Class Description
Year One - Term 1
Term 1
CPR First Aid Level C with AED
This CPR class will certify the student in level C with defibrillator use. This is the level of CPR/first aid that is required for Practicing Massage Therapists. A certified CPR instructor will teach this course at an on-site location.
Ethics & Professionalism (EP)
This class is about the ethics and guidelines that Massage Therapists must practice. The unique nature of the industry requires that MTs have a solid understanding of ethical foundations, boundaries, professional relationships, and how to communicate with patients and colleagues.
Gross Anatomy 1 (GA 101)
This class is designed to focus on the concepts and principles of gross anatomy, palpatory anatomy, and kinesiology. The purpose of this class is to emphasize the development of skilled palpation as a fundamental component of effective manual therapy technique. A solid knowledge base and understanding of how muscles and joints interact based upon their structure and function will be created and enhanced through a Functional Skills Model. This helps ingrain the accurate location of various anatomical structures through kinesthetic experience, quality of touch, and effective patient communication. This model incorporates a unique, experiential, and participatory class environment, where students can retain information while learning to use critical and creative-thinking processes. Students will also palpate the targeted muscle, which will help them gain a better understanding of the designated muscle’s location, size, texture, role in posture, and dynamic movement.
LAB: Gross Anatomy 1 (GA 101)
This GA 101 cadaver lab is designed to focus on the concepts and principles of gross anatomy, and palpatory anatomy. The purpose of this lab is to emphasize the development of skilled palpation as a fundamental component of effective manual therapy technique. This helps ingrain the accurate location of various anatomical structures through kinesthetic experience, quality of touch, and visualization. This lab incorporates a unique, experiential, and participatory class environment, where students can retain information while learning to use critical and creative-thinking processes. Students will also palpate the targeted muscle, which will help them gain a better understanding of the designated muscle’s location, size, texture, role in posture, and dynamic movement.
Medical Terminology (MEDT)
Basic and advanced medical terminology course will give the student an understanding of the medical language. There are twelve units that will be body system specific. Included in this course is prefix, suffix, and word root usage, pronunciation, and terminology with definitions of medical words. Student will know relevant and specialty specific knowledge of medical terminology. The modules contained in this class are a foundation for the program and career.
Massage Theory & Practical 1 (MTP 101)
MTP 101 is an introductory to massage theory and practical for entry level Massage Therapists. This class will introduce the philosophy of massage and its origins and development through history. Students learn the foundations of human biology, soft tissue of the body, and how to apply appropriate massage. They will understand health, optimal function, injury, dysfunction, tissue repair, and how massage can affect the body. General conditions will be introduced in this class. Students will learn appropriate techniques, draping, contraindications, basic assessments, electromagnetic paradigm, neurological goals, functional goals, mental health implications, SOAP charting, and treatment goals.
Orthopedic Assessments 1 (OA 101)
This class is an introduction to physical and medical assessments for the entry level massage therapist. Students will learn about patient histories, observation skill, and how to apply them to SOAP notes. Student will know examination principles; vital signs, scanning examination, joint examination, functional assessment, special (diagnostic) testing, reflexes and cutaneous distributions, joint play movements, and palpation. An introduction to medical imaging is also addressed. This class will include a anatomy review, understanding patient history, observation and examination skills for the head and face, cervical spine, thoracic spine and lumbar spine. The cervical spine will be generalized in this introductory class and explored in more detail in OA 200 during whiplash and nerve lesion to coincide with MTP 200 class.
Physiology 1 (PHYS 101)
This class is an introduction into physiology, focusing on basic physiological fundamentals of the human body. Students will understand how the body is organized from chemical, cellular, and tissue levels; establishing the building blocks for the entire body. The major tissues of the body such as skin, bone, muscle and nervous are taught in detail. Student will have a firm knowledge that is necessary for them to continue to Physiology 115.
Year One - Term 2
Term 2
Gross Anatomy 2 (GA 120)
GA 120 is a continuation of GA 101. This class further builds the Gross Anatomy foundations that continue on to the shoulder, pelvis, upper, and lower extremities. Students will have a comprehensive knowledge of the bony landmark and skeletal muscular anatomy.
LAB: Gross Anatomy 2 (GA 120)
This GA 120 cadaver lab is designed to focus on the concepts and principles of gross anatomy, and palpatory anatomy. The purpose of this lab is to emphasize the development of skilled palpation as a fundamental component of effective manual therapy technique. This helps ingrain the accurate location of various anatomical structures through kinesthetic experience, quality of touch, and visualization. This lab incorporates a unique, experiential, and participatory class environment, where students can retain information while learning to use critical and creative-thinking processes. Students will also palpate the targeted muscle, which will help them gain a better understanding of the designated muscle’s location, size, texture, role in posture, and dynamic movement.
