MASSAGE

THERAPY

pacificcollege.edu/massage

2023-07
 MASSAGE THERAPY:
A HEALTHCARE CAREER WITH HEART AND SOUL
A career as a massage therapist is rewarding in many ways. Not only will your skills be in high demand, but
you’ll also help people recover from injuries, manage chronic pain, release stress, and feel better overall.

Massage therapists can work in a variety of settings such as medical clinics, chiropractic offices, massage
clinics, spas, resorts, cruise ships, gyms, or even build their own private practice. The variety of work
opportunities is definitely a perk of this career path. This flexibility means you can find a new position if you
need to relocate or make a change.

The field also offers solid income potential. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage
therapists earn an average of $47,000 a year working part-time. The highest-paid massage therapists can
earn around $78,000 a year. The best place to work for higher income potential are chiropractic offices and
resort spas, but massage clinics such as Hand & Stone, Elements Massage, and Massage Envy offer more
regular hours as well as other benefits.

Many massage therapists state that the ability to improve the health of their clients and their communities
brings them great satisfaction and a sense of purpose. Furthermore, as you build a client base and mature
as a professional, you will potentially acquire long-term clients that can become helpful connections in
other areas of life.

As you develop your craft as a massage therapist, you will find multiple opportunities to extend your
knowledge. Adding specialties like shiatsu, prenatal, or medical massage for specific conditions can help
you diversify your practice and add higher-paying services. You will need to earn continuing education
credits to renew your license, so professional growth is built into your career.

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FIVE REASONS TO PURSUE
YOUR MASSAGE THERAPY
EDUCATION AT PACIFIC
COLLEGE
WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION
At Pacific College of Health and Science,
you will learn to use techniques that
combine Eastern bodywork traditions with
Western science. This will give you a clear
competitive edge since you will gain skills
that prepare you to work in any type of
environment, from chiropractors to spas to
private practice. You will receive in‑depth
training in all the Western bodywork
modalities like at any other massage
school, such as Swedish massage, sports
massage, neuromuscular therapy, and
even prenatal massage or aromatherapy.
In addition, depending on your campus
of choice, you may also select courses
from a wide array of electives including
acupressure, Chinese tui na, Japanese
shiatsu, Thai massage, taiji, qigong, and
more.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Each campus boasts a busy clinic open to
the public where, towards the end of your
training, you will work with real clients
under the supervision of an instructor. At
the campus clinics, you will gain valuable
experience and learn how to use these
modalities in the context of a diverse array
of conditions and body types.

ACCREDITATION
Pacific College’s massage therapy
programs are endorsed under the umbrella
of our prestigious institutional WASC
accreditation. The San Diego programs are
also approved by the California Massage
Therapy Council (CAMTC).

TRANSFERABLE CREDITS
Once you enroll at Pacific, you become part
of the largest family of holistic healthcare
students and graduates in the US. You get
to learn about other interesting programs
such as acupuncture or holistic nursing,
even medical cannabis, and can opt to
continue your education to the graduate
level with our prestigious master and
doctorate programs.

ALUMNI SERVICES
The Pacific College Alumni Network (PCAN)
offers many opportunities and benefits
such as career assistance, patient referrals,
library access and free directory listing for
your private practice once you obtain your
license!
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 INTEGRATE WESTERN SCIENCE
AND EAST ASIAN MODALITIES
Pacific College’s massage therapy programs reflect the college’s respect for the “complete” massage
practitioner. You will receive in-depth training in all the Western bodywork modalities like at any other
massage school, while also having the opportunity to select courses from a wide array of electives such
as acupressure, tui na, shiatsu, Thai massage, and more.

We challenge students to grow personally and professionally so that they may understand their role as a
natural and evidence-driven healer in restoring their clients’ spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

You may choose to study at one of our two beautiful campuses in San Diego or New York. In each
program, you will also get a chance to practice your skills on the public at one of our busy on-site
clinics, under the supervision of an instructor.

SAN DIEGO NEW YORK

• Associate of Applied Science in • Associate of Occupational
Massage Therapies Studies in Massage Therapies,
AOS
• Certificate in Massage Therapy/
Asian Bodywork

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CORE BELIEFS & INSTITUTIONAL
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Since our inception, we have believed that health is more than the absence of disease and must include
the balance of the mind, body, and spirit. Pacific College views medicine as preventative, holistic, and
patient-centered. All members of the Pacific College community embody the intention of improving lives
exponentially by supporting health and well-being through our daily actions.

CRITICAL THINKING COLLABORATION SKILLS

Identify and solve problems that require the Collaborate with patients, clients, healthcare
integration of multiple contexts. professionals, and communities to develop
plans of care to achieve positive health
outcomes.

ETHICAL AND MORAL

DECISION-MAKING SKILLS
Demonstrate the highest quality of decision- EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
making, governed by ethical principles, integrity, Interact and collaborate with diverse
honesty, and compassion. individuals and groups while acknowledging
each other’s perspectives and biases.

EVIDENCE-INFORMED PRACTICE
Utilize best available research and apply LIFELONG LEARNING
relevant findings to teaching, learning, and Engage in lifelong self-directed learning to
the care of patients, clients, families, and validate continued competence in practice.
communities.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
Understand factors that influence health,
wellness, and disease including mind, body,
spirit, and community.

COMPASSIONATE PRACTICE
Provide compassionate approaches to
healthcare delivery when interacting with
patients, clients, families, and communities.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Use interpersonal skills to maintain professional
relationships with patients, clients, healthcare
professionals, and communities.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
START DATES:
• Winter: January
• Spring: May
• Fall: September

PREREQUISITES:
• Official high school transcripts, GED certificate, or
college degree transcripts
• 2.0 high school GPA or college GPA* or successful
passage of Wonderlic Exam (*Must have taken 12 or
more General Education units for college GPA to meet
prerequisites.)

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:
• Interview with Admissions Representative
• Completed application
• $50 application fee
• 2-3 sentences detailing interest and motivation to
complete the program
• Official high school, GED, or college degree transcript
• Final interview with member of the Admissions
Committee

PROGRAM LENGTH:
• MTH (San Diego): 36 units / 3 terms full-time
(1 calendar year)
• AAS (San Diego): 60 units / 5 terms full-time
(20 months)
• AOS (New York): 65 units / 5 terms full-time
(20 months)

TUITION & FEES:

• Varies by program and campus, as well as the
number of credits transferred
• Financial aid and other financing options available for
those who qualify

READY TO APPLY?

APPLY ONLINE

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