UCHA
Bodywork College
About the program
The Massage Therapy Diploma prepares the student for licensure as a Massage Therapist improving employment opportunities within the community. This program is offered twice a year. The length of the diploma program is twelve months with three semesters. Each semester is 16 weeks long.
Students benefit from a balance between academic and hands-on experiences. Part-time options are available as well. Participating in the Massage program full-time requires the student to attend 16 Intensive Weekends with online learning between the weekends.
The 16 weekends are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Orientation is on Friday, before the first intensive from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Students must be available for approximately 20 to 30 weekly online + onsite studies.
Within this period, the student completes 85 massage treatments (plus 5 with LMTs plus 10 received) throughout the program once they begin their internship experience.
The schedule is individualized to the student’s needs. Students participate in various community service events within this timeframe totaling 30 hours throughout the program.
To support the successful completion of this training, it is advised that in addition to the 1000 required course clock hours, the student may need a minimum of 300 plus hours of independent study for reading, memorizing, and research.
Students should plan accordingly when arranging their personal and work schedules. The total enrollment time equals 12 months and is a 1000-clock hour program. Each Semester of academic courses introduces principles and skills, which progressively build upon one another.
The Foundation Semester
First Semester focuses on laying the necessary massage theory and practice foundation by reviewing the philosophy, terminology, skills, and basic Swedish massage techniques. The student will be introduced to the regional pioneers in bodywork and alternative practices.
The Practice Semester
Second Semester focuses on furthering and deepening the learning that began during the first semester. To develop the student's style for clients, they will "practice, practice, practice" clinic applications of massage therapy. The student will add s forms of specialized massage to their skill, see the technique, and learn more about alternative practices which may complement their massage techniques.
The Implementation Semester
Third Semester focuses more on bringing the student massage practice as a service to their communities. Students will prepare to pass the written practical boards required by the state for licensure. As the student implements their business plans, they will continue learning knowledge and skills for beginning a career as a massage therapist. Students are now ready to start mastering advanced massage techniques.
In this course, the student will learn to analyze the structure and posture of the client. The student will practice soft tissue mobilization techniques such as Myofascial Release (MFR) and Trigger Point Therapy address a client's area of discomfort. Specifically, the student will learn techniques for addressing common client complaints such as headaches, low back pain; shoulder pain; and sciatic pain. The student will learn about the fascia system and an array of techniques, from light to deep work, which affects the soft tissue. The student will receive an overview of various styles ranging from more subtle methods such as Cranial Sacral Therapy, Reiki, and energy work to techniques emphasizing fascial alignment.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 25 hours.
Clock Hours equal 1 credit hour.
Outside Classroom Hours: 8, which include topic research and reading.
Prerequisites: MPT101: Massage Theory & Practice
This course is an introduction to the human body. The course focuses on how the human body works together to function correctly. The students' systems studied in this course include the Integumentary System, Reproductive System, Skeletal System, Cardiovascular, and Lymphatic System. Students will also discover the interdependence of the body systems and the effects of massage on those systems and gain the basic knowledge necessary to progress into the study of pathology and kinesiology.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 100 hours.
Clock Hours equal to 6 credit hours.
Outside Classroom Hours: 45, including memorizing bones and muscles, reading chapters, and researching materials for weekly lectures and classroom responses/discussions.
Prerequisites: None
The Business Arts class is structured to introduce first-Semester massage therapy students to the art of being both a businessperson and a massage therapist. Students will explore the connection between their past experiences and future endeavors as massage therapists and the principles of goal setting, self-management, and professionalism.
Course Hours Awarded This course covers 20 of the 100 hours required for the UCHA Massage Therapy program's business portion. These Clock Hours equal 1 credit.
Outside Classroom Hours: 8, which include the individual project, topic research, and reading.
