Schedule

Massage Therapy classes are evening and Saturday classes during the regular school year. We generally do not schedule classes during the following breaks: Fall Break (October), Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, Winter Break (February), and Spring Break(April). In addition, we do not schedule classes on Labor Day, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, or Independence Day. (See the current school calendar for specific details.)

In the event of a weather-related closure of schools in the Delta School District, Community Education classes scheduled for that day or that evening would also be canceled. Classes would be made up at a later date.

Any other school closures will be handled on a case by case basis. If it is necessary to cancel a class, instructors and students will be notified by phone as soon as the decision to cancel has been made. Classes would be made up at a later date.

Costs

The cost for this program includes tuition, lab fees, tax, and all required supplies and books. (See the current book and supply list for specific details.) Students may also wish to purchase additional optional supplies that are not included in the cost of the class.

It is recommended that students plan to purchase a massage table prior to beginning the second semester. This will allow students an opportunity to gain additional hands-on practice outside of the classroom.

Course List

Required Courses			Credits
	BIO 106	Basic Anatomy & Physiology	4
	BUS289	Captsone: Massage Therapy	1
	HHP100	Complementary Healing Methods	1
	HHP 166	Introduction to Reflexology	1
	HHP208	Advanced Musculoskeletal Anatomy	2
	HHP285	Independent Study: Touch Therapy Modalities	2
	HPR 117	Anatomical Kinesiology	3
	*HWE 113	Standard First Aid	0.5
	MST 105	Lifestyle Wellness	1
	MST 111	Basic Massage Therapy	4
	MST 113	Professional Massage	3
	MST 178	Seminar: Ethics	1
	MST 178	Seminar: Pathology	3
	MST 184	Clinical Massage	3
	MST 204	MST Business Practices	2
		Program Totals	32.0

*Electives*
	HHP111	Herbology I	1
	HHP 276	Special Topics: Non-Western Medicine	1.5
	HHP 202	Aromatherapy	0.5
	HHP 224	Intro to Massage Therapy	1
	MST284	Clinical Massage	3
	SPA 115	Spanish for the Professional I	3

Course Descriptions

BIO 106 Basic Anatomy And Physiology 4.0 Credits

Focuses on basic knowledge of body structures and function, and provides a foundation for understanding deviations from normal and disease conditions. This course is designed for individuals interested in health care and is directly applicable to the Practical Nursing Program, Paramedic Program and the Medical Office Technology program.

BUS289 Capstone: Massage Therapy 1.0 Credit

Demonstrates the culmination of learning within a given program of study.

HHP100 Complementary Healing Methods 1.0 Credit

Explores some of the more widely used alternative/complimentary healing methods. Expands the student's health horizons and enables the student tot converse in a knowledgeable manner with patients and practitioners.

HHP111 Herbology I 1.0 Credit

Explores the pharmacokinetics and composition of herbs and their effect on the body systems. Focuses on the habitat, harvesting, storage and usage of a select group of herbs. The use of herbs in health maintenance and the healing of disease predates written history. Herbs have been found by archeologists in Paleolithic burials, and throughout literature on the ancient Chinese and Egyptians verified by modern scientific research.

HHP 166 Introduction to Reflexology 1.0 Credits

Teaches the student foot anatomy, basic hand stroke and foot reflex points.

HHP 175 Special Topics: Non-Western Medicine 1.5 Credits

Provides students with an introduction to the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine and other energetic systems. Includes the concepts of primary meridians and organ physiology, extraordinary meridians conception and governing vessels, and the five element theory.

HHP 202 Aromatherapy 0.5 Credit

While much ancient wisdom on the use of essential oils in health maintenance and the healing of disease has been lost, some tantalizing data from the ancient Egyptians exists and has been verified by modern scientific research. Explores the pharmacokinetics and neurophysiology of essential oils, looking into their origins, extraction, storage, and usage. Enables the student to observe a large number of essential oil remedies and their applications.

HHP208 Advanced Musculoskeletal Anatomy 2 Credits

Presents an intensive study of the musculoskeletal system. Focus will be on understanding the bony structures and the relationship of the muscular system to the skeletal system from a dynamic perspective. Classes include lecture and work with the Maniken system - building muscles with clay on a scaled down and anatomically accurate skeleton. Clinical connections will be made to take the study of anatomy out of the purely technical arena, and into the practical. The other nine systems of the body will be touched on briefly, because to clinically understand the practical applications of anatomy, you have to be aware of the interconnectedness of all the systems of the body.