Massage Theory and Practical 2 (MTP 120)
MTP 120 is a continuation of MTP 101, further building on general systemic conditions and introducing students to specific conditions that massage can treat and influence. Circulatory, systemic, neural compression, and over-use conditions are comprehended, as well as the state of pregnancy. For each condition, student skills include: observation, palpation, CI, modifications, testing, treatment plans and goals, specific treatments and techniques, self-care plans and goals, and expected outcomes.
Orthopedic Assessments 2 (OA 120)
Course Description: This class is a continuation of OA 101. It has specific orthopedic testing that coincides with MTP 120. Student will know anatomy, patient history, observation and examination principles, scanning examination, joint examination, functional assessment, special (diagnostic) testing, reflexes and cutaneous distributions, joint play movements, palpation, medical imaging, and case studies (where applicable). Students will know how to assess gait, lumbar spine, pelvis, and the shoulder.
Pathology (PATH 101)
Pathologies in the context of massage therapy are discussed, with an emphasis on critical thinking and practical application of concepts. Included in this class is a brief section on pharmaceutical drugs for pathologies, their actions, uses, side effects, onset, peak, duration, and massage considerations.
Physiology 2 (PHYS 110)
This class requires PHYS 101 as a prerequisite. Physiology 115 is a detailed learning experience of the human body systems and its corresponding anatomy. All body systems are included in this class; cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, urinary, reproductive, development and inheritance, as well as the special senses.
Remedial Exercise 1 (REMEX 101)
This class is an introduction into remedial exercise. Students will learn about mobility, strength and power, balance, functional progression in therapeutic exercise, and unique applications of therapeutic exercise.
Year Two - Term 3
Term 3
Gross Anatomy 3 (GA 200)
GA 200 is an advanced second year program that reviews what was learned in GA 101 and GA 120. The specific focus of this class is on joints (specifically synovial joints), ligaments, and bony attachments.
LAB: Gross Anatomy 3 (GA 200)
GA 200 cadaver lab is an advanced second year class that reviews what was learned in GA 101 and GA 120. The focus of this class is a specific consideration of joints (specifically synovial joints), ligaments, and boney attachments.
Hydrotherapy (HYDRO 101)
Hydrotherapy fills in a gap that connects massage therapists to the concepts of body and water. Water is the most abundant substance in the human body and has a major influence on how it functions. The focus of this class is body wellness and how water relates to it. Explore the in-depth information on concepts and the hands-on practical applications. This class will enhance a Medical Massage Therapist’s practice.
Kinesiology (KIN 101)
This class is designed to serve as an introduction to the study of kinesiology. This process will be accomplished by starting with the four key structures in the body that are essential for movement: connective tissue formations such as bone, fascia, tendon, and ligament, along with all important joints, muscles, and nerves. The approach will be to “build a body” up from the smallest components into larger interconnected segments vs. the standard approach of dissecting the body layer by layer to its smallest isolated pieces. Once the human body structures are in place, biomechanical principles such as statics and dynamics, force, inertia, torque, vectors, friction, velocity, momentum and, along with the laws of motion will be explored. With the human body framework and knowledge of physical laws and concepts presented, students will delve into the complex aspects of posture and gait.
Manual Bookkeeping
Manual bookkeeping will teach students the importance of proper, ethical, and timely accounting procedures. Instruction of this course will focus on day-to-day accounting of a business covering debits, credits, receivables, liabilities, assets, revenues, payroll, financial statements, and year-end preparation. This course is recognized as a necessary introductory course, which is a prerequisite for any computerized accounting courses.
Massage Theory & Practical 3 (MTP 200)
MTP 200 is a second-year class that is a continuation of MTP 120, further building on specific conditions that massage can treat and influence. Students will understand conditions of the central nervous system, gastrointestinal concerns, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and sport massage; workshops to be included where applicable. For each condition, student skills include: observation, palpation, CI, modifications, testing, treatment plans and goals, specific treatments and techniques, self-care plans and goals, and expected outcomes. Workshop and out-reaches will further refine student’s practical skills.
Neuroanatomy (NA 101)
This class focuses on the physiology and anatomy of the nerves, brain, and spinal cord. The nervous system is a unique and complicated entity that controls everything in the human body. Nerve functions, names, and muscle innervation will be taught in detail for the entry-level massage therapist to confidently apply to their career.
Orthopedic Assessments 3 (OA 200)
This class is a continuation of OA 120. It has specific orthopedic testing that coincides with MTP 200. Student will know anatomy, patient history, observation and examination principles, scanning examination, joint examination, functional assessment, special (diagnostic) testing, reflexes and cutaneous distributions, joint play movements, palpation, medical imaging, and case studies (where applicable). Students will know how to assess amputees, TMJ, cervical spine, and sports emergencies.