Prerequisites: None
Webster defines ethics as the study of standards of conduct and moral judgment, this system or code of morals of a particular person, religion, group, and profession. UCHA believes that massage therapists must possess the highest ethical and moral integrity. Ethics are integrated throughout the curriculum in courses such as Business, Massage, Wellness, and Pathology. Personal Effectiveness Training is facilitated during each semester. These problem-solving sessions enhance the student's ability to respond to various ethical situations they may anticipate in their practice.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 20 of the 100 hours for the UCHA Massage Therapy program's business portion. These Clock Hours equal to .50 credit. Outside Classroom Hours: 8, including the individual project, topic research, and reading.
Prerequisites: BEX102: Business Exploration
The Business Exploration class is the second of four business courses the student will take as they start developing an entrepreneurial spirit. This course dives deeper into the business startup phase and will provide a solid groundwork for the student's future business to grow and prosper. Students will consider the optimal business structure, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Zoning laws, leasing, and relocating a business are virtual information, especially for prospective small business owners to be knowledgeable. A well-crafted business plan can dramatically increase the chances of success and financial well-being; students will start drafting their strategy and bring their final proposal into their next course in Business Mentoring as a final project. The student will focus on low-cost techniques of marketing their business. The student will also discover the most effective promotional methods: networking, word-of-mouth (WOM) referrals, public speaking, open houses, workshops, educational articles, and newsletters.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 30 of the 100 hours for the UCHA Massage Therapy program's business portion. These Clock Hours equal 1 credit. Outside Classroom Hours: 8, which include the individual project, topic research, and reading.
Prerequisites N/A
The student builds their confidence in bringing their unique mission, qualities, values, and visions to the massage and bodywork profession's growing entrepreneurial opportunities. These courses have allowed students to develop their own written business plans and become familiar with their community's business resources. The student has brought out their unique vision for bringing massage therapy to others. The student will compile their mission statement and develop a personal business plan by assessing strengths, setting goals, establishing strategies, and focusing on professional ethics. They will now explore business opportunities in the community during this semester. This course is a meaningful course for adults with no business background and experienced business entering a new profession.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 30 of the 100 hours for the UCHA Massage Therapy program's business portion. These Clock Hours equal to .50 credit. Outside Classroom Hours: 8, which include topic research and reading. Prerequisites: BEX102: Business Exploration
Students gain valuable experience by providing seated massage, sports massage, comfort touch, and other massage forms appropriate for various community groups such as hospice, senior citizen centers, adult daycares, grief centers, corporations, and multiple organizations. Students are introduced to the concept of social responsibility. This course is in 2 semesters.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 30 hours. These Clock Hours equal 1 credit. Outside Classroom Hours: N/A
Prerequisites: The student must have successfully passed Massage Theory and Practice 101 and completed the Initial Practicum. The student must have completed CPR, FIRST AID with the certificate, or a copy of the certificate on their student file. The student must be approved to start at the internship/externship and complete at the designated completion/graduation date.
Complementary Therapies are offered continuously throughout the three (3) semesters. Be prepared for a fantastic learning experience! In this course, various staff members and guest instructors present diverse methods that complement massage therapy or introduce an area of expertise to which the massage therapist may wish to refer clients. The College is committed to exploring all modalities that contribute to healing. CT101 lets the student explore the meaning of Complimentary Therapy and how it can interact with their massage practice. Topics covered are CAM, Dr. Andrew Weil's 8 Weeks to Wellness, Hypnotherapy, Ayurvedic Medicine, Essential Oils, Herbology, Meditation, and Pranic Healing.
Course Hours Awarded: CT101 course covers 15 hours of the 45 hours required for this portion of this course. These Clock Hours equal 1 credit. Outside Classroom Hours: 8, which include research and journaling.
Prerequisites: None
Complementary Therapies are offered continuously throughout the three (3) semesters. Be prepared for a fantastic learning experience! In this course, various staff members and guest instructors present diverse methods that complement massage therapy or introduce an area of expertise to which the massage therapist may wish to refer clients. The College is committed to exploring all modalities that contribute to healing. CT102: The Topics covered are Lifestyle, Nutrition, Gardening, Music Therapy, Allopathic Medicine, Pain Management, Ear Candling, and Psychotherapy.