HHP 224 Introduction to Massage Therapy 1.0 Credit

Teaches hands-on techniques to complete a full body massage along with integration of healing touch. Swedish massage techniques and basic foot reflexology combined with a complete energy balance are performed and experienced by each student.

HHP285 Independent Study: Touch Therapy Modalities 2.0 Credits

Meets the individual needs of students. Students engage in intensive study or research under the direction of a qualified instructor.

HPR117 Anatomical Kinesiology 3.0 Credits

Studies the Anatomical Bases of Human Movement.

HWE 113 Standard First Aid 0.5 Credit

Teaches the recognition and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies for victims 8 years old and up; identify and care for life-threatening bleeding, sudden illness and injuries. American Red Cross certification in Adult CPR and Standard First Aid is available for students meeting those requirements

MST105 Lifestyle Wellness 2.0 Credits

Provides opportunity to learn and apply specific wellness principles to your individual lifestyle. Student completes self-analysis of health behaviors and how lifestyle affects health status.

MST 111 Basic Massage Therapy 1.5 Credits

Introduces theory and techniques of theraputic massage, including understanding of physiological benifits of massage as well as proper body mechanics and appropriate draping. Focuses on basic strokes of Swedish massage. Students also learn techniques of seated massage.

MST 113 Professional Massage 3.0 Credits

Continues the study of Integrative Therapeutic Massage techniques with emphasis on assessing and meeting clients needs. Students give massage in supervised in-class clinicals, applying appropriate therapeutic intervention.

MST 178 Seminar: Ethics 1.0 Credit

Focuses on the ethical issues associated with the practice of massage therapy. Emphasis will be on the NCBTMB Code of Ethics, confidentiality of client information, and effective interpersonal communication.

MST 178 Seminar: Clinical Pathology 3.0 Credits

Provides an experiential look at diseases and injury related conditions. Students will learn to recognize disease and injury during the client intake process and understand the effect the disease or injury may have on the client's ability to benefit from massage therapy.

MST184 Clinical Massage 3.0 Credits

Applies skills in a clinical setting. Focuses on improvement of massage therapy skills, ethics, and communication.

MST 204 MST Business Practices 2.0 Credits

Assists the practitioner of massage therapy to envision, market, establish and maintain a professional massage therapy practice.

MST 275 Special Topics: Other Modalities 3.0 Credits

Provides students with an opportunity to experience a variety of therapeutic massage modalities.

MST 284 Clinical Massage 3.0 Credtis

Provides an application of massage therapy skills in a clinical setting. This course focuses on improvement of techniques, communication with clients and other health professionals as well as documentation of massage sessions.

SPA 115 Spanish for the Professional I 3.0 Credits

Designed as an introduction to a working knowledge of the target language, cultural behaviors and values useful in various professional fields such as health care, law enforcement, bilingual education, business, and others.

Policies and Procedures

Attendance

The Massage Therapy program is a very fast-paced program. In order to get the most from this program, students should plan to attend all scheduled classes. Any student who has to miss a class should contact his/her instructor or the program coordinator and notify him/her of the absence. The student is responsible for making arrangements to make up any work missed.

Students are expected to be in the classroom prepared to begin class on time. Students are also expected to stay until the class is over. If a student must arrive late or leave early, he/she should notify the instructor in advance.

Attendance for all scheduled clinics is very important. Clinic appointments are often scheduled as much as three or four weeks in advance. Students who must miss a clinic session should notify the program coordinator in advance so that clients do not have to be rescheduled.

Attendance is also an important part of the grade for this program. Poor attendance will be reflected in the class grades.

Completion Requirements

Students who earn a passing grade in all of the required classes from both semesters will receive a completion certificate and transcript listing each course taken and the grade received. Students who receive a grade of "D" or lower in one of more classes will not receive a completion certificate. Those students may still earn a completion certificate by retaking any failed class and earning a passing grade. Those classes must be completed within two years of the time the class was initially taken, and must be paid for in full, including the purchase of any new material being used at the time of the re-enrollment.

Students will have ten days after the last class session for each class to complete any late assignments or make-up work. After that date, any incomplete grades will be changed to an "F".

Grading for all classes will be based on the following scale:

A = Excellent	D = Below Average
B = Above Average	F = Unsatisfactory
C = Average

Students will be graded on attendance, class assignments, and tests. In some classes grades may also be given for homework and quizzes.

Class Participation

Students are expected to be active participants in class. In addition to completing all homework, reading, and other assignments in a timely manner, students will be asked to participate in class discussion and activities. In many classes, participation will also include giving and receiving massage from the instructor and other students, and giving massage to clients.

