Pre-Occupational Curriculum (31 hours)
Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.
Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. the laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classificatins, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous snesory systems.
Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.
Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immunie system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reporductive system.
Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.
Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.
Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.
Introduces the student to the fundamentals of oral communication. Topics include selection and organization of materials, preparation and delivery of individual and group presentations, analysis of ideas presented by others, and professionalism.
Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid and triage, vital signs, infection control/blood and air-borne pathogens.
Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.
Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
Occupational Curriculum (44 hours)
The purpose of this course is to provide an advanced understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy so as to enable the student to better assess and treat client conditions. Topics include: bones; joints; terminology; and muscles by region.
This course provides an understanding of nervous system to enable the student to better assess and treat client conditions. Topics include: nervous systems structure and function: communication of the neural and endocrine systems; and NMT Foundational Platform.
This course prepares students to identify general pathological conditions so as to be able to refer for medical attention or identify indications and contraindications for massage for specific body systems as stated: musculoskeletal, endocrine, nervous, integumentary, circulatory and lymphatic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive systems. Topics include: review of basic anatomy and physiology per body system; identification of pathologic conditions per body system; physiologic effects of manual therapies upon each body system; formation of a treatment plan; indications versus contraindications for treatment; dysfunction versus disease; and critical reading.
Provides student with knowledge and practice of basic skills necessary for maintaining a successful and responsible career as a Neuromuscular therapist. This course prepares students in practical application for clinic by developing the proper skills necessary for interviewing clients, collecting data, assessment of data collection, developing patient care plan, and proper documentation. Topics include: history of massage and body work; professionalism, effective communication skills; documentation and charting; formation of a treatment plan utilizing assessment procedures; and critical reading.
This course lays the foundation for other neuromuscular courses as it provides the essential basic skills for soft tissue manipulations. Students will learn how to incorporate the basic Swedish strokes as well as integrate each body region into a full body treatment session. Topics include: therapeutic environment; client positioning, bolstering, and draping; endangerment sites; Swedish strokes per NCE; integrated routine; mobile practice; and self care.
Students begin clinical reasoning and provide supervised therapy services in the college clinic. Students will apply skills learned in previous courses to interview clients; document assessment findings; discern indications and contraindications; develop and implement proper treatment plans; and deliver and evaluate effective Swedish and Deep tissue sessions for a minimum of three clients per week. Student will continue to utilize wellness essentials, evaluate client/therapist communication, and improve professional work ethic. This course also includes a community service component. Topics include: documentation; effective communication skills; effective treatment; preceptor shadowing; case study; community outreach; and self care.
This course enhances didactic instruction of students in the techniques of neuromuscular therapy (NMT) as related to physiologic factors of pain such as Ischemia, Trigger Points, Postural Distortion, Neural Compression/Entrapment, Biomechanical Dysfunction, Nutrition and Stress in an attempt to restore and maintain a balance among the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems. Topics include: NMT foundational platform; NMT application fundamentals; indications and contraindications for treatment; muscles; NMT treatment per body region; and self care.
This course provides practical application of adjunctive therapies to accompany NMT treatment in student clinic. Topics include: advanced assessment techniques; muscle lengthening techniques; thermotherapy; passive and active engagement;positional release techniques; and critical reading
This course is intended to be an overview of other adjunctive modalities. Further supervised study and training in these modalities is necessary for responsible therapy. Topics include: myofascial release overview; pregnancy massage; and lymphatic drainage.
This course is an integration and review of didactic instruction in order to prepare students to take the National Certification Examination (NCETM/NCETMB) or an equivalent licensure exam approved by the Therapist*s chosen state of practice. Students will be self directed in review of competencies of NCBTMB or other chosen licensing exam. Also, students will participate in simulated registry exams. Review topics include: anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology; massage application and assessment; pathology; professional ethics and business practices; clinical reasoning; and Eastern modalities.
Students will continue clinical reasoning and provide supervised therapy services in the college clinic. Students will apply skills learned in previous courses to interview clients, document assessment findings, discern indications and contraindications, develop and implement proper treatment plans, and deliver and evaluate effective treatment plan sessions for a minimum of three clients per week utilizing combined therapies of NMT routines, Swedish, and deep tissue. Student will continue to utilize wellness essentials, evaluate client/therapist communication, and improve professional work ethic. This course also includes a community service component. Topics include: documentation, advanced communication skills, effective treatment, preceptor shadowing, community outreach and self care.
This course is designed to prepare students to develop professional leadership skills and maintain a successful practice as a Neuromuscular Therapist. This course will explore local and Georgia law as it pertains to the regulation and licensure of Massage Therapy. Also addressed are professional ethics and standards for practice per chosen professional massage therapy organization Topics include: networking; business promotion; business management; start-up plan portfolio; financial management; State (Georgia) law; Local Law; and Professional Ethics.