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Facts About the Associate Degree in Massage Therapy (ADMT)

Starts in Fall 2006

In April 2006, Lakeside became the first massage therapy school in the State of Wisconsin to offer an associate degree program in massage therapy. Lakeside was the first massage therapy school in Wisconsin to become accredited and the first in the state of offer federal financial aid. While continuing to offer the entry level massage therapy program, Lakeside will add the additional learning option of an associate degree. Our commitment to continually strive to raise the bar in massage therapy education has led us to offering this degree program – one we are pleased to present to those interested in furthering their education in the field and looking for advanced training.

Currently, in massage therapy education, the overwhelming majority of schools offer certificate programs. Although there are programs that offer degrees, most advanced coursework must be taken as continuing education. The structure of continuing education programs lacks the ability to support students in integrating the information and guiding their thinking processes as clinical decision makers; hence, Lakeside will offer a program that melds continuing education and an associate degree program to provide the most effective opportunities to the massage therapy community and to those students who are looking for advanced training.

Associate Degree in Massage Therapy (ADMT) Program

Philosophy

As massage therapy practice has continued its recognition in the allopathic as well as in the integrative medicine and holistic health communities, Lakeside’s responsibility as an educational institution is to provide learning opportunities that support students who are searching to enhance their leadership and professional roles within the profession of massage therapy. The 300-level education course components of the ADMT are based on the following constructs that will be woven into the course offerings:

Course Content

Structure

The ADMT will include completion of all components of the 750-clock hour/41 semester credit program in Professional Massage Therapy. That program is made up of two semesters of 20.5 credits each. Students who enroll in the ADMT may enroll in either of the 52-week programs or the 57-week at either campus (Madison or Milwaukee). The additional component of the course will be offered in a three day weekend model every other weekend for approximately nine months. The final nine-month segment course work will be offered at alternately at either the Madison or Milwaukee campus depending on the faculty teaching the unit. Therefore, students will be required to travel on the weekend, depending upon where they live.

The students who have completed the Professional Massage Therapy Diploma Program will have met all of the competency elements required by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. All of the coursework offered in the ADMT will provide enhanced understanding, application, and evaluation skills for the graduates (see appendix for Competency Chart). Requirements for graduation from the ADMT will include in addition to the requirements of the Professional Massage Therapy Program: successful completion of certification either in personal training or strength and conditioning from a nationally recognized agency and a research based case study in addition to completion of all coursework.

Course Descriptions

Exercise Physiology and Nutrition 301
This course is designed to build upon the basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology as it relates to the human body to include the physiological responses of body systems to various types of exercise. The course will address differences relating to types of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on tissues of the body, nutrition factors in age, health and performance, and gender related differences and their implications in exercise and response to physical stressors.

Massage Therapy, Exercise Testing, and Prescription 302
This course is designed to integrate the knowledge learned as it relates to tissue elasticity and the effects of massage strategies with the principles of various types of exercise, exercise testing, and exercise prescriptions. The course will include concepts of stretching, resistance training, anaerobic and aerobic exercise, as well as the concepts of making recommendations for various types of exercises.

Pharmacology and Massage 301
This course is designed to addresses the effects of various pharmaceutical agents on the body, their variability in therapeutic effects, and their impact on the delivery of massage therapy. The course will address various agents that are more prevalent in disorders such as, but not limited to, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular disorders, circulatory disorders, pain management, and various medications used in treating mood disorders.

Research 301
This course is designed to prepare students to critically read and analyze research literature, including understanding concepts of reliability and validity, and types of variability in the sample or the implementation of the study. Students will also be required to identify a research question they will explore with an individual client. A research case study is required of all students.

Orthopedic Testing 301
This course builds upon basic functional testing already used in massage therapy practice to include more advanced techniques to allow the practitioner to assess underlying signs and symptoms in areas of the body where restricted movement, tissue restriction, or pain limits the abilities of the client. Students learn how to use the outcome of testing to differentiate between indications and contraindications and when to refer to other professionals.

Mind, Body, Mood, and Massage 301
This course is designed to explore the physiology and psychological connections between mind, body, and mood as they relate to the human experience. The course will explore the concepts of tissue memory and emotional release as a result of massage therapy interventions. Students will be exposed to centering exercises and dialoging strategies that are supportive of clients during a massage session. The course will also introduce students to the value of mentoring relationships for massage therapy professionals and developing referral relationships with psychotherapists and other helping professionals.

Advanced Massage Therapy 301
This course is designed to introduce additional massage therapy strategies for different populations along with problem solving strategies based upon case study learning and actual practice. The course will include integration of the current thinking in massage therapy and bodywork literature, application of the orthopedic testing, and types of exercise that would be advisable. The course will use critical thinking strategies.

Business 301
This course discusses business and promotional strategies for the advanced practitioner. The course focuses on interfacing with the professional community including professional associations, massage practitioners, and other practitioners, as well as being proactive in furthering the profession of massage therapy.

Fieldwork 301
Fieldwork is a component of the program that provides students with opportunities to practice their massage therapy and exercise skills with various populations at off-site locations under faculty supervision. The settings include locations such as fitness centers, practitioner clinics that stress movement classes, and other possibilities. Fieldwork occurs outside of the regularly scheduled class times.

Transfer of Credit

Lakeside will process students’ portfolios or transcripts to determine the appropriateness of credit for previous education. Requests for advanced standing or transfers into the second year of the ADMT degree for individuals who have completed a massage therapy course will be considered following completion of the application form and payment of the $50 application fee. The coursework will be evaluated based upon the completed program’s similarity to Lakeside’s currently offered Professional Massage Therapy Diploma Program. Documents required for the review include the following:

Continuing education may be considered as part of the training received. The completed material will be reviewed by the Director of Education.

Transfer student costs are determined based on the remaining hours needed for completion. Fees, books, and equipment are charged according to the items needed for completion of the program. If an individual is CPR and First Aid trained, the CPR and First Aid unit may be waived. The students must provide evidence of CPR and First Aid Training which is current at the time of graduation from the Associate Degree Program.

For specific information or to submit the materials, contact the Admissions Coordinator at either campus.

Tuition and Fees

Associate Degree in Massage Therapy: 52-week evening or 57-week evening/weekend course and the 300-level courses. Students who take the 26-week course are not eligible to sign up for the course but may be eligible through a transfer into the program.

Tuition for the 2006-2008 Associate Degree in Massage Therapy is $13,955. (52-week or 57-week and 300-level courses). This amount includes a $1,000 registration fee due at the time of enrollment. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. A book and massage table fee of $1,200 is to be paid at the time of the first payment. The remaining $300 for books will be required to be paid prior to the start of 300 level courses.

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.