Clinics

All students must complete a minimum of 120 hours of clinics. Clinics are generally scheduled during regular evening or Saturday class times. During clinics, students will be giving massage to paying clients from the community. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner during clinics. This includes wearing appropriate attire as well as working with the instructor and other students to create a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment for all clients. (See Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct for detailed expectations.)

Students will perform an intake interview with each client to determine his/her suitability for receiving massage. Students may also be required to accept and record payment for massage sessions.

All clinic sessions will be under the direct supervision of an instructor. Students are expected to consult with the instructor regarding each client, and notify the instructor of any problems or concerns the student or client have about the session.

Dress Code

The dress code for Massage Therapy classes has some variations based on the type of class and the amount of student/client interaction involved. Short skirts or shorts, spaghetti straps, tank tops, low-cut tops, and see-thru clothing are not appropriate classroom attire for any classes.

All massage classes that include hands-on practice requires close proximity to other students, instructors, or clients. Students must avoid wearing perfume or strong scented lotions during those classes. Students must keep their finger nails clean and clipped short. No jewelry may be worn during the hands-on portions of class.

In addition, students will also be asked to wear a standard "uniform" of dark pants and a white t-shirt or polo shirt during clinics.

Equipment

The Massage Therapy program at DMTC has massage tables and massage chairs for use during classes. Students are expected to treat all school property with care. Deliberate misuse or damage to school property will result in disciplinary action, which may include paying for the replacement of the damaged equipment.

Students are encouraged to plan to purchase a massage table prior to the second semester to get additional practice outside of class.

Grades

Students will receive a grade for each class in the Massage Therapy program. Grades will be based on attendance, class participation, homework and assignments, and tests and assessments. Each instructor will provide students with a written syllabus detailing that instructor's specific grading policies.

Materials & Supplies

The program registration fees include all required books, materials, and supplies for the program. A complete list of books, materials, and supplies for the program will be available at registration.

Smoking and Controlled Substances

In accordance with Colorado revised statute 25-14-103.5, which prohibits the use of tobacco on school property, the use of tobacco by postsecondary students, staff, and visitors is allowed only in designated smoking areas. The designated smoking areas for the Delta campus are:

Outside and around the corner from the Nursing classroom.
Outside the Enterprise Center.
Outside and around the corner behind Cosmetology.

For any student to possess, use, sell, distribute, procure, or to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances while on campus shall be in violation of the Board of Education policy.

For purposes of this policy, controlled substances include, but are not limited to: narcotic drugs, hallucinogenic or mind-altering drugs or substances, amphetamines, barbiturates, stimulants, depressants, marijuana, anabolic steroids, any other controlled substances as defined by law, or any prescription or non-prescription drug, medicine, vitamin or other chemical substances not taken in accordance with the Board of Education and DMTC policy and regulations on administering medicines to students. This policy also includes substances that are represented to be a controlled substance, or that the student believes to be a controlled substance.

This policy shall apply to any student who is on school property, in attendance at school, in a school vehicle, or taking part in any school-sponsored or sanctioned activity.

Students violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and/or expulsion from school and referral for prosecution. In accordance with Colorado State Law, suspension or expulsion shall be mandatory for the sale or distribution of drugs or other controlled substances.

Student Parking

Student parking is allowed only in the student parking area in the front parking lots of DMTC during regularly scheduled class hours. Exceptions must be approved by administration. Vehicles may not block emergency exit areas, school bus loading zones, or designated fire lanes.

In some cases, it may be necessary for instructors or students to have access to the back parking lot to load or unload supplies for a class. Arrangements for access to the back lot must be made in advance, through the instructor.

Because of the small size of our school, no campus security personnel are employed. Campus security is considered the responsibility of all DMTC employees.

Students in need of assistance or wishing to report a crime should contact their instructor or any other school employee. The appropriate law enforcement agency will be contacted as necessary. If no school employee is immediately available, the student should contact or call local law enforcement or dial 911 for assistance.

