Stark State College’s Massage Therapy program prepares students for a rewarding and growing healthcare career by combining hands-on training with in-depth study of anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, client wellness, and professional self-care. Completed in five semesters, the associate degree program equips students to relieve pain, restore function, and support overall health through therapeutic massage.
Major code: 3453 Pre-code: 3454 Health and Public Services Division Therapy & Wellness Programs Department
The catalog in force is assigned to students based on the academic year they first applied to the college, and changes only when students change their major or request the change in writing. Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-28.
2026-27 Catalog
Effective Summer 2026
Some courses listed within the program may require a prerequisite or co-requisite.
Pre/Co-requisites will be listed within each course hyperlink below.
Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-04 and 3357:15-13-05
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | ||
| MAS121 | Massage Therapy I | 5 |
| MAS122 | Massage Therapy II | 2 |
| MAS123 | Massage Therapy Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| MAS124 | Massage Therapy Anatomy and Physiology II 1 | 3 |
| MAS223 | Massage Therapy Review | 3 |
| MAS224 | Massage Therapy III | 2 |
| MAS225 | Massage Therapy IV | 2 |
| MAS226 | Massage Therapy V | 3 |
| MAS227 | Massage Therapy Procedures | 2 |
| MAS228 | Professional Practice and Evaluation | 1 |
| MAS229 | Clinical Operations | 2 |
| MAS231 | Sports Massage | 2 |
| Non-technical | ||
| SSC101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| BIO123 | Principles of Human Structure and Function 2 | 5 |
| BIO125 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| ENG124 | College Composition | 3 |
| GER121 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Math for Allied Health | ||
| Statistics 3 | ||
| College Algebra 3 | ||
| NTR121 | Nutrition for Health | 3 |
| PHL122 | Ethics | 3 |
| PSY222 | Psychological Aspects of Therapy | 3 |
| EXS110 | Anatomy of Exercise | 4 |
| Total Hours | 61-62 | |
- 1
Indicates only offered as Web 3.
- 2
BIO121 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO122 Anatomy and Physiology II can be substituted for BIO123 Principles of Human Structure and Function.
- 3
MTH125 College Algebra or MTH124 Statistics should only be taken by students planning to transfer to a four-year institution.
Minimum grade of “C” in all non-technical courses in the program curriculum is required.
Minimum grade of “B” in all MAS technical courses in the program curriculum is required.
This program requires an application (separate from the College). Please see your advisor to discuss the application process.
Full-time Student Advising Notes
Academic Advising
Students should make an appointment to see their advisor before registering for classes each semester. They should have prepared a completed registration form, including courses they wish to take, prior to this meeting.
Course Sequence
The semester-by-semester listing below provides the normal scheduling option for full-time associate degree students who plan to finish in two years.
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st 8-weeks | ||
| MAS121 | Massage Therapy I | 5 |
| MAS123 | Massage Therapy Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| 2nd 8-weeks | ||
| MAS122 | Massage Therapy II | 2 |
| MAS227 | Massage Therapy Procedures | 2 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| 1st 8-weeks | ||
| MAS124 | Massage Therapy Anatomy and Physiology II 1 | 3 |
| MAS224 | Massage Therapy III | 2 |
| MAS231 | Sports Massage | 2 |
| 2nd 8-weeks | ||
| MAS225 | Massage Therapy IV | 2 |
| MAS223 | Massage Therapy Review | 3 |
| MAS229 | Clinical Operations | 2 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| MAS226 | Massage Therapy V | 3 |
| MAS228 | Professional Practice and Evaluation | 1 |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| SSC101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| BIO123 | Principles of Human Structure and Function 2 | 5 |
| ENG124 | College Composition | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Math for Allied Health | ||
| Statistics 3 | ||
| College Algebra 3 | ||
| Hours | 12-13 | |
| Fifth Semester | ||
| BIO125 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| PSY222 | Psychological Aspects of Therapy | 3 |
| EXS110 | Anatomy of Exercise | 4 |
| GER121 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Sixth Semester | ||
| NTR121 | Nutrition for Health | 3 |
| PHL122 | Ethics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 61-62 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Display the ability to perform a competent intake including evaluation and assessment for advisability of massage.
- Display the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with other health care providers.
- Be able to design and deliver appropriate treatment plans and evaluate outcomes.
- Be knowledgeable in understanding the physiological effects and therapeutic applications of treatment.
- Understand indications and contraindications for application of therapeutic massage and when to refer.
- Practice with proper hygiene, sanitation, and safety.
- Cultivate professionalism and ethical behavior and comply with scope of practice.