole-body systems; and explain the effects of massage therapy on the physiological functions of the human body. Students must register for all four courses in the Spring Semester: MSSG-2011, MSSG-1013, MSSG-1005, and MSSG-1005.

Course Pre-requisites
(required) Massage Health and Hygiene
(required) Massage Therapy Fundamentals I
(required) Kinesiology for Massage
(required) Pathology for Massage
(required) Reflexology-Chair Massage

Course Resources
Course Healthcare Requirements 

This course examines the use of accepted hydrotherapy and holistic healthcare modalities of external application of temperature for its reflexive effect. Successful completers should be able to explain and demonstrate the proper use of hydrotherapy; perform therapeutic modalities; identify indications and contraindications; apply safety precautions; and evaluate the effects of the application.

Course Pre-requisites
(required) Pathology for Massage
(required) Reflexology-Chair Massage
(required) Massage Health and Hygiene
(required) Massage Therapy Fundamentals I
(required) Kinesiology for Massage

The study of physical and financial office practices and marketing. Includes ethical practices for massage therapists as established by law or regulatory agency. Successful completer should be able to identify laws and regulations directly related to the ethical and legal practice of massage therapy; and relate physical, financial, health, and business requirements to various practice settings

Course Pre-requisites
(required) Pathology for Massage
(required) Reflexology-Chair Massage
(required) Massage Health and Hygiene
(required) Massage Therapy Fundamentals I
(required) Kinesiology for Massage

 

Summer: Semester 3 - Massage Therapy Internship 

Students Must Enroll in At Least One Internship

Internship June 

MSSG 2086

Days: Varied | Times: Varied 

 

Internship July

MSSG 2086

Days: Varied | Times: Varied 

 

Optional:

MBLEX Review & Make Up Hours 

MSSG 1091

Days: Varied | Times: Varied

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Prereqs: Health Care Program Requirements

Registrations must be completed 1 week prior to classes starting. Students can register online or in- person.

About Our Payment Plans:

Galveston College offers you the ability to pay for courses over time with a payment plan.  This is done with a partnership with NELNET.  The payment plan itself called FACTS.  Information about this plan can be found in the GC Whitecaps Portal. This is not a loan program. You have no debt, there are no interest or finance charges assessed, and there is no credit check. The cost to budget your interest-free monthly payment plan is a $30 per term nonrefundable FACTS Enrollment Fee.  You may budget in the following ways:

  1. Automatic Bank Payment (ACH)—ACH payments authorized FACTS to process directly with your financial institution. It is simply a bank-to-bank transfer of funds that you have pre-approved for your expenses at Galveston College. Payments may be made from either your checking or savings account. Payments are processed on the 5th of each month and will continue until the balance is paid in full.
  2. Credit Card Option—Paying with your credit card gives you the option of taking advantage of any bonus programs that may be offered by your credit card company. Your monthly payment will be automatically charged to the credit card you designate. Payments will be charged on the 5th of each month until the balance is paid in full

Eligibility:

Students must have a balance greater than $500 and be enrolled in one of the programs listed below. The following CE programs/course(s) are eligible for a payment plan: 

Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy, EKG, Patient Care Tech, Medical Assisting, Massage Therapy, Eyelash Applicator, Diesel Engine Testing & Repair, Automotive AC, Pipefitting, Computer Desktop Support, Cisco courses, Credit overlays.  

How to sign up a payment plan

  1. To set up a payment plan you must first be registered in a course. Upon registration you should be sent an automatic email with your password to the portal. If you do not get this, please contact the help desk or visit the service center in room R-120.
  2. You must have 50% of your course balance + a $30 non-fundable enrollment fee to make up your deposit
  3. Login to Whitecaps Portal (see attachment for how to Log into Whitecaps Portal)
  • Click on the Quick Link Labeled “FACTS payment plan
  • Select proceed to processor
  • Follow the prompts to complete agreement

 

Enrollment Periods:

Enrollment periods will affect the # of payments you are eligible for.  The enrollment period for CE courses is on a quarter basis.  If you have questions about enrollment dates do not hesitate to contact us. The dates listed below are general range dates and are impacted by which business day the dates fall on.  If a date falls on a weekend the cut off will be the next business day.

Missed payments:  Should you have insufficient funds when your account is drafted, FACTS/Nelnet will make a 2nd attempt to draft your account the following week. You will be accessed a late fee for each insufficient draft. This returned payment fee will be deducted from the account you have provided.