Course Hours Awarded: CT102 course covers 15 hours of the 45 hours required for this portion of this course. These Clock Hours equal 1 credit. Outside Classroom Hours: 8, which include research and journaling.
Prerequisites: None
Complementary Therapies are offered continuously throughout the three (3) semesters. Be prepared for a fantastic learning experience! In this course, various staff members and guest instructors present diverse methods that complement massage therapy or introduce an area of expertise to which the massage therapist may wish to refer clients. The College is committed to exploring all modalities that contribute to healing. CT103: The topics covered are Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, CBD, Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Life Coaching, Naturopathy, TCM, Visualization, and Intuitive Counseling.
Course Hours Awarded: CT103 course covers 15 hours of the 45 hours required for this portion of this course. These Clock Hours equal 1 credit. Outside Classroom Hours: 8, which include research and journaling.
Prerequisites: None
Students gain valuable experience by providing seated massage, sports massage, comfort touch, and other massage forms appropriate for various community groups such as hospice, senior citizen centers, adult daycares, grief centers, corporations, and multiple organizations. Students are introduced to the concept of social responsibility. This course is in 2 semesters.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 30 hours. These Clock Hours equal 1 credit. Outside Classroom Hours: N/A
Prerequisites: The student must have successfully passed Massage Theory and Practice 101 and completed the Initial Practicum. The student must have completed CPR, FIRST AID with the certificate, or a copy of the certificate on their student file. The student must be approved to start at the internship/externship and complete at the designated completion/graduation date.
This course is structured to help the student prepare for the MBLEx. The student will review previous studies in Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology, Business, Ethics, Hydrotherapy, and Massage. They will also review state laws and regulations relating to Massage Therapy. The course allows for the psychology of a test question and how to take an exam for success. The student will be given a series of tests with the multiple-choice format to practice analyzing the question format used in the exams. Students will partake in the ABMP Exam Coach. The student will be administered a comprehensive exam on the last day of class. The student will also participate in a Final Practicum demonstrating mastery of massage with a 50-minute massage therapy session.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers *25 hours. Clock Hours equal 1 credit hour. Outside Classroom Hours: 8, including reading and researching for answers and memorization.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of First and Second Semesters in the Massage Therapy Diploma Program.
*The course will also extend up to 100 Clock hours for any Non-Diploma Student
This course will review basic pathology terms and diseases which cause changes to the systems of the body. Students will become familiar with universal precautions to prevent the spread of infections and keep professional records. Students will become familiar with applying massage for a particular condition, know if massage may be beneficial for that condition, and recognize if massage is contraindicated. General Pathology is one of two Pathology courses at UCHA. Pathology Research & Clinical Application will be taken in their Third Semester.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 50 hours. Clock Hours equal to 3 credit hours. Outside Classroom Hours: 23, including reading chapters and researching materials for weekly lectures, classroom responses/discussions, and exam prep. Prerequisites: AP101 Anatomy & Physiology
This course will provide the student with an overview of water as a therapeutic aid—the main focus will be on the effects of water on the body. Students will learn Hydrotherapy's history of water benefits in cold, hot, and vapor techniques and will consist of different baths and showers. Mainly focus on the body's reaction to these applications in both benefits and contraindications.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 50 hours. Clock Hours equal to 2 credit hours. Outside Classroom Hours: 15, including reading and researching.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of First Semester courses in the Massage Therapy Diploma Program.
This course will provide the student with several techniques that practicing therapists use in spas, wet rooms, athletic facilities, and massage & bodywork clinics. Applications such as aromatherapy, body wraps, scrubs/frictions, facials, hot stones, and cupping will be discussed and practiced. Students will focus on the benefits and contraindications of these services.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 50 hours. Clock Hours equal to 2 credit hours. Outside Classroom Hours: 15, including reading and researching.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of 101 Hydrotherapy.
