"Wake Tech gave me all the skills I needed to become a licensed massage therapist."
Emily Hester
Massage Therapy, Class of 2016
All Wake Tech campuses remain closed Wednesday, January 28, 2026, because of continued icy conditions. Students taking in-person classes should check with their instructors for more information. Online classes continue as scheduled. Many Wake Tech services, including Admissions and Academic Advising, are available virtually at virtualsupport.waketech.edu. Wake Tech employees who can work remotely should do so.
The Massage Therapy program prepares students to provide manual manipulation, pressure, friction and kneading of the body to maintain wellness or treat aches and pains.
Coursework includes human anatomy and physiology, pathology, client evaluation, therapeutic massage, pain relief, stress management, ethical/legal issues and business practices. Employment opportunities may be found in massage therapy clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, medical offices, nursing homes, spas, health and sports clubs and private practice.
The classwork and practical hands-on training in the 660-contact-hour program are designed to prepare students to sit for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). Hands-on training is conducted through practice on other Massage Therapy students and at a student clinic open to the public for therapeutic massage appointments.
Passing the MBLEx is necessary to apply to the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy (NCBMBT) for a license as a massage therapist. The NCBMBT regulates the practice in the state to ensure minimum standards of competency and to protect public health, safety and welfare.
Enrollment requirements:
For more information, or to be notified when information sessions are scheduled, email Program Director Nancy Harrell at [email protected].
Don't have enough money to pay for a course? Right now, Wake Tech's Propel program offers scholarships that cover the cost of registration and fees.
NOTE: The Propel Scholarship Application is currently closed and will reopen March 1.
Summarize musculoskeletal information for use in deep tissue treatment
Demonstrate appropriate body mechanics in the practice of bodywork modalities
Recognize the special needs of clients who have suffered trauma through accidents or illness
Describe the physiological effects of neuromuscular therapies
Demonstrate the integration of Swedish massage and sports massage theory and practice to various populations
Demonstrate the techniques of deep tissue therapy
Demonstrate the techniques of prenatal massage
Apply legal and ethical standards of practice to documentation of therapeutic massage
Describe the techniques of active and passive assisted engagement techniques, and apply them
Distinguish theory and practice of complimentary healthcare and bodywork practices such as trigger point, aromatherapy, energetic techniques, myofascial release, and reflexology
Implement strategies that promote effective communication with a massage client
Evaluate intake information on a variety of massage clients and recommend treatment plans
Evaluate pathologies for therapeutic massage indications, contraindications, and treatment protocols
Design appropriate treatment based on results from assessment techniques
Formulate treatment plans from health history and assessment information for a variety of individuals with unique needs
Apply the basic concepts of business management to create a modified business plan, including choosing a business entity, marketing, budgeting, and workplace policies
Summarize the origin, insertion, action, and location of muscles
Under the supervision of an instructor, perform intake, treatment planning and massage therapy treatments on clients in the student clinic
Kinesiology
Sports Massage
Hydrotherapy
Deep Tissue Massage
Prenatal Massage
Business Practices
Student Clinic
325
No
North Carolina Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
This course provides an expanded knowledge and skill base for the massage therapist. Emphasis is placed on selected therapeutic approaches with a variety of populations throughout the lifespan.
Upon completion, students should be able to perform entry level therapeutic massage on various populations. Through classwork, and practical hands on experience students will be prepared for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and will have a foundation to practice as an entry-level professional massage therapist.
No
HEA-3021 Part l
Textbooks (TBD), student clinic uniform, access to massage prep software
n/a
95% attendance
Overall grade - 70% or better - Final grade is calculated on Homework 20%, Quizzes 20%, Projects 20%, and Exams 40%.
N/A
Those interested in massage therapy who meet the following requirements:
(1) Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
(2) Is 18 years of age or older.
(3) Is of good moral character as determined by the Board.
(4) Demonstrates satisfactory proof of proficiency in the English language.
Massage Therapist
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists. Numerous employers in the Wake County and surrounding area are continually recruiting for new therapists.
