The Associate Degree in Massage Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
How does this associate degree compare with an associate degree from a technical college?
The Associate Degree in Massage Therapy is referred to as an occupational associate degree, while an associate degree from other colleges is an academic associate degree. A primary difference is that all coursework in the occupational associate degree relates to the profession, which in this case is massage therapy.
What is an occupational associate degree?
An occupational associate degree is a two year degree.
An occupational associate degree requires at least 60 semester credit hours of study.
An occupational associate degree prepares the student for a career in a specific field of study such as massage therapy.
Does the state require an associate degree for a CMT?
With the exception of Maryland, there are no states that require an associate degree as a credential for the practice of massage therapy.
What are the procedures for enrolling?
New students can enter Lakeside’s core diploma program with the intent to continue on and complete the associate degree program. Those who are already licensed massage therapists can join the associate degree portion of the program by transferring into it.
All potential enrollees are required to submit the application and all related information including a copy of transcripts for both Lakeside and non-Lakeside graduates.
Currently licensed massage therapists need to submit a summary of their completed continuing education and work experience as a massage therapist.
Do I need to be state licensed to enroll in the associate degree program?
Students must be state licensed or in the process of becoming state licensed to enroll in the associate degree program.
The 21-month Associate Degree Program at Lakeside allows a student to receive a certification of completion at the time they complete 41 credits. At that point they can apply to take the NCE and apply for licensure in the State of Wisconsin.
What if I am currently licensed in Wisconsin but did not graduate from Lakeside?
Any individual who has graduated from Lakeside or another school can apply for enrollment.
All students from schools other than Lakeside will need to apply to have their transcripts and courses reviewed for transfer into the program. Individuals will need to submit their transcript, a copy of the catalog describing the courses taken, a copy of continuing education certificates, and a history of their practice. Because this is an extensive review process, there is a $500 fee for review of these materials.
What if I am a massage therapist but did not complete a 750-hour program?
The curriculum of the program a massage therapist completed is reviewed, along with continuing education completed and other practice related experiences to determine the credit that can be allowed.
Can students currently enrolled in Lakeside’s 802-hour core diploma program take the continuing education courses, or do they need to wait until after graduation?
Continuing education classes can be taken at any time.
If I have taken one of the ADMT classes as a continuing education participant, will I need to retake that class if I later decide to enroll in the ADMT program?
While the answer will depend on the specific class taken, in most cases the answer is no, you will not need to retake the class. The integration portion of the class (which is not available as continuing education) will need to be completed, however.
Does my work experience or continuing education allow me to test out of any of the advanced classes offered as part of the associate degree?
Work experience and continuing ed will be considered on an individual basis for those graduates from a program of less than the 802- hour program offered at Lakeside.
Enrollees cannot test out of any of the 300-level advanced courses in the associate degree program
How often does class meet for the associate degree program?
The advanced classes will meet approximately every other Friday from noon to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
How often is the associate degree program offered?
The associate degree program is offered in the fall of each year.
Does Lakeside have any on-line courses as part of this program?
None of Lakeside’s coursework is on-line
How long will it take to complete the associate degree program?
The complete degree program takes approximately 21 months. For graduates of a massage therapy certificate program who are able to transfer into the advanced 300- level courses, the advanced component can be completed in nine months.
Will the credits from this degree transfer to other colleges?
Each college has its own degree requirements and may accept the credits depending upon its transfer of credit policy.
The degree requires certification in personal training or strength and conditioning. How do I obtain this certification?
As part of your training, Lakeside will provide information about organizations that offer these certification programs. Additional costs for certification vary based on the type of certification being obtained, but does not exceed $330.
Why should I choose an associate degree when I can get advanced training through continuing education courses? How does the associate degree apply to the NCTMB for continuing education?
Continuing education is a terrific opportunity to receive advanced training. This degree program attempts to meld the value of advanced training with opportunities to deepen and integrate the knowledge and skill taught in the program.
Several of the weekend courses will also be approved for NCTMB continuing education hours.
What is the difference for people taking individual advanced classes as continuing ed?
The people who take the classes as continuing education do not receive the opportunity to integrate the information and to practice their skill level with instructional support. The competency level in each of the elements will be enhanced through the opportunity to participate with classmates and the community in developing understanding and skill in each area.
Financial aid is not available for courses taken as continuing education units. Financial aid is available for those who qualify when taking the advanced classes as part of the associate degree program.
Is financial aid available, even if I only want to take the advanced component?
Financial aid is available for those who qualify, whether they are taking the full degree program or only the advanced component.
What are some of the modalities and continuing education courses that are offered?
The continuing education courses include:
Exercise physiology
Exercise testing, assessment, and prescription
Research
Massage and pharmacology
Orthopedic testing
Four weekends related to areas of massage therapy
Ethics and Energetics
Who will teach the advanced component?
The faculty of the advanced component will have expertise in their specific field, and all individuals teaching the advanced massage therapy component will have at least five years of massage therapy experience along with their advanced training.
A fieldwork internship is required. What does that mean?