K102: Kinesiology This comprehensive course will progress into an advanced study of muscles and movement. The instructor uses various methods to help students learn the origins, insertions, and actions of muscles; and become more familiar with each muscle through table demonstrations that palpate each muscle. It also provides an option for cadaver lab experience under the direction of a Doctor of Anatomy and Physiology at a local medical university.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 45 hours. Clock Hours equal 2.5 credit hours. Outside Classroom Hours: 19, including reading chapters, reading, memorization, and palpation practice. Prerequisites: AP101 Anatomy & Physiology
K103: Kinesiology In this course, the student will continue building on their skills of muscle palpations, origin, and insertion identifying the anatomical direction of the muscle; the instructor will go more in-depth in the study of movement, nerves, and a more refined description of what the student should feel while palpating.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 45 hours. Clock Hours equal 2.5 credit hours. Outside Classroom Hours: 19, including reading chapters, reading, memorization, and palpation practice. Prerequisites: K102 Kinesiology
Through one-on-one consultation, students are assisted in blending the skills mastered in massage Theory & Practice with their business plan and educational goals. The internship is a specifically designed experience for each student, approved and supervised by the massage instructor. Externship sites for the student may be developed based on a student's interests and abilities. The student dedicates a specific number of hours each week to their clinical practice of massage in a supervised setting. At the end of the program, students take a practical exam demonstrating how they have mastered Swedish Massage's five strokes. This course is in 2 semesters.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 120 hours. Clock Hours equal to 3 credit hours.
Prerequisites: The student must have successfully passed Massage Theory and Practice 101 and completed the Initial Practicum. The student must have completed CPR and FIRST AID with the certificate, or a copy of the certificate must be on their student file
Massage Therapy 101 reviews massage as one of the earliest practices of humankind and outlines the historical developments in the field of massage therapy. It explores massage as a natural and intuitive means of relieving pain. It will provide comprehensive information on the effects, benefits, indications, and contraindications of massage. There will be an understanding of the laws, rules, regulations, limitations, and obligations concerning massage therapy. It will provide opportunities and guidance in establishing a code of ethics as a massage professional. It will speak to professional sanitation and health habits. During on-site intensive weekends, the student will practice a basic routine and movements for massaging the body. Through close one-to-one support and direction, you will review how to choose and combine basic massage movements according to specific situations. The student will be introduced to the awareness of breathing, centering, rhythm, and pressure.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 100 hours. Clock Hours equal to 5 credit hours. Outside Classroom Hours: 38, including reading chapters and researching materials for weekly lectures, classroom responses/discussions, and memorization.
Prerequisites: None
In this course, the student will gather information to form an “expertise” in applying massage therapy for a specific condition. Students will research information on a particular condition. They may choose a condition that they want to focus on during their profession or one encounter by themselves, a family member, or a friend. The student becomes familiar with local medical research resources in the community. The student practices research skills toward becoming a lifelong student of pathology.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 50 hours. Clock Hours equal 1 credit hour. Outside Classroom Hours: 15, including reading and researching.
Prerequisites: The student must be currently enrolled or have successfully completed the General Pathology course. You must be approved for clinic/internship work or have satisfied these requirements from another program (transfer/non-diploma students).
This course is a particular practice time during the second Semester set aside for the student to improve their treatment, and effectiveness, as Massage Therapists. Studies in this series will demonstrate how Swedish Massage may be adapted for various client-specific situations. This course also serves as an introduction to other massage systems and specialties. During this course (and in other areas of the curriculum), the student will have an opportunity to explore specialized areas like onsite: Seated/Executive Massage, Sports Massage, Infant and Child Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Comfort Touch for the Elderly or Terminally ill, Reiki Reflexology.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 30 hours. Clock Hours equal to 2 credit hours. Outside Classroom Hours: 15, including topic research and reading.
