The Massage Therapy Program equips students with the clinical skills, hands-on techniques, and anatomical knowledge required to launch a career as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). Combining 500 hours of classroom instruction, practical laboratory practice, and clinical rotations, this comprehensive course prepares graduates to pass the MBLEx national certification exam and enter healthcare, wellness, spa, or private practice settings.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award / Credential | FastForward Workforce Credential |
| Total Training Hours | 500 Hours (Lecture, Hands-On Lab & Clinical Rotations) |
| Licensure Exam Alignment | Prepares for the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam) |
| Funding Eligibility | FastForward Eligible (Pays 2/3 of tuition for eligible VA residents) |
| Included Certifications | First Aid & Healthcare Worker CPR Certification (Included) |
| Age Requirement | Must be at least 18 years of age |
| Career Coach | Robin Jennings — rjennings@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2899 |
💰 FastForward Financial Assistance Available — Pay Only 1/3 Tuition
Qualifying Virginia residents can receive FastForward state funding, which covers two-thirds of the tuition cost for this high-demand healthcare credential. Contact our FastForward Career Coach to determine your eligibility and register.
What You Will Learn & Key Modalities
Students build a broad foundation in soft-tissue manipulation, therapeutic bodywork, human anatomy, and professional ethics:
- Anatomy, Physiology & Kinesiology: Master body systems, muscle structures, joint movement, and injury mechanisms to deliver safe clinical treatments.
- Swedish Massage: Learn foundational relaxation techniques, circulatory enhancement, and stress-reduction bodywork.
- Deep-Tissue & Clinical Massage: Apply targeted pressure to deeper muscle layers to alleviate chronic pain, strain, and postural tension.
- Sports & Performance Massage: Deliver specialized techniques designed to aid athletic recovery, flexibility, and injury prevention.
- Professional Ethics & Business Operations: Understand Virginia LMT licensing rules, client hygiene protocols, SOAP note documentation, and practice management.
Program & Trainee Requirements
To successfully complete the program and qualify for the MBLEx examination, trainees must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Trainees must be at least 18 years old by the start of the course.
- Instructional Hours: Complete 500 mandatory hours across lecture modules, hands-on lab training, and supervised clinical rotations.
- CPR & First Aid: Successfully complete the built-in First Aid and CPR course for healthcare workers (included in program tuition).
Career Opportunities
Licensed Massage Therapists provide clinical soft-tissue therapy across diverse wellness, medical, and private business environments.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
- Clinical / Rehabilitation Massage Specialist
- Resort, Hotel & Day Spa Therapist
- Sports & Athletic Facility Therapist
- Independent / Private Practice Business Owner
Program Registration & Contact
Ready to start your training in therapeutic massage or explore FastForward tuition assistance? Contact our Workforce Career Coach:
Robin Jennings — FastForward Career Coach
Phone: (540) 863-2899 | Email: rjennings@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Backels Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)