Massage Therapy Practitioner Certificate, AAS, & AAS-T
Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. This information reflects requirements starting in summer 2024 and may be subject to change. Please contact your adviser for more information regarding the courses. To see which materials are needed for your classes, click this bookstore link (Links to an external site.) and enter the course information.
General Overview
When can I start? Fall (September)
How long is the program?
- 3 quarters (9 months) for the certificate with 43 total credits
- 6 quarters (22 months) for the AAS with 90 total credits
- 6 quarters (22 months) for the AAS-T with 90 total credits
When do classes meet? Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as FLEX hybrid.
FLEX allows you the flexibility to Zoom into non-lab classes in real time or asynchronously on your own time. FLEX gives you opportunities to submit homework, quizzes, and exams late and to do make-up labs
Are summer classes required? No
This program teaches you the principles of therapeutic massage for health maintenance, assessment, and rehabilitation of body tissues and systems. Therapeutic massage is important for sports medicine, injury recovery, and physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Our program is approved by the Washington State Board of Massage and prepares you to earn your professional license. Due to licensing laws, you must be 18 years or older by the third quarter of this program.
What does a massage therapy practitioner do?
What is the average salary?
$77,280 annually Links to an external site. in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most massage therapy practitioners in King County earn at least $46,800; there is a wide salary range.
Who can I contact with questions?
- New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
- For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Massage Therapy Practitioner.
Overall Materials Needed:
- Access to a functioning laptop or computer (you may use computers in the RTC Library or Learning Resource Center)
- Working internet connection
- CastleBranch account for background check ($106)
- Personal health insurance for the full 10 months of the program
- General liability and malpractice insurance ($14.62)
- Physical evaluation, which must include a physician's release saying that you are physically capable of giving and receiving massages
- Textbooks and software ($415). Free OER textbook is used for Mast 102, Mast 112, and Mast 122.
- Skeletal model, portable massage table, bolster pillow, and sheet sets ($600, depending on table cost)
- Uniforms ($80)
When classes begin, you can claim your free student membership Links to an external site. in the American Massage Therapy Association.
Materials Warning
Some materials on this page are listed as TBD, which means that the materials have yet to be determined. Please consult your instructor on what textbooks or materials are required for the class. If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!
If you completed one quarter you can apply to the RTC Foundation Book and Equipment Grant Links to an external site..
Certificate Only
(Fall) Quarter 1 Classes
Description: You learn human anatomy, body movement, and diseases along with comprehensive Swedish massage techniques. Communication and human relation classes focus on professional interactions with clients and staff.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 101 | Massage Techniques I | YES | 5 |
| MAST 102 | Anatomy and Physiology I | YES | 2 |
| MAST 103 | Kinesiology I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 104 | Pathology I | YES | 1 |
| MAST 181 | Ethics: Safe Hands I | NO | 2 |
(Winter) Quarter 2 Classes
Description: You continue to learn about human anatomy, body movement, and diseases, with new instruction in injury treatment and emergency care. You also will increase your understanding of ethical and legal issues and begin researching your ideal work environment.
Prerequisite notes: You must complete MAST 101, 102, 103, and 104 to enroll in MAST 111, 112, 113, and 114. You also need to complete MAST 181 before you can enroll in MAST 182.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 111 | Massage Techniques II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 112 | Anatomy and Physiology II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 113 | Kinesiology II | NO | 2 |
| MAST 114 | Pathology II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 116 | Injury Evaluation and Treatment I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 127 | First Aid/CPR and Safety | NO | 2 |
| MAST 173 | Massage Employment I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 182 | Ethics: Safe Hands II | NO | 1 |
(Spring) Quarter 3 Classes
Description: You develop advanced knowledge of human anatomy, body movement, diseases, injury treatment and emergency care. You complete your required math class, and you get ready for your first job.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 122 | Anatomy and Physiology III | NO | 3 |
| MAST 124 | Pathology III | NO | 2 |
| MAST 126 | Injury Evaluation and Treatment II | NO | 2 |
| MAST 174 | Massage Employment II | NO | 2 |
| MAST 123 | Kinesiology III | NO | 1 |
| MAST 191 | Clinic | NO | 2 |
Total Estimated Cost for Massage Therapy Practitioner Certificate: $8,324 plus the cost of health insurance
You need a license to work as a massage therapist in Washington. You must pass a certification exam (MBLEx) and a jurisprudence exam before you can apply for your license. The MBLEx exam fee is $265, and the fee for your initial state license fee is $226.
