Course Descriptions
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please do not purchase textbooks or materials prior to enrollment approval. These items update often.
TM101 Integrative Medicine and Health Consumerism
Required Materials: Consumer Health and Integrative Medicine, Third Edition
Linda Baily Synovitz, RN, PhD, CHES; Karl L. Larson, PhD, MCHES
ISBN 9781284298512
Consumer Health and Integrative Medicine: A Holistic View of Alternative Medicine Systems and Complementary Health Care expands upon the many alternative modalities that other consumer health texts overlook. It includes chapters on major alternative medicine systems and healing modalities, including Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathic and homeopathic medicine, mind-body interventions, energy therapies, botanicals, aromatherapy and essential oils, and manipulative and body-based therapies. The author’s mission is to help readers increase their knowledge base and become informed consumers.
TM102 Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage
Required Materials: Massage Therapy, 7th Edition
Susan G. Salvo, EdD, LMT, BCTMB
ISBN 9780323881333
This course provides foundational instruction in theory, history, and supervised practice of therapeutic massage. Content includes the historical development of therapeutic massage from traditional healing systems to modern professional practice. Students examine Western theoretical principles in anatomy, physiology, and soft-tissue function, alongside Eastern theoretical concepts that emphasize balance, energy systems, and holistic approaches to health.
Professional therapeutic massage and healthcare terminology are introduced and applied in academic and clinical contexts. The course emphasizes the integration of theory with hands‑on skill development through structured laboratory experiences. Students practice foundational therapeutic massage techniques, proper body mechanics, client positioning, draping, and treatment sequencing in a supervised setting.
Instruction supports the development of safe, ethical, and effective therapeutic massage practices consistent with entry‑level professional standards and applicable state regulatory requirements.
AP101 Anatomy and Physiology I
Required Materials: Massage Therapy, 7th Edition
Susan G. Salvo, EdD, LMT, BCTMB
ISBN 9780323881333
This course provides foundational instruction in human anatomy and physiology, with an emphasis on the body systems most relevant to therapeutic massage practice. Students develop an understanding of anatomical terminology, organizational levels of the human body, and the principles of homeostasis as they relate to health, function, and adaptation.
Course content focuses on the structure and physiological function of cells and tissues, followed by an integrated study of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. The instruction examines the interrelationships among these systems and their roles in movement, support, communication, and circulation. Emphasis is placed on musculoskeletal and neuromuscular components to support safe and effective therapeutic massage applications.
Professional healthcare terminology is introduced and applied in academic contexts to support clear communication and clinical comprehension. Instruction aligns with COMTA educational standards and applicable state regulatory requirements, reinforcing the role of knowledge of anatomy and physiology in ethical decision-making, client safety, and scope of practice. Successful completion of this course prepares students for continued study in Anatomy and Physiology II and for informed application of anatomical principles in therapeutic massage coursework and clinical settings.
TM103 Pathology
Required Materials: Mosby's Pathology for Massage Professionals
Susan G. Salvo, EdD, LMT, BCTMB
ISBN 9780323765251
This course provides foundational instruction in pathology as it relates to therapeutic massage practice. Students examine common diseases, disorders, and conditions affecting body systems, with emphasis on understanding etiology, signs and symptoms, progression, and functional impact relevant to massage therapy. Instruction focuses on recognizing normal versus abnormal conditions to support safe, ethical, and informed client care.
Course content includes an overview of inflammatory processes, immune responses, infections, degenerative conditions, and systemic disorders. Students study pathology affecting the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and lymphatic systems, with attention to how pathological changes may influence massage indications, contraindications, and necessary treatment modifications.
Professional healthcare terminology is introduced and applied in academic contexts to support clear communication and accurate clinical documentation. Instruction emphasizes risk assessment, scope of practice, and appropriate referral, aligning with COMTA educational standards. Successful completion of this course prepares students to apply knowledge of pathology in clinical decision‑making and to integrate safety considerations into therapeutic massage coursework and supervised clinical practice.
TM105 Applied Skills
Required Materials: Massage Therapy, 7th Edition
Susan G. Salvo, EdD, LMT, BCTMB
ISBN 9780323881333
Minimum 4 sets of sheets
Two blankets
School uniform (scrubs)
Personal nail kit
Applied Skills provides supervised, hands‑on instruction in the manual techniques of therapeutic massage consistent with entry‑level professional practice. Students develop competency in performing a full‑body therapeutic massage protocol through structured laboratory experiences that integrate theory, anatomy, pathology, and professional standards of care.
Instruction emphasizes the practical application of therapeutic massage techniques using accepted industry and medical terminology. Students practice assessment‑informed session planning, client positioning, draping, body mechanics, and treatment sequencing within a controlled instructional setting. Particular emphasis is placed on proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and movement efficiency to promote therapist safety, reduced risk of injury, and support long‑term professional sustainability.
Course activities reinforce ethical practice, communication skills, and clinical decision‑making within the massage therapist’s scope of practice. Instruction aligns with COMTA educational standards and Indiana and Kentucky massage therapy regulations, emphasizing hygiene, informed consent, contraindications, documentation, and appropriate referral. Successful completion of this course supports readiness for supervised clinical practice and for integrating safe, effective, and sustainable massage skills into professional therapeutic settings.
TM201 Kinesiology
Required Materials: Trail Guide Series Essentials: Trail Guide to the Body + Student Workbook Package, 6th Edition
Andrew Biel
ISBN 0996835989
Kinesiology focuses on instruction in body mechanics; how the structure of our anatomy intricately produces mobility and its relation to therapeutic massage practice. Students examine the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system with emphasis on movement analysis, joint actions, and muscular relationships that influence posture, mobility, and functional performance. Instruction supports the application of anatomical knowledge to assessment‑informed massage planning and technique selection.
