Q. What is a Massage Therapist?
A. Massage Therapy is a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client. Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and to promote health and wellness. Massage therapy improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness.
Q. When does the program start and what is the target review date for the program?
A. The program begins the fall and spring semester and applications are taken all year round.
Q. What are the program requirements?
A. To be eligible for the Massage Therapy program you must be a current student at Miami Dade College and submit a milestone review at the Program Requirements page.
Q. What are the selection criteria?
A. Enrollment in the program is limited. Meeting the program requirements does not guarantee progression to discipline courses.
Q. Can I request a milestone review if I have not completed all of the general education and science courses?
A. Applicants must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. There are no required general education or science courses.
Q. What kind of degree will I be awarded when I graduate?
A. Upon completion of the program you will receive a Career Technical Certificate.
Q. What are the hours of the program?
A. The program has a daytime option and an evening option. The morning program is offered weekdays from approximately 10:00am – 3:00 pm. The evening program is offered weekdays from approximately 5:00-10:00pm.
Q. Can I work while I am a student in the program?
A. This program is highly demanding, and students are therefore more successful if they do not work while in the program. If students must work for financial support, the program strongly recommends a limit of 20 hours of employment per week. Students should also consider family responsibilities before committing to a full-time program.
Q. Do I need to take a test to work in this profession after graduation?
A. Upon completion of the Massage Therapy program, graduates are eligible to apply for one of the National Certification Board examinations. Once the National Board Exam is successfully completed, the graduate can apply to the Florida Board of Massage Therapy for issuance of State of Florida Massage Therapy License. Licensure as a Massage Therapist is mandatory to practice in Florida.
Q. What is the approximate annual salary for graduates of this program in this area?
A. In the South Florida area, entry-level graduates may expect to earn an average annual salary of $18,000 - $46,000.00.