AAS Degree (5 quarters)
(Fall) Quarter 1 Classes
Description: You learn human anatomy, body movement, and diseases along with comprehensive Swedish massage techniques. Communication and human relation classes focus on professional interactions with clients and staff.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COL 101 | College Success | NO | 2 |
| MAST 101 | Massage Techniques I | YES | 5 |
| MAST 102 | Anatomy and Physiology I | YES | 2 |
| MAST 103 | Kinesiology I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 104 | Pathology I | YES | 1 |
| MAST 181 | Ethics: Safe Hands I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 201 | Holistic Self-Care for Massage Therapists | NO | 4 |
(Winter) Quarter 2 Classes
Description: You continue to learn about human anatomy, body movement, and diseases, with new instruction in injury treatment and emergency care. You also will increase your understanding of ethical and legal issues and begin researching your ideal work environment.
Prerequisite notes: You must complete MAST 101, 102, 103, and 104 to enroll in MAST 111, 112, 113, and 114. You also need to complete MAST 181 before you can enroll in MAST 182.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 111 | Massage Techniques II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 112 | Anatomy and Physiology II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 113 | Kinesiology II | NO | 2 |
| MAST 114 | Pathology II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 116 | Injury Evaluation and Treatment I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 127 | First Aid/CPR and Safety | NO | 2 |
| MAST 173 | Massage Employment I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 182 | Ethics: Safe Hands II | NO | 1 |
| MAST 203 | Massage Business Start-Up I | TBD | 3 |
| MAST 205 | Asian Bodywork Modalities | TBD | 3 |
| MAST 211 | MBLEx Massage License Prep I | TBD | 2 |
(Spring) Quarter 3 Classes
Description: You develop advanced knowledge of human anatomy, body movement, diseases, injury treatment and emergency care. You complete your required math class, and you get ready for your first job.
Prerequisite notes: You must complete MAST 203 before you can enroll in MAST 207. You also must complete MAST 123 before you can enroll in MAST 212.
It's time to apply for graduation! This quarter you will receive your Massage Therapy Practitioner certificate.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 122 | Anatomy and Physiology III | NO | 3 |
| MAST 123 | Kinesiology III | NO | 1 |
| MAST 124 | Pathology III | NO | 2 |
| MAST 126 | Injury Evaluation and Treatment II | NO | 2 |
| MAST 174 | Massage Employment II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 191 | Clinic | NO | 2 |
| MAST 207 | Massage Business Start-Up II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 209 | Integrative Massage | NO | 3 |
| MAST 212 | MBLEx Massage License Prep II | NO | 2 |
Quarter 4 Classes
Description: You complete General Education classes needed for your associate degree. What are your placement options for ENGL&101?
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUTR& 101 | Human Nutrition (recommended) or any general education class |
varies by class | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 or CMST 280 |
English Composition or Intercultural Communication (recommended) or another communication or humanities class |
varies by class | 5 |
| BUS& 101 |
Introduction to Business (recommended) or any General Education class |
varies by class | 5 |
(Winter) Quarter 5 Classes
Description: You explore private practice opportunities and everything needed to start your own business. You also learn various Asian bodywork modalities including acupressure, massage cupping, shiatsu, Thai massage, Jin Shin Do, Acutonics, and Ohm Therapeutics. Your General Education classes include an elective and a social science course (recommendations are included below).
It's time to apply for graduation! This quarter you will receive your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC& 100 or ANTH& 235 |
General Psychology or Cross-Cultural Medicine (recommended) or another social science class |
varies by class | 5 |
| AMATH 175 or AMATH 190 |
Financial Math or Financial Algebra or other mathematics class |
NO | 5 |
Total Estimated Cost for Massage Therapy Practitioner AAS Degree: $13,860 plus the cost of health insurance
You need a license to work as a massage therapist in Washington. You must pass a certification exam (MBLEx) and a jurisprudence exam before you can apply for your license. The MBLEx exam fee is $265, and the fee for your initial state license fee is $226.
AAS Degree (6 quarters)
You might use this pathway if you finish your certificate and later, you decide to return for your AAS degree.