Code of Ethics

Students in the Massage Therapy program at Delta-Montrose Technical College (DMTC) are expected to uphold professional standards that allow for the proper discharge of their responsibilities to their instructors and fellow students, that protect the integrity of the profession, and that safeguard the interest of individual clients. Massage Therapy students will:

Have a sincere commitment to attending all scheduled classes, completing all assignments in a timely manner, and participating fully in classroom activities.
Understand and accurately inform clients, fellow students, and the public of the scope and limitations of their discipline.
Conduct themselves with honesty and integrity, and respect the inherent worth of all persons.
Refrain, under all circumstances, from initiating or engaging in any sexual conduct, sexual activities, or sexualizing behavior involving a fellow student or client, even if he/she attempts to sexualize the relationship.
Respect the boundaries of other students and clients with regard to privacy, disclosure, exposure, emotional expression, beliefs, and the reasonable expectations of professional behavior.
Avoid any interest, activity or influence which might be in conflict with the student's obligation to act in the best interests of the college or the profession.
Represent their qualifications honestly, including their educational achievements, and will provide only those services which they are qualified to perform.
Acknowledge the limitations of and contraindications for massage and bodywork and refer clients to appropriate health professionals.
Provide treatment only where there is reasonable expectation that it will be advantageous to the client.
Consistently maintain and improve knowledge and competence, implementing instructor's suggestions for improvement.
Refuse to unjustly discriminate against instructors, other students, or clients.
Safeguard the confidentiality of all client information, unless disclosure is required by law, court order, or is absolutely necessary for the protection of the public.
Respect the client's right to treatment with informed and voluntary consent. Obtain and record the informed consent of the client, or client's advocate, before providing treatment. This consent may be written or verbal.
Respect the client's right to refuse, modify, or terminate treatment regardless of prior consent given.
Provide draping and treatment in a way that ensures the safety, comfort and privacy of the client.
Exercise the right to refuse to treat any person or part of the body for just and reasonable cause.
Refuse any gifts or benefits which are intended to influence a referral, decision or treatment that are purely for personal gain and not for the good of the client.
Follow all policies, procedures, guidelines, regulations, codes, and requirements of DMTC.

NOTE: The term "client" refers to any person assuming the role of a client for purposes of training in massage therapy. This includes instructors, other students, friends, family, and visitors to the clinic.

Standards of Practice

Background

The Standards of Practice have been developed to ensure that students at Delta-Montrose Technical College (DMTC) are aware of the existence of high standards of practice for student and professional massage therapists, and are committed to upholding those standards.

The Massage Therapy Program staff have developed the Standards of Practice to provide students with a clear statement of the expectations of professional conduct in the following areas: professionalism, legal and ethical requirements, confidentiality, business practices, roles and boundaries, and prevention of sexual misconduct.

Preamble

These Standards of Practice for Massage Therapy students are the guiding principles by which students conduct their day-to-day responsibilities in the classroom and the clinic. These Standards of Practice establish the high standards, traditions, and principles necessary to assure that students conduct themselves in an ethical, compassionate, and responsible manner. The Standards are statements of enforceable guidelines for student conduct. They are stated in observable and measurable terms and are intended as minimum levels of conduct.

Students who are accepted into the Massage Therapy program must agree to uphold and abide by the Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and other applicable policies. A student's failure to comply with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice will result in appropriate disciplinary actions by the instructor and school administration. Continued misconduct may result in suspension from the program.

Students are obligated to report to instructors or college administration any unethical behavior or violations of the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice by students or instructors in the Massage Therapy program.

These Standards of Practice display DMTC's commitment to assuring that Massage Therapy students understand and accept that personal and professional actions reflect on the integrity of the student, program, the college, and the massage therapy profession. The Standards of Practice is subject to revision in keeping with the changing demands and expectations of the massage therapy profession.

The Standards

Standard I: Professionalism

The student must demonstrate professional behavior with instructors and other students in the classroom, as well as clients in the clinic. In his/her professional role the student will:

a) Adhere to the Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, policies and procedures of DMTC
b) Comply with the college review process regarding any alleged violations against the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
c) Conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the respect of instructors, fellow students, the public, and massage professionals
d) Treat instructors, classmates, and clients with respect, dignity, and worth
e) Use professional verbal, nonverbal, and written communications
f) Maintain an environment that is safe, peaceful, and comfortable for other students and clients, and which, at a minimum, meets all legal requirements for health and safety
g) Use standard precautions to insure professional hygienic practices and maintain a level of personal hygiene appropriate for practitioners in a therapeutic setting
h) Wear clothing that is clean, modest, and professional
i) Obtain voluntary and informed consent from the client prior to initiating each session
j) Conduct an accurate needs assessment, develop a plan of care with the client, and update the plan as needed
k) Provide treatment only if there is a realistic expectation of benefit to the client
l) Use appropriate draping to protect the client's physical and emotional privacy
m) Engage only in conversation that is necessary and appropriate to the therapeutic goals of the massage session
n) Not discuss instructors, other students, or clients during massage sessions or in the presence of clients

