Massage Therapy Program FAQ

How much is tuition for the massage program?
Tuition is paid per credit hour, per semester. The full cost of the program will be different for students who transfer courses from other academic institutions, as well as for in-state and out-of-state students. Click here for information about QCC tuition. In addition to tuition, students will be required to purchase textbooks, massage uniforms, and pay required college fees.

Can I complete the program in less than two years?
No. The program takes a minimum of two years to complete. Courses are sequenced in order beginning in the fall semester.

Do you accept part-time students?
Yes. But students who enroll part-time will need 3-4 years to complete the massage therapy degree. The amount of time in the program will vary depending on the number of courses a student is able to take each semester.

Does the QCC Massage Therapy Program offer evening classes?
Yes. However, some evening classes start as early as 5:00pm

I need to be finished with school by 3:00. Can I enroll in the morning program?
No. There is no morning program. Depending on the class, some day classes can start as early as 8:00am, other classes may end as late as 6:00pm.

If I want to register for day and evening classes is that possible?
Yes. Scheduling is flexible. Classes are offered in the morning, afternoon, and evenings and some courses are scheduled for Saturdays. Students can register for any courses that are open as long as they meet the requirements to enroll in those classes.

Are there massage classes during the winter and summer terms?
No. There are no massage classes during the winter term and summer terms. Part-time students who wish to take general education classes, or begin remedial courses can take them during the winter and summer terms.

Can I transfer to the QCC massage therapy program from another massage school?
Maybe. It depends on the accreditation of your previous school. For massage programs like those in the State University of New York system, that are academically accredited, some courses may transfer. If your previous massage school was a vocational or trade school, transfer credits may not be accepted at QCC.

I just want to be a massage therapist. I am not interested in science. Can I just take massage courses without all the science?
No. New York State has strict education requirements for massage. Therefore, we cannot enroll non-degree students in our massage courses. For information about becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist, click here for the New York State Massage Website.

I do not have a strong science background. If I want to take the massage courses first and A&P, myology, kinesiology, and neurophysiology courses later, is that an option?
No. These courses are pre- or co-requisite courses. The science courses in the QCC massage program curriculum provide the foundation for the Western massage courses. These classes must be completed or taken simultaneously with Western massage.

As a yoga therapist, personal trainer, Pilates instructor I am interested in learning massage techniques to perform on my clients. Can I do that at QCC?
No. Massage courses are only open to massage majors. New York State requires a license to practice massage and the law has strict requirements regarding the practice of massage. While some professions are exempt from licensure, yoga therapists, personal trainers, Pilates, and other fitness instructors are not. For information about New York State Massage Regulations, click here.

I want to be a nurse, physical therapist, medical doctor, or chiropractor. Does the massage therapy program satisfy pre-med requirements?
No. The massage therapy curriculum is a professional program that complies with New York state Dept of Education legislation and regulations for massage therapy licensure. It is not a pre-med or pre-nursing curriculum. Requirements for other professions vary. Some courses may transfer. However, some students want to become Licensed Massage Therapists before pursuing other degrees. Massage therapy offers a flexible career for students to pursue other degrees and interests after they are licensed.

I am a licensed or certified massage therapist in another state. How can QCC help me get my New York State massage license?
The New York State Office of the Professions should be your first point of contact. They have an informative website that will be able to answer your questions.

I plan to enroll in the QCC massage program. Where can I take First Aid and CPR?
The QCC Department of Health, Physical Education and Dance offers CPR courses. CPR can also be taken QCC continuing education, as well as the American Heart Association. CPR and First Aid courses are also offered at area hospitals, as well as the American Red Cross, and by the National Safety Council.

Do your massage students perform internships and clinical rotations? We would like to get a massage therapy student to work as an unpaid intern at our salon/spa/medical clinic. Who do we contact?
New York State Massage Therapy regulations require all Massage Therapy students to be supervised by faculty associated with the students' school. QCC offers clinical experiences that are integral to the program's courses.

Can my chiropractic/dermatology/medical office hire a recent massage therapy graduate who does not have a license?
No, unless the recent graduate has obtained a limited permit to practice massage under the supervision of a New York state licensed massage therapist. Click here for Article 155 of the New York State Education law for massage.

Are QCC massage program graduates eligible to take the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board's MBLex?
Yes. Our massage program meets the requirements for NCBTMB and FSMTB exam eligibility. These exams are accepted for licensure in many states, but they are not accepted in New York, which administers its own Board Exam. For students who want to obtain an academically-accredited massage degree but want eventually to practice massage in another state, the QCC massage program may be an option.