(Fall) Quarter 1 Classes
Description: You learn human anatomy, body movement, and diseases along with comprehensive Swedish massage techniques. Communication and human relation classes focus on professional interactions with clients and staff.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COL 101 | College Success | NO | 2 |
| MAST 101 | Massage Techniques I | YES | 5 |
| MAST 102 | Anatomy and Physiology I | YES | 2 |
| MAST 103 | Kinesiology I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 104 | Pathology I | YES | 1 |
| MAST 181 | Ethics: Safe Hands I | NO | 1 |
(Winter) Quarter 2 Classes
Description: You continue to learn about human anatomy, body movement, and diseases, with new instruction in injury treatment and emergency care. You also will increase your understanding of ethical and legal issues and begin researching your ideal work environment.
Prerequisite notes: You must complete MAST 101, 102, 103, and 104 to enroll in MAST 111, 112, 113, and 114. You also need to complete MAST 181 before you can enroll in MAST 182.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 111 | Massage Techniques II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 112 | Anatomy and Physiology II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 113 | Kinesiology II | NO | 2 |
| MAST 114 | Pathology II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 116 | Injury Evaluation and Treatment I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 127 | First Aid/CPR and Safety | NO | 2 |
| MAST 173 | Massage Employment I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 182 | Ethics: Safe Hands II | NO | 1 |
(Spring) Quarter 3 Classes
Description: You develop advanced knowledge of human anatomy, body movement, diseases, injury treatment and emergency care. You complete your required math class, and you get ready for your first job.
Prerequisite notes: You must complete MAST 203 before you can enroll in MAST 207.
It's time to apply for graduation! This quarter you will receive your Massage Therapy Practitioner certificate.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 122 | Anatomy and Physiology III | NO | 3 |
| MAST 124 | Pathology III | NO | 2 |
| MAST 126 | Injury Evaluation and Treatment II | NO | 2 |
| MAST 174 | Massage Employment II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 123 | Kinesiology III | TBD | 1 |
| MAST 191 | Clinic | NO | 2 |
(Fall) Quarter 4 Classes
Description: You learn about Reiki, yoga, visualization, meditation, and Ohm Therapeutics to help you stay focused, healthy, and ready to work with clients throughout your long massage career. You also complete General Education classes needed for your associate degree. What are your placement options for ENGL&101?
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 201 | Holistic Self-Care for Massage Therapists | NO | 4 |
| NUTR& 101 | Human Nutrition (recommended) or any general education class |
varies by class | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 or CMST 280 |
English Composition or Intercultural Communication (recommended) or another communication or humanities class |
varies by class | 5 |
(Winter) Quarter 5 Classes
Description: You explore private practice opportunities and everything needed to start your own business. You also learn various Asian bodywork modalities including acupressure, massage cupping, shiatsu, Thai massage, Jin Shin Do, Acutonics, and Ohm Therapeutics. Your General Education classes include an elective and a social science course (recommendations are included below).
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 203 | Massage Business Start-Up I | TBD | 3 |
| MAST 205 | Asian Bodywork Modalities | TBD | 3 |
| MAST 211 | MBLex Massage License Prep I | TBD | 2 |
| PSYC& 100 or ANTH& 235 |
General Psychology or Cross-Cultural Medicine (recommended) or another social science class |
varies by class | 5 |
| BUS& 101 |
Introduction to Business (recommended) or any General Education class |
varies by class | 5 |
(Spring) Quarter 6 Classes
Description: You bring together different massage techniques for focused treatments. You complete your business plan and learn effective marketing, business finances, and taxes, which also are covered in the math class required for your degree. Learn more about math placement.
Prerequisite notes: You must complete MAST 203 before you can enroll in MAST 207.
It's time to apply for graduation! This quarter you will receive your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 207 | Massage Business Start-Up II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 209 | Integrative Massage | NO | 3 |
| MAST 212 | MBLEx Massage License Prep II | NO | 2 |
| AMATH 175 or AMATH 190 |
Financial Math or Financial Algebra or other mathematics class |
NO | 5 |
Total Estimated Cost for Massage Therapy Practitioner AAS Degree: $13,901 plus the cost of health insurance
You need a license to work as a massage therapist in Washington. You must pass a certification exam (MBLEx) and a jurisprudence exam before you can apply for your license. The MBLEx exam fee is $265, and the fee for your initial state license fee is $226.