Course content includes the study of bones, joints, and major skeletal muscles, with attention to muscle attachments, actions, and synergistic relationships. Using palpation‑based learning methods, students develop the ability to identify anatomical landmarks and analyze movement patterns relevant to therapeutic massage. Emphasis is placed on understanding common postural deviations, movement dysfunctions, and compensatory patterns within the massage therapist’s scope of practice.
Professional and medical terminology is introduced and applied to support accurate communication, documentation, and collaboration within healthcare settings. Instruction aligns with **COMTA educational standards** and **Indiana and Kentucky massage therapy regulations**, emphasizing functional assessment, contraindications, and appropriate referral. Successful completion of this course prepares students to integrate kinesiology concepts into applied skills coursework, supervised clinical practice, and the safe, effective planning of therapeutic massage treatments.
BU103 Business of Healthcare with Student Clinic
Required Materials: Massage Therapy, 7th Edition
Susan G. Salvo, EdD, LMT, BCTMB
ISBN 9780323881333
Minimum 4 sets of sheets
Two blankets
School uniform (scrubs)
Personal nail kit
This course provides foundational instruction in the business, legal, and professional responsibilities associated with therapeutic massage practice within the healthcare marketplace. Students examine essential business principles relevant to entry‑level massage therapists, including professional roles, ethical responsibilities, and the operational structures commonly used in massage and integrative healthcare settings.
Course content includes an overview of healthcare business models, employment classifications, and **contract negotiation considerations**, with emphasis on understanding scope of services, compensation structures, and professional obligations. Students are introduced to **basic tax implications**, financial recordkeeping, and fiscal responsibility as they relate to self‑employment and employment within regulated healthcare environments. Instruction also addresses **local and state compliance requirements**, including licensure, business registration, documentation standards, and professional liability considerations relevant to **Indiana and Kentucky massage therapy regulations**.
Through participation in a supervised **student clinic environment**, students apply business and professional concepts in a practical setting. Instruction emphasizes client intake procedures, scheduling, informed consent, confidentiality, documentation, and professional communication. Course activities also introduce **ethical marketing principles**, including professional representation, client education, and regulatory‑compliant promotional practices.
Instruction aligns with **COMTA educational standards**, reinforcing ethical conduct, legal compliance, financial accountability, and professional sustainability. Successful completion of this course prepares students to enter therapeutic massage practice with a foundational understanding of business operations, regulatory responsibility, and professional standards within healthcare settings.
AP102 Anatomy and Physiology II
Required Materials: Massage Therapy, 7th Edition
Susan G. Salvo, EdD, LMT, BCTMB
ISBN 9780323881333
This course builds upon the foundational knowledge established in Anatomy and Physiology I, expanding the study of human body systems and their integrated functions as they relate to therapeutic massage practice. Students further develop their understanding of physiological processes that support regulation, adaptation, and overall systemic balance within the human body.
Course content includes focused study of the respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, lymphatic, and immune systems. Instruction emphasizes the functional roles of these systems and their interactions with the musculoskeletal and nervous systems previously studied. Attention is given to how systemic function influences tissue health, circulation, metabolism, and recovery, providing essential context for safe and informed massage application.
Professional healthcare terminology is applied to support academic comprehension, clinical communication, and documentation. Instruction aligns with **COMTA educational standards** and applicable **Indiana and Kentucky massage therapy regulations**, reinforcing the scope of practice, client safety, contraindications, and appropriate referral considerations. Successful completion of this course supports continued coursework in pathology, kinesiology, and applied skills, and prepares students to integrate systemic physiology knowledge into therapeutic massage practice and supervised clinical settings.
TM110 Indiana/Kentucky Jurisprudence
Required Materials: No textbook is required. Course utilizes current state statutes and regulations obtained from official government websites and documents.
The jurisprudence course equips new therapists with knowledge of state statutes and regulatory requirements for the licensing and governance of the industry and profession. Students must attend a state board meeting to fulfill this credit requirement. The course ensures graduates understand professional licensing processes and the regulatory landscape, both at the state and national levels. (Massage is not currently regulated nationally. However, there are federal regulations that affect the industry.)
TM205 Applied Skills with Student Clinic
Required Materials: Massage Therapy, 7th Edition
Susan G. Salvo, EdD, LMT, BCTMB
ISBN 9780323881333
Minimum 4 sets of sheets
Two blankets
School uniform (scrubs)
Personal nail kit
This course builds upon prior applied skills instruction by providing advanced, supervised hands‑on training within a student‑operated clinic environment. Students refine their therapeutic massage skills while delivering professional‑level services to clinic guests through structured clinical experiences that integrate technical proficiency, professional conduct, and operational responsibility.
Instruction emphasizes the continued development of a full‑body therapeutic massage protocol using accepted industry and medical terminology, with increased focus on session flow, treatment adaptability, and client‑specific considerations within the massage therapist’s scope of practice. Students apply assessment‑informed planning, proper body mechanics, ergonomics, draping, and treatment sequencing while demonstrating professionalism, ethical conduct, and effective client communication.
In addition to advancing applied skills, students manage the student clinic as a functioning business entity under faculty supervision. Course activities include coordinating client scheduling, maintaining accurate client records, managing supplies and equipment, and supporting daily clinic operations. Instruction also addresses policy development and management, reinforcing compliance with clinic procedures, confidentiality standards, and professional documentation requirements.
The course aligns with COMTA educational standards and Indiana and Kentucky massage therapy regulations, emphasizing supervision, informed consent, hygiene, contraindications, documentation, and appropriate referral. Successful completion of this course supports readiness for entry‑level professional practice by integrating clinical skill proficiency with business operations, regulatory compliance, and professional accountability in a real‑world therapeutic setting.