Massage Therapist
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Describe the purpose of Therapeutic Massage
Discuss the therapeutic role of the Massage Therapist
Incorporate general health and safety principles required for a massage session
Illustrate knowledge of related anatomy and physiology to the application of Massage Therapy
Differentiate related pathologies to the practice of therapeutic massage including recognizing contraindications
Summarize musculoskeletal information for use in massage therapy treatments
Evaluate pathologies for therapeutic massage indications, contraindication and treatment protocols
Summarize the origin, insertion, action and location of muscles
Anatomy & Physiology
Pathology
Kinesiology
200
No
North Carolina Board of Therapeutic Massage and Body work
This course introduces concepts basic to the role of the massage therapist in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on beginning theory and techniques of bodywork as well as skill in therapeutic touch.
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to apply basic practical massage therapy skills. Through classwork, and practical hands on experience students will be prepared for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and will have a foundation to practice as an entry-level professional massage therapist.
No
none
Textbooks (TBD), massage table, linens, massage lotion, scrubs
n/a
95% attendance
Overall grade - 70% or better - Final grade is calculated on Homework 20%, Quizzes 20%, Projects 20% and Exams 40%.
N/A
Those interested in massage therapy who meet the following requirements:
(1) have a high school diploma or equivalent
(2) is 18 years of age or older
(3) is of good moral character as determined by the Board
(4) demonstrates satisfactory proof of proficiency in the English language
Massage Therapist
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists. Numerous employers in the Wake County and surrounding area are continually recruiting for new therapists.
Massage Therapist
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Describe the purpose of Therapeutic Massage
Discuss the therapeutic role of the Massage Therapist
Properly utilize standard equipment and supplies for a basic Swedish massage
Prepare and maintain a therapeutic environment for a professional massage
Utilize proper techniques of asepsis, universal precautions, physical preparation and body mechanics that assure the physical well-being of the Massage Therapist and Client
Incorporate general health and safety principles into the massage session
Construct a basic chair massage sequence
Integrate theories of health, wellness, and relaxation as they relate to the practice of Therapeutic Massage
Organize a basic one-hour Swedish massage using appropriate techniques to include appropriate draping
Organize client intake information to select appropriate massage therapy treatments
Summarize musculoskeletal information for use in deep tissue massage treatment
Demonstrate appropriate body mechanics in the practice of body work modalities
Describe the physiological effects of neuromuscular therapies
Demonstrate the techniques of deep tissue therapy
Implement strategies that promote effective communication with a massage client
Introduction to Massage Therapy and Documentation
Swedish Massage
Chair Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
200
No
North Carolina Board of Therapeutic Massage and Body work
This course introduces concepts basic to the role of the massage therapist in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on beginning theory and techniques of bodywork as well as skill in therapeutic touch.
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to apply basic practical massage therapy skills. Through classwork, and practical hands on experience students will be prepared for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and will have a foundation to practice as an entry-level professional massage therapist.
No
none
Textbooks (TBD), massage table, linens, massage lotion, scrubs
n/a
95% attendance
Overall grade - 70% or better - Final grade is calculated on Homework 20%, Quizzes 20%, Projects 20% and Exams 40%.
N/A
Those interested in massage therapy who meet the following requirements:
(1) have a high school diploma or equivalent
(2) is 18 years of age or older
(3) is of good moral character as determined by the Board
(4) demonstrates satisfactory proof of proficiency in the English language
Massage Therapist
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists. Numerous employers in the Wake County and surrounding area are continually recruiting for new therapists.
Massage Therapist
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Apply legal and ethical standards of practice to documentation of therapeutic massage
Implement strategies that promote effective communication with a massage client
Apply the basic concepts of business management to create a modified business plan, including choosing a business entity, marketing, budgeting, and workplace policies
Describe the legal and ethical standards that are required for massage therapists and that regulate the practice of massage therapy
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Psychological Concepts-client communication, boundaries, mind-body connection
Business Practices
70
No
North Carolina Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
This course provides an expanded knowledge and skill base for the massage therapist. Emphasis is placed on selected therapeutic approaches with a variety of populations throughout the lifespan.