AAS-T Degree
Quarter 1 Classes
Description: You learn human anatomy, body movement, and diseases along with comprehensive Swedish massage techniques. Communication and human relation classes focus on professional interactions with clients and staff.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COL 101 | College Success | NO | 2 |
| MAST 101 | Massage Techniques I | YES | 5 |
| MAST 102 | Anatomy and Physiology I | YES | 2 |
| MAST 103 | Kinesiology I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 104 | Pathology I | YES | 1 |
| MAST 181 | Ethics: Safe Hands I | NO | 2 |
Quarter 2 Classes
Description: You continue to learn about human anatomy, body movement, and diseases, with new instruction in injury treatment and emergency care. You also will increase your understanding of ethical and legal issues and begin researching your ideal work environment.
Prerequisite notes: You must complete MAST 101, 102, 103, and 104 to enroll in MAST 111, 112, 113, and 114. You also need to complete MAST 181 before you can enroll in MAST 182.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 111 | Massage Techniques II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 112 | Anatomy and Physiology II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 113 | Kinesiology II | NO | 2 |
| MAST 114 | Pathology II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 116 | Injury Evaluation and Treatment I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 127 | First Aid/CPR and Safety | NO | 2 |
| MAST 173 | Massage Employment I | NO | 2 |
| MAST 182 | Ethics: Safe Hands II | NO | 1 |
Quarter 3 Classes
Description: In this quarter, you get to use your advanced skills in the campus massage clinic. You prepare for the MBLEx licensing exam and practice interviewing for massage therapist jobs.
Prerequisite notes: You must complete MAST 112, 114, 116, and 173 to enroll in MAST 122, 124, 126, and 174 respectively.
It's time to apply for your certificate! This quarter you will receive a certificate of completion.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 122 | Anatomy and Physiology III | NO | 3 |
| MAST 123 | Kinesiology III | NO | 1 |
| MAST 124 | Pathology III | NO | 2 |
| MAST 126 | Injury Evaluation and Treatment II | NO | 2 |
| MAST 174 | Massage Employment II | NO | 2 |
| MAST 191 | Clinic | NO | 3 |
You need a license to work as a massage therapist in Washington. You must pass a certification exam (MBLEx) and a jurisprudence exam before you can apply for your license. The MBLEx exam fee is $265, and the fee for your initial state license fee is $226.
Quarter 4 Classes
Description: You learn about Reiki, yoga, visualization, meditation, and Ohm Therapeutics to help you stay focused, healthy, and ready to work with clients throughout your long massage career. You also complete General Education classes needed for your associate degree. What are your placement options for ENGL&101?
Quarter 5 includes your required transfer mathematics class. If you do not meet any of the placement options for MATH&, you will need to take AMATH 190 this quarter.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 201 | Holistic Self-Care for Massage Therapists | NO | 4 |
| MAST 203 | Massage Business Start-Up I | TBD | 3 |
| AMATH 190 | Financial Algebra | NO | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition (required) | varies by class | 5 |
Quarter 5 Classes
Description: You explore private practice opportunities and everything needed to start your own business. You also learn various Asian bodywork modalities including acupressure, massage cupping, shiatsu, Thai massage, Jin Shin Do, Acutonics, and Ohm Therapeutics. Your General Education classes include an elective and a social science course (recommendations are included below).
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 205 | Asian Bodywork Modalities | TBD | 3 |
| MAST 211 | MBLEx Massage License Prep I | TBD | 2 |
| MATH& 107 | Math in Society or another transfer mathematics class |
YES | 5 |
| PSYC& 100 or ANTH& 235 |
General Psychology or Cross-Cultural Medicine or another social science class |
varies by class | 5 |
Quarter 6 Classes
Description: You bring together different massage techniques for focused treatments. You complete your business plan and learn effective marketing, business finances, and taxes, which also are covered in the math class required for your degree.
Prerequisite notes: You must complete MAST 203 before you can enroll in MAST 207.
It's time to apply for graduation! This quarter you will receive your Associate of Applied Science (AAS-T) degree.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST 207 | Massage Business Start-Up II | NO | 3 |
| MAST 209 | Integrative Massage | NO | 3 |
| MAST 212 | MBLEx Massage License Prep II | NO | 2 |
| NUTR& 101 or BUS& 101 |
Human Nutrition (recommended) or Introduction to Business (recommended) or any transferable General Education class |
varies by class | 5 |
Total Estimated Cost for Massage Therapy Practitioner AAS-T: $13,926 plus the cost of health insurance
Continue your education! You can choose from applied bachelor programs in healthcare.
Not quite the path you want to take? Let's go back to the Program Map!