Master the Art of Healing Through Massage
Massage therapy is more than relaxation—it’s an essential part of healthcare, rehabilitation, and wellness. At Iowa Lakes, our Massage Therapy Diploma program provides comprehensive training in therapeutic techniques, anatomy, and body mechanics, preparing you for a rewarding career in health and wellness.
Through hands-on learning, you’ll gain the skills and expertise needed to work in diverse settings, including:
- Chiropractic offices and physical therapy clinics
- Sports rehabilitation centers and wellness spas
- Medical facilities and pain management clinics
- Luxury resorts, cruise ships, and private practice
The Massage Therapy Diploma program curriculum is aligned with the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy and the National Certification Board, ensuring that you meet all licensure requirements and are well-prepared for the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy licensing exam.
Comprehensive Curriculum for Career Success
As a massage therapy student at Iowa Lakes, you’ll take engaging courses such as:
- Massage Therapy Foundations
- Anatomy & Physiology for Massage Therapy
- Kinesiology/Anatomy & Movement for Massage Therapy
- Integrated Bodywork Methods
The program emphasizes proper body mechanics, hands-on techniques, and client communication, ensuring you graduate job-ready. Maintaining a 2.0 GPA or higher is required for program completion and licensure exam eligibility.
Your Future as a Licensed Massage Therapist Starts Here
With a diploma in Massage Therapy, you’ll enter a growing industry with competitive salaries and career flexibility. Whether you dream of working in sports medicine, holistic wellness, or rehabilitation therapy, Iowa Lakes will help you turn your passion into a fulfilling profession.
Explore career opportunities and salary expectations in massage therapy through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Ready to take the next step? Connect with an enrollment coach today and start your career in massage therapy!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Training & Licensing Preparation
Real-World Experience in Massage Therapy
At Iowa Lakes, we believe in learning by doing. Our massage therapy students practice hands-on techniques in a real-world clinical setting, working with clients, learning advanced massage methods, and gaining valuable industry experience before graduation.
State & National Certification Readiness
Our comprehensive curriculum ensures you meet all licensure requirements and are fully prepared for the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy licensing exam. This credential allows you to practice professionally and opens doors to exciting career opportunities in medical, wellness, and sports industries.
A Growing Industry with High Demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for massage therapists is expected to grow faster than the average occupation, with increasing demand for therapeutic and rehabilitative massage services in medical, sports, and wellness settings.
Program Details
Length
3 terms
Degree
Diploma (32 credits)
Campus
Spencer
Training
Clinical Experience
Additional Information
Term 1
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
MST 101 – Health and Wellness
This course will provide self-care techniques to promote wellness for the Massage Therapist profession.
MST 104 – Massage Therapy Foundations
This course provides a foundation for the course of study in massage therapy. The historical roots, benefits, contraindications, and complementary approach to integrating massage therapy into healthcare are introduced. Students will learn body mechanics, the basic strokes of massage, and skills in working with clients including documentation, communication, positioning, draping, and delivery of a 60-minute client-centered session.
Corequisite: MST 109 – Massage Clinical Skills
MST 106 – Anatomy for Massage I
This orientation study of the structure and function of the human body examines the body by structural levels and functions of cells, tissues, and visceral organization of the Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, and Nervous Systems with correlation to massage therapy.
Corequisite: MST 110 – Pathology for Massage I
MST 109 – Massage Clinical Skills
This course is a companion course to Massage Therapy Foundations providing in-depth examination and practice of foundational skills.
Corequisite: MST 104 – Massage Therapy Foundations
MST 122 – Pathology for Massage I
This orientation course begins the study of the fundamental principles of pathology as they relate to massage therapy. Students will explore the nature and causes of disease, it’s effects on the body’s systems, and implications in the practice of massage. Topics include the identification of common pathologies, understanding their impact on health, and recognizing contraindications as related to structure and functions of the Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, and Nervous Systems.
Corequisite: MST 106 – Anatomy for Massage I
MST 159 – Ethics-Massage Therapy
This course assists students to understand and apply the Standards of Practice established by professional massage organizations. The course emphasizes ethical behavior in the massage therapy profession and teaches students to establish
professional boundaries and acceptable standards of documentation.
Term 2
MST 113 – Kinesiology/Anatomy & Movt for Mass Thpy
This course is the study of body movement and anatomy within the musculoskeletal system, and the role it plays in assessment within the practice of massage therapy.
