Massage Therapy
Program
PROGRAMS
Massage Therapy — Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS)
This NYSED-registered, 72-credit program integrates Swedish massage, Asian bodywork, medical massage, and supervised clinical training. Graduates are eligible for the NYS Licensing Exam and the MBLEx for multi-state licensure.
72
Credits
2
Years Full-Time
Curriculum Areas
Western Health Sciences
Anatomy & Physiology, Myology, Neurology, Kinesiology, Pathology
Western Massage Technique
Swedish Technique, Medical Massage, Reflexology
Asian Bodywork
Three-course sequence rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles
Physical Arts & Oriental Sciences
Tai Chi, Yoga, Qi Gong, Channels & Points, Holistic Health
Clinical Training
165 hours of supervised internship treating real patients
Professional Development
Medical Ethics, Practice Management, electives in Sports Massage or Advanced Techniques
Career Pathways
Licensed Massage Therapists work in hospitals, medical clinics, spas, sports programs, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. Specialties include sports massage, pregnancy massage, stress management, and oncology massage.
NYCHP MT-to-Acupuncture Pathway
12
Max Credits
Transfer Credits — ACAHM Standard 5, Criterion 5.02(H)
Under ACAHM Standard 5, Criterion 5.02(H), prerequisite and co-requisite credits used to satisfy program admission requirements shall not be counted toward program completion credits. The acupuncture program requires a minimum of 60 semester credits of prior post-secondary education as an admissions prerequisite. For graduates who hold only the 72-credit AOS degree in Massage Therapy and no other prior post-secondary credits, 60 of those credits fulfill the admissions prerequisite — resulting in a maximum of 12 credits eligible for transfer evaluation into the acupuncture program. Applicants who hold additional post-secondary credits from other accredited institutions beyond the 72-credit AOS degree may be eligible for transfer evaluation of credits exceeding the 60-credit admissions prerequisite, subject to transcript review, course equivalency assessment, and approval by the program Dean. This accreditation standard is binding on all ACAHM-accredited programs nationwide.
Contact the Admissions Office for a personalized credit transfer evaluation.
Continue to Acupuncture or Chinese Herbal Medicine
Graduates of the Massage Therapy program may transfer eligible credits into the Acupuncture (BPS/MS) or Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (BPS/MS) program.
Purpose, Goals & Student Learning Outcomes
Massage Therapy — AOS · School of Massage Therapy
Program Mission
The Massage Therapy program prepares students to become competent, licensed health care practitioners through comprehensive training in both Swedish (Western) massage and Asian bodywork. The curriculum integrates Western health sciences with Eastern healing principles, equipping graduates with the clinical reasoning, hands-on proficiency, and professional ethics needed to practice massage therapy in diverse health care settings across New York State and beyond.
Before graduation, every student completes a supervised clinical internship under licensed health care professionals, developing proficiency in patient assessment, treatment planning, and the management of various pathological conditions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
Clinical Competence — Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the art and science of Eastern, Western, and Therapeutic Medical Massage modalities as entry-level practitioners.
Integrative Thinking — Integrate Western Health Sciences with both Eastern and Western Massage Therapy Principles to promote critical thinking, enhance problem solving, and consistently document massage therapy sessions thoroughly and accurately within a clinical setting.
Professional Development — Develop a strategy of self-care, successful practice, business management, or employment within the growing field of massage therapy.
Ethics & Communication — Demonstrate ethical and legal behavior, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication with clients and other healthcare professionals.
Course of Study
Massage Therapy — Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS)
72 Credits / 1,380–1,530 Hours
The recommended full-time course of study spans six trimesters (2 academic years) at 12 credits per trimester. Students wishing to complete the program faster may increase credits per trimester and finish in five trimesters (20 months). A nine-trimester part-time track (8 credits per trimester, 3 years maximum) is also available for students who work or have other responsibilities outside of school.
The 72-credit curriculum is organized across Western Health Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology I–II, Myology I–II, Neurology, Kinesiology, Pathology I–II), Western Massage Technique (Swedish Technique I–II, Swedish Practice Lab, Medical Massage I–II, Reflexology), Asian Bodywork (Asian Bodywork I–III), Oriental Sciences (Holistic and Public Health, Fundamental Theory of Channels and Points), Physical Arts (Introduction to Physical Arts, Tai Chi / Yoga / Qi Gong), Professional Development (Medical Ethics and Practice Management, Total Massage Review), Clinical Training (Introduction to Clinic, Massage Therapy Clinic I–II), and elective concentrations in either sports massage or advanced massage techniques. The instructor-to-student ratio for technique classes is 16:1; for didactic classes, up to 40:1.
Download the Full Course of Study
View the complete trimester-by-trimester breakdown of courses, credits, and hours for both the full-time and part-time tracks in the Massage Therapy Course of Study PDF.
Tuition, Licensing & Certification
Massage Therapy — Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS)
School of Massage Therapy
For tuition rates, fees, and payment options, visit Tuition, Fees & Expenses. Institutional scholarships and installment plans are available. NYS TAP may apply for eligible students.
Students complete 165 hours of supervised clinical internship — including 120 patient treatments across both Western and Asian modalities — before graduation. Faculty bring expertise from both Eastern and Western traditions; view credentials on the Faculty page.
Massage Therapy Law in the State of New York
Massage therapy has been a licensed profession in New York State since 1968. Licensed practitioners may treat patients without a medical referral. Article 155 of the NYS Education Law defines the profession and its scope of practice. The massage therapy curriculum at the college exceeds the current 1,000-hour requirement.
New York State Licensure Requirements
- File an application with the New York State Education Department.
- High school graduate or equivalent education.
- Graduate of a NYS-registered Massage Therapy program or equivalent.
- Pass a written examination per the Commissioner's regulations.
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (USCIS I-551 / Green Card).
- Good moral character as determined by the Department.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification (Red Cross or AHA).
- Initial fee of $108 (NYSED) + $260 (testing agency); triennial renewal $50.
- 36 hours of continuing education required every three years.
The NYS licensing exam is administered in March and September.
National Certification
Graduates are eligible for the MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) for multi-state licensure, and may pursue voluntary certification through the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork).
REGULATORY INFORMATION & USEFUL CONTACTS
Disclosure of State Requirements
Completion of the Massage Therapy program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in New York State. Requirements vary by state; students planning to practice elsewhere should verify with the appropriate state licensing authority.
Accreditation & Registration
New York College of Health Professions is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Massage Therapy program is registered with NYSED (HEGIS Code 5299).
Useful Contacts
| Organization | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYSED | 89 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12234 | (518) 474-4800 | nysed.gov |
| NECHE | 3 Burlington Woods Dr, Ste 100, Burlington, MA 01803 | (781) 855-6800 | neche.org |
| FSMTB | 7300 College Blvd, Ste 650, Overland Park, KS 66210 | (866) 262-6424 | fsmtb.org |
| NCBTMB | 1750 Old Meadow Rd, Ste 500, McLean, VA 22102 | (800) 627-1029 | ncbtmb.org |
CONTACT
Admissions Office
6801 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 210, Syosset, NY 11791
Content sourced from the 2023–2026 Catalog (Updated March 2026). All policies, procedures, and requirements are subject to change.
