Western health sciences
Anatomy & Physiology, Myology, Neurology, Kinesiology, and Pathology.
School of Massage Therapy
Associate in Occupational Studies · AOS
Massage Therapy, designed for a hands-on health profession.
This NYSED-registered, 72-credit program brings together Western massage, Asian bodywork, health sciences, and supervised clinical education.
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72program credits
6trimesters
165supervised clinical hours
A focused course of study
Practical education with clear areas of study.
The curriculum is organized to make the scope of the AOS program easy to understand before you explore the full course sequence, admissions requirements, and regulatory information below.
Western massage technique
Swedish Technique, Medical Massage, and Reflexology.
Asian bodywork
A three-course sequence rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
Physical arts & Oriental sciences
Tai Chi, Yoga, Qi Gong, Channels & Points, and Holistic Health.
Clinical training
165 hours of supervised clinical internship as part of the curriculum.
Professional development
Medical Ethics, Practice Management, and electives in Sports Massage or Advanced Techniques.
Continuing your education
New York College of Health Professions — Massage Therapy to Acupuncture Pathway
Massage Therapy graduates may seek transfer-credit evaluation when applying to an NYCHP acupuncture program. Evaluation is individual and depends on the applicant's complete academic record.
12maximum transfer credits
eligible for evaluation*
eligible for evaluation*
72
−
AOS credits in Massage Therapy
60
=
prior post-secondary credits used for the acupuncture admission prerequisite
12
maximum credits eligible for transfer evaluation*
How the maximum applies. For a graduate who holds only the 72-credit AOS degree in Massage Therapy and no other prior post-secondary credits, 60 credits fulfill the acupuncture admission prerequisite. This leaves a maximum of 12 credits eligible for transfer evaluation.
Applicants with additional post-secondary credit may have other coursework reviewed, subject to transcript review, course-equivalency assessment, and program-Dean approval. Prerequisite and co-requisite credits used to satisfy admission requirements are not counted toward program-completion credits under ACAHM Standard 5.
The Full Program Record
Purpose, Outcomes, Course Sequence, and Required Disclosures.
Review the program purpose, learning outcomes, course sequence, and required institutional disclosures.
Purpose, Goals & Student Learning Outcomes
Massage Therapy — AOS · School of Massage Therapy
Program Mission
The Massage Therapy program prepares students for professional practice through comprehensive training in both Swedish (Western) massage and Asian bodywork. The curriculum integrates Western health sciences with Eastern healing principles, clinical reasoning, hands-on proficiency, and professional ethics.
Before graduation, every student completes a supervised clinical internship under licensed faculty supervision, developing experience in patient assessment, treatment planning, and clinical documentation.
1981
Founded with a focused purpose in integrative health education.
Student Learning Outcomes
Four Clear Outcomes.
On completion, graduates will be able to demonstrate these four areas of learning.
Clinical Competence
Eastern, Western, and therapeutic massageKnowledge and hands-on clinical skillsEntry-level practitioner preparation
Read Full Outcome +
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the art and science of Eastern, Western, and Therapeutic Medical Massage modalities as entry-level practitioners.
Integrative Thinking
Western health sciencesEastern and Western massage principlesCritical thinking and clinical documentation
Read Full Outcome +
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
Self-care and professional strategyPractice management and business planningEmployment preparation in massage therapy
Read Full Outcome +
Develop a strategy of self-care, successful practice, business management, or employment within the growing field of massage therapy.
Ethics & Communication
Ethical and legal practiceCultural sensitivityClient and healthcare communication
Read Full Outcome +
Demonstrate ethical and legal behavior, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication with clients and other healthcare professionals.
Course of Study
A Clear 72-Credit Pace.
1,380–1,530 hours, with full-time, accelerated, and part-time study options.
2 academic years12 credits per trimesterRecommended full-time plan
20 monthsIncreased credits per trimesterAccelerated study option
Up to 3 years8 credits per trimesterFor students balancing responsibilities
Curriculum Map
Western Health SciencesWestern Massage TechniqueAsian BodyworkOriental SciencesPhysical ArtsProfessional DevelopmentClinical TrainingSports Massage or Advanced TechniquesInside NYCHP
Classroom and Clinic Learning.
Swipe through authentic NYCHP classroom, clinic, faculty, and academic partnership photos.
Tuition, Licensing & Certification
Important Information, Grouped by What You Need.
Program completion does not itself confer a professional license. Independent state and examination requirements apply.
Tuition & Payment
For tuition rates, mandatory fees, payment options, institutional scholarships, and installment plans, contact Student Financial Services for the current schedule.
Student Financial ServicesClinical Education
Students complete 165 hours of supervised clinical internship, including 120 patient treatments across Western and Asian modalities, before graduation.
Meet Our FacultyNational Certification
Graduates may be eligible to sit for the MBLEx administered by FSMTB and may pursue voluntary certification through NCBTMB. Requirements and acceptance vary by jurisdiction.
Visit FSMTBNew York State Licensing Requirements +
Massage therapy is a licensed profession in New York State. Article 155 of the New York State Education Law defines the profession and its scope of practice. The College’s curriculum exceeds the current 1,000-hour education requirement listed on the source page.
- File an application with the New York State Education Department.
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent education.
- Graduate from a New York State–registered Massage Therapy program or equivalent.
- Pass a written examination under the Commissioner's regulations.
- Meet citizenship or lawful-permanent-resident requirements, good-moral-character requirements, age requirements, and current CPR and First Aid certification requirements.
- Pay current NYSED and examination fees. The current source page lists $108 for NYSED and $265 for the MBLEx; confirm fees with the applicable agency before applying.
- Complete the continuing-education requirement applicable to renewal.
Licensing requirements vary by state. Students planning to practice outside New York should verify requirements 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 institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Massage Therapy program is registered with the New York State Education Department (HEGIS Code 5299).
ACAHM programmatic accreditation does not apply to this undergraduate Massage Therapy program.
Regulatory Information & Useful Contacts
The Right Contact at the Right Time.
Contact the appropriate agency for licensing, certification, or accreditation questions.
NYSED
89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-3817 ext. 270opunit3@nysed.govop.nysed.gov ↗NECHE
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210, Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 425-7785neche.org ↗FSMTB
7300 College Boulevard, Suite 650, Overland Park, KS 66210
(913) 681-0380mblex@fsmtb.orgfsmtb.org ↗NCBTMB
500 Davis Street, Suite 975, Evanston, IL 60201
1-800-296-0664ncbtmb.org ↗Ready to Learn More?
Speak With Admissions About Massage Therapy.
Admissions Office · 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 210, Syosset, NY 11791
(516) 964-6007 · 1-800-922-7337 ext. 501
Source: 2023–2026 NYCHP Catalog, updated June 2026. Policies, procedures, fees, schedules, and external requirements are subject to change; confirm current requirements with the applicable institution or agency.