Upon completion, students should be able to perform entry level therapeutic massage on various populations. Through classwork, and practical hands on experience students will be prepared for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and will have a foundation to practice as an entry-level professional massage therapist.
No
Massage Therapy Part 1 and Part 2
Textbooks (TBD), student clinic uniform, access to massage prep software
n/a
95% attendance
Overall grade - 70% or better - Final grade is calculated on Homework 20%, Quizzes 20%, Projects 20%, and Exams 40%.
N/A
Those interested in massage therapy who meet the following requirements:
(1) have a high school diploma or equivalent
(2) is 18 years of age or older
(3) is of good moral character as determined by the Board
(4) demonstrates satisfactory proof of proficiency in the English language
Massage Therapist
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists. Numerous employers in the Wake County and surrounding area are continually recruiting for new therapists.
Massage Therapist
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Demonstrate appropriate body mechanics in the practice of bodywork modalities
Recognize the special needs of clients who have suffered trauma through accidents or illness
Demonstrate the integration of Swedish massage and sports massage theory and practice to various populations
Demonstrate the techniques of prenatal massage
Describe the techniques of active and passive assisted engagement techniques, and apply them
Distinguish theory and practice of complimentary healthcare and bodywork practices such as trigger point, aromatherapy, energetic techniques, myofascial release, and reflexology
Evaluate intake information on a variety of massage clients and recommend treatment plans
Evaluate pathologies for therapeutic massage indications, contraindications, and treatment protocols
Design appropriate treatment based on results from assessment techniques
Formulate treatment plans from health history and assessment information for a variety of individuals with unique needs
Under the supervision of an instructor, perform intake, treatment planning and massage therapy treatments on clients in the student clinic
Sports Massage
Hydrotherapy
Energy Based Modalities and Reflexology
Prenatal Massage
Student Clinic
190
No
North Carolina Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
This course provides an expanded knowledge and skill base for the massage therapist. Emphasis is placed on selected therapeutic approaches with a variety of populations throughout the lifespan.
Upon completion, students should be able to perform entry level therapeutic massage on various populations. Through classwork, and practical hands on experience students will be prepared for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and will have a foundation to practice as an entry-level professional massage therapist.
No
Massage Therapy Part 1, 2, and 3
Textbooks (TBD), student clinic uniform, access to massage prep software
n/a
95% attendance
Overall grade - 70% or better - Final grade is calculated on Homework 20%, Quizzes 20%, Projects 20%, and Exams 40%.
N/A
Those interested in massage therapy who meet the following requirements:
(1) have a high school diploma or equivalent
(2) is 18 years of age or older
(3) is of good moral character as determined by the Board
(4) demonstrates satisfactory proof of proficiency in the English language
Massage Therapist
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists. Numerous employers in the Wake County and surrounding area are continually recruiting for new therapists.
Massage Therapist
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Recognize the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship
Identify dual relationships and their implications on the therapeutic relationship
Define somatic and understand the mind-body connection
Define stress and recognize the psychological and physical implications on massage therapy clients
The Therapeutic Relationship and Boundaries
Professional Communication
The Mind-Body Connection
25
No
N.C. Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
The N.C. Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy requires 25 hours in Psychological Concepts to become a licensed therapist.
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
95% attendance
Overall grade must be a 70% or higher to successfully complete this course.
N/A
This course is designed to meet the needs of massage therapists who have successfully completed their massage therapy training but are missing the required Psychological Concepts hours required for licensure by the N.C. Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
Massage therapist
The demand for licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapists in Wake and surrounding counties is high and will continue to be so. Currently, more than 75 positions are listed on job boards.
Massage therapist
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
The program is offered at the Western Wake Campus, at 3434 Kildaire Farm Road in Cary.
Wake Tech academic programs (degree and non-degree) that are designed to lead to professional licenses are tied to North Carolina or national certifications. If you intend to pursue professional licenses outside North Carolina once you have completed your academic program at Wake Tech, please refer to the Professional Licensure section of the college's distance education authorization page for additional information.
"Wake Tech gave me all the skills I needed to become a licensed massage therapist."
Emily Hester
Massage Therapy, Class of 2016