Prerequisites: MST 103 – Intro to Swedish Massage and BIO 163 – Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology
MST 126 – Anatomy for Massage II
This continuation study of the structure and function of the human body examines the body by structural levels and functions of cells, tissues, and visceral organization of the Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Lymphatic, Immune, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive Systems with correlation to massage therapy.
Prerequisite: MST 106 – Anatomy for Massage I
Corequisite: MST 132 – Pathology for Massage II
MST 132 – Pathology for Massage II
This course is a continuation study of nature and causes of disease, it’s effects on the body’s systems, and implications in the practice of massage. Topics include the identification of common pathologies, understanding their impact on health, and recognizing contraindications as related to the structure and functions of the Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Lymphatic, Immune, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive Systems. Students will begin to develop appropriate treatment plans based on understanding of pathology.
Prerequisite: MST 122 – Pathology for Massage I
Corequisite: MST 126 – Anatomy for Massage II
MST 150 – Adapting to Special Populations
Students will learn skills and techniques to adapt massage therapy to the needs of special populations including clients over 55, clients who are obese, clients who are children, pregnancy and infant, end of life, clients with disabilities, and athletes.
Prerequisites: MST 103 – Intro to Swedish Massage and BIO 163 – Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology
MST 155 – Integrated Bodywork Methods
Applied study of modalities within massage and bodywork scope. Spa elements include hydrotherapy, stone, and aromatherapy. Integrated Deep Tissue Therapy includes polarity, shiatsu, reflexology, myofascial, and neuromuscular applications. Eastern theory and energetic approaches will be introduced.
Prerequisite: MST 104 – Massage Therapy Foundations
Corequisites: MST 156 – Clinical Applications of Therapeutic Massage & MST 810 – Massage Clinic
MST 156 – Clinical Applications of Therapeutic Massage
This lab course integrates massage and bodywork techniques with client assessment practice preparing the student for client-centered care and MST-810 Massage Clinic.
Prerequisite: MST 109 – Massage Clinical Skills
Corequisite: MST 155 – Integrated Bodywork Methods
Term 3
MST 180 – Massage Therapy Career Preparation
Massage Therapy Career Preparation will focus on the knowledge and skills necessary for the Massage Therapist to obtain state credentials, to prepare for the working world, and gain experience in advanced massage techniques.
MST 810 – Massage Clinic
This course is designed for classroom lab supervised practical experiences in body massages application. The students will set up appointments for outside individuals to apply techniques for full body massages.
Prerequisite: MST 156 – Clinical Applications of Therapeutic Massage
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Massage Therapy program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1
1. Articulate touch as a holistic approach to healing.
2. Relate the effects of massage therapy to indications of use as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
3. Correlate the anatomy of the body systems and kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system to the practice massage therapy.
4. Recognize contraindications to massage and endangerment site techniques.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of medical terms and understanding of pathology as it relates to the practice of massage.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of terms and concepts related to massage/bodywork forms/styles, positioning, and draping, with correct application.
7. Adapt massage sessions to meet the needs of special populations.
8. Demonstrate clinical skills in equipment and environment care, client communication processes, and documentation.
9. Implement information obtained during client intake processes with the assessment based on evidence-based practice to perform client-centered massage sessions.
10. Develop interpersonal skills that are rooted in the ethical considerations of massage therapy.
11. Recognize the importance of personal wellness to career longevity.
12. Prepare for a career in the field of massage therapy through business building and job-seeking skills.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Massage Therapy diploma from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Special Certifications: CPR/First Aid by American Heart Association
Accreditation: National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Licensure and Certification Disclosure Requirements by State:
- Iowa Lakes Community College Massage Therapy program meets the educational requirements in the following states/jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
- Iowa Lakes Community College Massage Therapy program does NOT meet the educational requirements in the following states/jurisdictions: Hawaii, Nebraska, New York, Minnesota, and Puerto Rico.
- Iowa Lakes Community College has not made the determination if the Massage Therapy program meets the state educational requirements for the following states/jurisdictions: California, Vermont, Kansas, and US Virgin Islands.
The Massage Therapy program is accredited by Iowa State Board of Massage Therapy.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
2.3%
Potential Careers
Upon successful completion of the State Board licensing examination, a Licensed Massage Therapist may provide services in chiropractic offices, salons, health clubs, sport centers, on cruise ships, or establish a business.
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$65,790
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$62,560
Average Salary
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Questions? Let's Talk
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Tammy Shimon Dean of Health Education 712-852-5293 | tshimon@iowalakes.edu |