Standard II: Legal and Ethical Requirements

The student must comply with all legal requirements regulating massage therapy training and professional behavior. The student shall:

a) Obey all applicable local, state, and federal laws
b) Refrain from any behavior that results in illegal, discriminatory, or unethical actions
c) Accept responsibility for their own actions
d) Report to the instructor or college administration any alleged violations of the law by instructors or other students
e) Maintain accurate and truthful records
f) Report to DMTC any criminal convictions
g) Report to DMTC any pending litigation and resulting resolution related to his/her training
h) Refrain from promotion of any specific massage therapist or business while in the classroom or clinic setting
i) Avoid direct or indirect requests for tips

Standard III: Confidentiality

The student shall respect the confidentiality of fellow students and clients and safeguard all records. In his/her role as a therapist the student shall:

a) Protect the client's identity in social conversations, all advertisements, and any and all other manners unless requested by the client in writing, medically necessary, or required by law
b) Protect the interests of clients who are minors or who are unable to give voluntary consent by securing permission from an appropriate third party or guardian
c) Solicit only information that is relevant to the professional client/therapist relationship
d) Refrain from sharing personal information about fellow students
e) Store and maintain client files in a secure manner

Standard IV: Business Practices

The student shall practice massage therapy with honesty, integrity, and lawfulness. In his/her role as a therapist the student shall:

a) Provide a physical setting that is safe and meets all applicable legal requirements for health and safety
b) Maintain adequate progress notes for each client session, if applicable
c) Accurately and truthfully inform the public of services provided in a manner that is not misleading to the public
d) Honestly report levels of training
e) Refrain from promotion of his/her business while in the class or clinical setting to avoid potential and actual conflict of interest
f) Comply with all laws regarding sexual harassment
g) Not exploit the trust and dependency of others, including clients, fellow students, and instructors
h) Display/discuss schedule of fees in a manner that will be clearly understood by the client
i) Follow acceptable procedures for handling of client fees

Standard V: Roles and Boundaries

The student shall adhere to ethical boundaries and perform massage therapy in the role of student trainer. In his/her professional role the student shall:

a) Recognize his/her personal limitations and practice only within those limitations
b) Recognize his/her influential position with the client and shall not exploit the relationship for personal or other gain
c) Recognize and limit the impact of transference and counter-transference between the client and the therapist
d) Avoid dual or multidimensional relationships that could impair professional judgment or result in exploitation of the client, fellow students, or instructor
e) Not engage in any sexual activity with a client
f) Acknowledge and respect the client's freedom of choice in the therapeutic session
g) Respect the client's right to refuse the therapeutic session
h) Refrain from practicing under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substances with the exception of prescribed dosage of prescription medication which does not significantly impair the student)
i) Have the right to refuse and/or terminate the service to a client who is abusive or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substance

Standard VI: Prevention of Sexual Misconduct

The student recognizes that the intimacy of the therapeutic relationship may activate needs and/or desires that weaken objectivity and may lead to sexualizing the therapeutic relationship. The student shall refrain from any behavior that sexualizes or appears to sexualize the client/therapist, student/instructor, or peer relationship. In his/her professional role, the student shall

a) Refrain from comments of an overt or covert sexual nature
b) Refrain from initiating sexual behavior with a client, instructor, or other student
c) In the event that the client initiates sexual behavior, clarify the purpose of the therapeutic session, and, if such conduct does not cease, terminate or refuse the session
d) Recognize that sexual activity with clients, instructors, or other students is prohibited even if consensual
e) Not touch the genitalia
f) Only provide therapeutic breast massage as indicated in the plan of care and only after receiving informed voluntary consent from the client

Glossary of Terms

Boundary: A boundary is a limit that separates one person from another. Its function is to protect the integrity of each person.
Client: Any person receiving therapeutic massage in the classroom or in a clinic setting. This includes instructors, students, volunteers, and paying clients.
Counter-Transference: A practitioner's unresolved feelings and issues that are unconsciously transferred to the client.
Dignity: The quality or state of being worthy, honored or esteemed.
Genitalia, Female: Labia majora, labia minora, clitoris and vaginal orifice.
Genitalia, Male: Testes, penis and scrotum.
Integrity: Honesty. Firm adherence to a code of values.
Progress Notes: Notes written and kept in a separate client file that indicates the date of the session, areas of complaint as stated by client, and observations made and actions taken by the practitioner.
Sexual Activity: Any verbal and/or nonverbal behavior for the purpose of soliciting, receiving or giving sexual gratification.
Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment consists of unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature toward clients, other students, or instructors.
Transference: A client's unresolved feelings and issues that are unconsciously transferred to the practitioner.

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