IMPORTANT PHONE #’S

FACTS/Nelnet 1-800-609-8056

HELP DESK  409-944-1352

GC Business office 409-944-1362

Continuing Education 409-944-1344

ALL COURSES MUST BE PAID FOR IN FULL UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.  STUDENTS WHO HAVE BALANCES OR NON-PAYMENT UPON THE END OF A COURSE WILL NOT BE GIVEN CREDIT FOR THE COURSE THEY HAVE TAKEN, AND WILL NOT BE APPROVED FOR ANY EXAMS, OR HAVE CERTIFICATIONS ISSUED.  A HOLD WILL BE PLACED ON THE STUDENT ACCOUNT.

 

The Whitecaps Portal can be accessed from any page on the Galveston College Website. It is located in the Whitecaps Toolbox on the top right of each page. In order to log in, you will need a username and password. Your username is GC plus your seven-digit student ID number and your initial password was sent to you in a separate email.

(See examples below)

Username:

Your username is GC plus your seven-digit student ID number (Example: GC0123456)

Password:

Your password can be obtained by contacting our IT helpdesk at [email protected] or call 409-944-1352.

Senior Discounts:

Classes listed with an “*” are eligible for a 50% senior discount for those over the age of 65 and who live on Galveston Island.  Call the CE office at 409-944-1344 to receive a Senior Discount Code to apply at registration.

Class Cancellations, Room Changes, and Rescheduling:

Courses with low enrollment prior to a start date are canceled prior to the start date. Students will be notified by phone or email when a class they are enrolled in has been canceled; however, we are sometimes unable to reach everyone. A refund of 100% is automatically processed upon cancellation of classes. Please allow up to 2 weeks for your refund to be processed.

To help avoid cancellations please register and pay AT LEAST A WEEK PRIOR TO THE START DATE, and encourage your friends to register with you. Occasionally, canceled courses are rescheduled for a later start date, and you will be notified by phone when the opportunity presents itself. In the event of a classroom change notice of the room change will be posted on the Continuing Education doors and the classroom that was originally listed.

Refunds:

Cancellations or withdrawals made at least 1 business day prior to the start of class will be 100%. Refund requests should be made in person or by phone to 409-944-1344. Refund requests must be received during normal business hours and at least one business day prior to the start date of the class. When a class is canceled you will automatically be refunded the full course amount. There are NO REFUNDS GIVEN AFTER A COURSE HAS BEGUN. There are NO REFUNDS for ED2GO online courses.

Smoke-Free Campus:

Galveston College is a smoke-free campus. Smoking (including e-cigs) is strictly prohibited in all buildings on the campus grounds and parking areas.

Classroom Conduct:

Students are expected to conduct themselves in the classroom and/or laboratory in a manner that is conducive to good academic progress. Failure to comply with the lawful direction of a faculty member, teaching assistant or instructor may be a disruption for all students enrolled in the class. Disruptive conduct is considered a serious offense. Faculty reserve the right to remove a student from a class for just cause. Students removed may be referred to the VP of Student Services for disciplinary action.

Cell Phone Use:

Cell phone use is strictly prohibited during all class/lab sessions. In an emergency, please step outside to avoid disruption.

FERPA:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), was established to protect the privacy rights of all students. FERPA specifies the types of student information which can be released to the public without a student’s expressed consent and specifies the persons and agencies that may receive other information, which according the FERPA, a college may release to the public without a student’s permission and is referred to as “Directory Information.” The information included in the FERPA definition includes name, address, telephone, date and place of birth, degrees earned, date, major, and field of study, academic classification, dates of attendance, number of semester hours in progress and attained to date, previous high school and college attended, and weight and height of members of athletic teams. Students may request that Galveston College withhold their directory information from the general public. To do so, students must fill out the appropriate form with the Admissions Office.

Record of Completion and CEU’s:

Nationally recognized CEU’s may be awarded on certain approved occupation-related courses. One CEU is awarded for every 10 contact hours. Most courses are given a Certificate of Completion. It is up to the individual student to see if these courses are eligible for CEU’s.

Request for Records and Replacement Certificates:

CE records are only kept for 2 years, digital copies may be available if needed. Please fill out a record’s request form and allow up to 2 weeks for it to be processed. Reprints of certificates cost $10 and can only be done if a digital copy is on file.

Questions? Contact Us.

Continuing Education Department

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

M-142


Visit CE Register
[email protected]
409-944-1344