The required internship hours must total 23, with a maximum of 15 hours being completed at one location. Internships are to be completed at the locations of your choosing.
Advanced Courses:
Research 301
This course is designed to prepare students to critically read and analyze research literature, including understanding concepts of reliability and validity, and types of variability in the sample or the implementation of the study. Students will also be required to identify a research question they will explore with an individual client. A research case study is required of all students.
Prerequisite: none
*Portions of this course can be taken as continuing ed hours if space allows
Exercise Physiology and Nutrition 301
This course is designed to build upon the basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology as it relates to the human body to include the physiological responses of body systems to various types of exercise. The course will address differences relating to types of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on tissues of the body, nutrition factors in age, health and performance, and gender related differences and their implications in exercise and response to physical stressors.
Prerequisite: A&P 101, KIN 101
*Portions of this course can be taken as continuing ed hours if space allows
Massage Therapy, Exercise Testing, and Prescription 302
This course is designed to integrate the knowledge learned as it relates to tissue elasticity and the effects of massage strategies with the principles of various types of exercise, exercise testing, and exercise prescriptions. The course will include concepts of stretching, resistance training, anaerobic and aerobic exercise, as well as the concepts of making recommendations for various types of exercises.
Prerequisite: EPN 301
*Portions of this course can be taken as continuing ed hours if space allows
Orthopedic Testing 301
This course builds upon basic functional testing already used in massage therapy practice to include more advanced techniques to allow the practitioner to assess underlying signs and symptoms in areas of the body where restricted movement, tissue restriction, or pain limits the abilities of the client. Students learn how to use the outcome of testing to differentiate between indications and contraindications and when to refer to other professionals.
Prerequisite: none
*Portions of this course can be taken as continuing ed hours if space allows
Advanced Massage Therapy 301
This course, taught in four segments, is designed to introduce additional massage therapy strategies for different populations along with problem solving strategies based upon case study learning and actual practice. The course will include integration of the current thinking in massage therapy and bodywork literature, application of the
orthopedic testing, and types of exercise that would be advisable. The course will use critical thinking strategies.
Prerequisites: MT 101, MT 201, CTI 201, PTH 201, OT 301
*Portions of this course can be taken as continuing ed hours if space allows
Mind, Body, Mood, and Massage 301
This course is designed to explore the physiology and psychological connections between mind, body, and mood as they relate to the human experience. The course will explore the concepts of personal change due to cellular and tissue memory and the possible impact resulting from massage therapy sessions. Therapists will be exposed to centering exercises and dialoging strategies that are supportive of clients during a massage session. The course is a combination of didactic and experiential presentation intended to explore shifts in therapeutic approaches within the individual therapist in working with clients.
Prerequisite: none
*Portions of this course can be taken as continuing ed hours if space allows
Pharmacology and Massage 301
This course is designed to address the effects of various pharmaceutical agents on the body, their variability in therapeutic effects, and their impact on the delivery of massage therapy. The course will address various agents that are more prevalent in disorders such as, but not limited to, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular disorders, circulatory disorders, pain management, and various medications used in treating mood disorders.
Prerequisite: none
*Portions of this course can be taken as continuing ed hours if space allows
Business 301
This course discusses business and promotional strategies for the advanced practitioner. The course focuses on interfacing with the professional community including professional associations, massage practitioners, and other practitioners, as well as being proactive in furthering the profession of massage therapy.
Prerequisite: BUS 201 or equivalent
*Portions of this course can be taken as continuing ed hours if space allows
Ethics and Energetics Description:
The course is intended to explore the relationship between therapists, working with clients and the challenges to ethical behavior that are enhanced with clients in an altered state or non-ordinary state of consciousness and the implications for the Standards of Practice for professional massage therapists and body workers. It includes a 2-hour experiential session at the end of the course.
Prerequisite: none
Additional requirements to be done as determined by the student:
Fieldwork Internship 301
The internship is a component of the program that provides students with opportunities to practice their massage therapy and exercise skills with various populations at off-site locations under faculty supervision. The settings include locations of your choosing such as fitness centers, practitioner clinics that stress movement classes, and other possibilities. The required internship hours must total 23, with a maximum of 15 hours being completed at one location. The internship occurs outside of the regularly scheduled class times.
Prerequisites: successful completion of EPN 301 & 302
Lakeside School of Massage Therapy reserves the right to change or modify the program contents, equipment, staff or materials as it deems necessary. Such changes may be necessary to keep pace with advances in the field of massage therapy and to improve teaching methods or procedures. In no event will any such changes diminish the competency or result in additional charges to the student.
For questions about the associate degree curriculum, contact:
JeraiLyn Jones or Carole Ostendorf Ph.D., PT
Director of Education CEO
414-372-4345, ext. 17 414-372-4345, ext. 14
jerailyn@lakeside.edu carole@lakeside.edu
To enroll or to get additional information on the associate degree, contact:
Christy Juul
Admissions Coordinator
414-372-4345, ext. 12
christy@lakeside.edu
