associate of occupational studies degree (AOS)
Program Format
The Associate of Occupational Studies degree program is available four times per year (January, April, July & October) and is comprised of six months of part-time evening courses, with classes meeting up to three nights per week Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5:30pm – 9:00pm. Additionally, students select 120 hours of electives which are scheduled Friday – Sunday from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm.
Credit for Prior Learning
The AOS Degree in Massage Therapy Degree will be awarded after successful completion of a total of 90.125-quarter credit hours or the equivalent (64.125 credit hours from the Massage Therapy Certificate Program and 26 earned as part of the AOS Degree Program). This postgraduate training is open to graduates of approved massage therapy certificate programs of at least 500 hours. For more information about the program contact our admissions department at admissions@bcmt.org.
Core Classes
Advanced Bodywork Symposium: 200 hrs
In this symposium, students will explore a variety of bodywork modalities including those from energetic models and other contemporary approaches. Emphasis is placed on increasing the student’s breadth and depth of knowledge as well as practical skills related to the massage and bodywork field. Topics explored in this symposium include, but are not limited to:
Medical Massage - The study of advanced pathophysiology and critical thinking skills is combined with specific practical hands-on techniques. Students learn treatment methods specifically geared toward clients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, post-surgical considerations, and other specific conditions. Students will compose a scientific research paper on the effects of massage on a particular client with a medical condition. In addition, the students will conduct and present a complete case study utilizing the information from the research paper.
Trauma and the Body - This curriculum examines the role that the autonomic nervous system plays in the ongoing symptoms associated with traumatic events, both physical and emotional. Students learn massage techniques that can help restore a sense of balance in the nervous system as well as foster reconnection for survivors who often experience intense physical reactions, memories, and a sense of disconnectedness from their body.
Advanced Practitioner Skills: Introduction to Craniosacral Therapy - This course introduces the practical structure and the philosophical basis of craniosacral therapy. Students will learn the fundamental skills that serve as the foundation of craniosacral therapy, including an introduction to the core anatomical and physiological relationships of the craniosacral system: the fluctuation of cerebrospinal fluid, bony articulations, reciprocal tension membranes, dural tube and spinal cord dynamics, and the motility of the central nervous system. Students will benefit from learning practical, effective skills that can be integrated immediately into their practices.
AOS Degree Electives
- Foundational Techniques and Theory: Prone Position
- Foundational Techniques and Theory: Supine Position
- Masunaga's Meridian Extensions in the Leg
- Masunaga's Meridian Extensions in the Arm
- Hara Assessment: The Expression from Within
- Exploring the Body in Side Position
- Fundamental Techniques and Theories of Canine Massage
- Pathologies and Clinical Application of Canine Massage
- Expanding Canine Massage Knowledge Through Acupressure
- Core Techniques and Foundations of Orthopedic and Sports Massage
- Massage Therapy Management of Inflammation: The Acute Phase Through Rehabilitation
- Neurovascular Compression Syndromes of the Upper and Lower Extremities
- Sports Injuries and Dysfunctions of the Cervical Spine and Upper Extremity: Including Frozen Shoulder, Headache, and TMJ Dysfunction
- Sports Injuries and Dysfunction of the Lower Extremity and Lumbar Spine
Prenatal, Labor, Postpartum Massage Therapy
- Massage for Healthy Pregnancies
- Massage for New Mothers
- Creative Support for Laboring Women
- Advanced Techniques
- Hydrotherapy
- Stone Massage
- Aromatherapy and Herbal Applications
- Body Masques