Prerequisites: MT101 Massage Theory & Practice
The American lifestyle does not provide the human body with sufficient physical activity to enhance or maintain adequate health. Our way of life is such a severe threat to our health that it increases the human body's deterioration rate and leads to premature illness and mortality. This Wellness class will teach that exercise benefits and healthy lifestyle habits are reaped through action. The student is encouraged to individualize strategies by creating a self-care plan which includes obtainable goals to help the individual abandon negative patterns and adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. As a bodyworker, it is essential for the student to know themselves and strive for a high wellness level. It is when we are healthy and well that we can inspire others! Health and wellness are interchangeable to mean the ability to live life fully with vitality and meaning. A guest speaker will introduce the student to Tai Chi in this section of the course: Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art and calisthenics system consisting of sequences of languid controlled movements.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 45 hours of the 135 required for this portion of the Wellness course. Clock Hours equal to 2 credit hours. Outside Classroom Hours: 15, which include personal, physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual activities.
Prerequisites: None
The student will continue on their wellness journey and will be introduced to healthy eating habits and Qigong in this course section by a guest speaker: Qigong can be described as a mind-body-spirit practice that improves one's mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing techniques, self-massage, sound, and focused intent.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 45 hours of the 135 required for this portion of the Wellness course. Clock Hours equal to 2 credit hours. Outside Classroom Hours: 15, which include personal, physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual activities
Prerequisites: None
In this last section of the course, the student will build on their goal of practicing a healthy life style with an introduction to yoga by a guest speaker. Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines.
Course Hours Awarded: This course covers 45 hours of the 135 required for this portion of the Wellness course. Clock Hours equal to 2 credit hours. Outside Classroom Hours: 15, which include personal, physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual activities
Prerequisites: None
Tuition for the Massage Therapy Diploma Program is $17,133.60
Additional fees include the following..
*Any enrolled UCHA student who has residency in the State of California will pay a fee of $2.50 on every $1000 charged on the total tuition and fees. This money is collected by UCHA and then sent to the California Department of Education Bureau for Postsecondary Education where it is kept in a Student Tuition Recovery Fund.
*Prices are subject to change; ask for current information. An additional service charge will be applied to credit card payments.
Tuition
$50
Refundable Application fee.
$150
Registration fee reserves your position until tuition is due (this amount is in addition to tuition. $50.00 per Semester).
$600
$600.00 Textbooks and Course Aids.
$60
$60.00 Clinical Supplies Fee.
$800
Massage Table
$50
CPR & First Aid.
$75
ABMP Bodywork Liability Insurance fee.
$450
$450.00 Technologies fee ($150.00 per semester)
The technology tuition fee aims to acquire, install, and maintain up-to-date and emerging technologies to enhance student-learning outcomes, such as to provide equitable access to technology resources. All hardware, software, databases, and other capital equipment procured with these revenues are to support student learning experiences.
One
Payment Plan I: Student remits payment in full of $17,133.60. (Saving on processing fee $600.00)
Two
Payment Plan 2: Student remits three (3) payments (1) $5811.20 on or before the start of the 1st semester. (2) $5811.20 on or before the start of the 2nd semester, and (3) $5811.20 on or before the start of the 3rd semester. ($300.00 in processing fees.)
Three
Payment Plan 3: Student remits twelve (12) payments of $1527.80. Payments are due on the first (1st) day of each month. The following includes $1427.80 plus $100.00, totaling $1527.80 (Total of $1200.00 in processing fees.)
Four
Payment Plan 4: Student proposes their payment plan to be considered (must include a $100.00 processing fee)
Five
Payment Plan 5: The student has applied for Financial Aid. Once an Award Letter is granted, an appropriate payment plan will be written with the UCHA Financial Aid Director and the UCHA President. There is a Third-Party Service Fee of $50.00 (which will be applied towards the $150.00 registration fee). The plan is based on the tuition of $17133.60 plus a technology fee of $450.00 ($150.00 per semester) and a registration fee of $150.00 ($50.00 per semester), which is a total of $17733.60.
THE
NUMBERS
Weeks
48
One year completion time.
Lecture Hours
487
15 =1 Credit
Lab Hours
328
30 =1 Credit
Intern Hours
185
45 =1 Credit
Total Clock Hours
1000
These clock hours include the massage therapy diploma program.
Total Credit Hours
44
These credit hours include the massage therapy diploma program.
Block Schedule
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Required Courses
1000 Clock Hours
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