Massage Therapy
Fall 2008 Program.
Evening program begins October 29, 2008. Registration begins July 1, 2008.
Career Overview
Massage therapy is a personal health service utilizing soft-tissue manipulations to treat pain, increase range of motion, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Massage therapists obtain the basic medical history for a client, assess any problems or conditions, and perform appropriate massage techniques based on the current health of the client. In addition, they must understand the laws, rules, regulations, limitations, and obligations concerning the practice of massage.
Licensure and Certification
Graduates of the KCC program are eligible to take the Hawaii State Board of Massage License Examination and the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB).
KCC Massage Therapy Program
Kapi`olani Community College’s Massage Therapy Program is a 590+ hour non-credit, evening/weekend program comprised of coursework with competency testing and clinical experience. The length of the program is approximately 11 months to complete. It includes two certificates of competence, one in General Massage Therapy and another in Specialty Massage Therapy.
Students who successfully complete both certificates in its entirety at Kapi`olani Community College will be eligible to take the Hawaii State Board of Massage License Examination, as well as the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
KCC offers a very high quality massage therapy education provided by some of the finest instructors from Hawaii and from the mainland. Besides lectures and lab experiences, students are also encouraged to take an active role in the community outside of the campus and are given ample opportunities to participate and provide student massages in the community and at other organized events.
Class meeting times are usually limited to Mondays through Thursdays from 6pm to 9pm to meet the needs of many who work or attend school during the day. Occasionally, the class may meet on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays with advance notice to students. Student clinic times may be custom tailored to meet each student’s schedule, but are available from 2pm to 6pm, Mondays through Saturdays.Testimonials
“To Martin Chong, KCC Massage Therapy Program Director---- I hired a recent graduate of your Massage Therapy Program. Sarah has been a wonderful addition to our staff and I have been impressed by her range of knowledge and skills that were acquired through your program. I look forward to having more of your graduates as our employees.”
Sincerely, Sheryl Bell, Vice President, Serenity Spa Hawaii
“This program provided me with a solid understanding of the field of massage therapy. The instructors were excellent and took the time to develop our skills and build our knowledge in their respective specializations. I feel that with the knowledge and skills I’ve learned from this program, I believe that I have built a solid foundation to pursue my career in massage therapy.” Edmund L. (Fall 2005 graduate)
“KCC has a great massage therapy program. The teachersare very knowledgeable and are there for individual guidance. The program is well organized and I felt that it has prepared me well for my future. My fellow classmates have made it a great experience. It felt like we were as one and was there for each other.” Jason F. (Fall 2006 graduate)
“I have never learned so much in such a short period of time!! The knowledge I’ve gained from this program has been so rewarding, and the time I’ve spent here with all the teachers and classmates have taught me so much.” Ashley C. (Fall 2006 graduate)
“I had reserves about the technical depth of this program when I first started. After finishing the program, I highly valued the massage education I received at KCC. The depth of study and techniques is the best on the island.” Matt P. (Fall 2007 graduate)
“The instructors were very patient, understanding, and caring, not to mention the outstanding job the program director does. Thanks to everyone who made this program a success.” Craig N. (Fall 2007 graduate).
