HA-100: Foundations of Therapeutic Massage
Course Information
Course, prefix, number, & title: HA-100 Foundations of Therapeutic Massage
Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3
Credits: 3
Pre-requisites (if any): Students must complete any developmental requirements in English (see Proficiency in Math and English) prior to taking this course. Open to Massage Therapy majors only
Co-requisites (if any): None
Course Description in college catalog:
An introduction to the massage therapy profession. Topics will include: the history and role of massage therapy in health and illness, different styles of bodywork, ethics and professionalism, research literacy, and self-care practice. Note: This is not a hands-on course.
Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:
Course-specific student learning outcomes:
At the end of this course, students will demonstrate knowledge regarding: the history of massage therapy; the role of massage therapy in contemporary health care, and personal qualities, characteristics, and behaviors needed to practice professional massage therapy.
Students will be able to:
- Define and explain the process and requirements for becoming a licensed professional massage therapist in New York State.
- Demonstrate understanding of boundaries, ethics, and communication skills, and professional demeanor as they relate to the practice of therapeutic massage and bodywork, including the legal requirements and ethical expectations specific to New York State licensure.
- Describe the importance of research in the process of making Massage Therapy an evidence-based, and more widely recognized practice, and identify major sources of published information about the massage profession, techniques and treatment modalities, and research results.
- Compare and contrast Western and Eastern perspectives on healing, their histories, and their distinctive practices.
- Incorporate self-care practices that support centered bodywork.
- Define and explain the essentials of various bodywork methods.
Program-specific outcomes
Demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the art and science of massage therapy, within a holistic health framework
Demonstrate understanding of professional issues, including legal and ethical concern, business practices and the importance of continuing education throughout the career
Prepare for application for licensure in New York State.
Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:
Methods of Instruction:
- Lecture and discussion
- Reading and writing assignments
- Student participation and presentations
- Group discussion
- Role play
- Somatic movement and medication exercises
Methods of Assessment:
| Assessment Item | % Of Final Grade |
|---|---|
| Low Stake Writings, HW, Quizzes, Class Participation | 20% |
| Midterm | 20% |
| Research Paper | 20% |
| Research Presentation | 20% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window.
Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.