Pharmacology (PHARM 101)
This class is specifically for massage therapists, this takes the basics of pharmacology and makes it easy to understand. It explains the biochemical and physical effects and actions of a wide variety of drug classes, explores how they move throughout the body, and addresses the use of drugs to prevent and treat diseases. Students are introduced to a deductive reasoning process that can be used to develop safe individualized massage protocols for patients receiving drug therapy. Students will learn a practical method for assessing the effects of drug therapies on their patients and the implications for massage therapy.
Remedial Exercise 2 (REMEX 120)
This class is an advanced remedial exercise class. It covers basic concepts of dense connective tissue, wound healing, anthology, chronic pain management, myofascial considerations, assessing musculoskeletal disorders and an introduction into manual therapy. Soft tissue manipulations will be discussed and how massage therapists can approach conditions in different ways. A foundation of functional exercise will bridge into clinical applications for peripheral joints and the spine.
Year Two - Term 4
Term 4
Business (BUSN 101)
This business class is designed to enhance a massage therapist’s theoretical and practical business skill that are vital to every professional. The relevant and pertinent material will ensure graduates are confident when managing their business. Subjects addressed include (but not limited to), technology, documentation, storing records, written communication, start up, marketing, costs, insurance and benefits, taxes, banking and finances, contracts, employment, self-employed structures, associations, legislation, and resumes.
Computerized Accounting (SAGE50)
The Sage 50 accounting course will take all knowledge learned from manual bookkeeping and apply electronically to a computerized accounting program. Upon completion of this course, the student will have the ability to build a company from scratch, perform daily accounting transactions, and all financial statements. Focused on in Sage 50 accounting will be the general journal, ledger, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliation, and payroll. This class will provide graduates the skills to manage their business finances without having to outsource.
Gross Anatomy 4 (GA 250)
GA 250 is an advanced second year class that ties all the information together. GA 101, GA 120, GA 200, and NA 101 information will be all combined and reviewed for students to understand the bigger picture of human gross anatomy. Prime Movers will be the focus of this class, as students understand muscle origin, insertion, innervation, and dermatome. This class will be taught in a movement (action) to muscle aspect that will enlighten students to further develop their skills. As student’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills evolve they are more confident in their practical applications.
LAB: Gross Anatomy 3 (GA 250)
GA 250 cadaver lab is an advanced second-year class that ties all the information together. GA 101, GA 120, GA 200, and NA 101 information will be all combined and reviewed for students to understand the bigger picture of human gross anatomy. Prime Movers will be the focus of this class, as students understand muscle origin, insertion, innervation, and dermatome. This class will be taught in a movement (action) to muscle aspect that will enlighten students to further develop their skills. As student’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills evolves they are more confident in their practical applications.
Massage Theory & Practical 4 (MTP 250)
MTP 250 is a continuation of MTP 200, building on specific conditions that massage can treat and influence. Students will learn about conditions of the peripheral nervous system, infant and pediatric massage, surgery, and geriatrics (workshops to be included where applicable). Additional Workshops are included in this advanced class to provide an opportunity for hands on development of techniques. Workshops include: manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial release massage, passive release techniques, and hospital massage. Students will also organize an ‘In-reach’ and participate in out-reaches. There will be a formal review of the entire body and techniques that students have covered in the two years of classes. For each condition, student skills include: observation, palpation, CI, modifications, testing, treatment plans and goals, specific treatments and techniques, self-care plans and goals, and expected outcomes.
Orthopedic Assessments 4 (OA 250)
This class is a continuation of OA 200. It has specific orthopedic testing that coincides with MTP 250. Student will know anatomy, patient history, observation and examination principles, scanning examination, joint examination, functional assessment, special (diagnostic) testing, reflexes and cutaneous distributions, joint play movements, palpation, medical imaging, and case studies (where applicable). Students will know how to assess the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand, hip, knee and lower leg, ankle, and foot. There will be a comprehensive review of OA 101, OA 120, OA 200 and OA 250 as students prepare for graduation and board examinations.
Research Methodology (REMTH 101)
This class is an introduction into research and methods. We explore different populations and conditions including case studies. Students will explore why research is important, the essentials of conducting research, theory, ethics, philosophy and critical thinking, best practices, and future directions to advance the profession. Student will learn about the different methods of conducting research, how to read and review research.
Self-Care & Modalities (SCMOD 101)
This class is to explore the concept of self-care for the working Massage Therapist and what health means to an individual. Health is explored for its mental, emotional and body components. Different massage modalities are explored to introduce the many diverse paths that a Massage Therapist can choose from. Other modalities (chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, naturopath etc.) are discussed for purpose of self-care, patient care, and how they are complimentary to massage (and visa versa).
Workshops
These workshops are included, but not limited too Axiom’s Medical Massage Therapy program
- Cancer
- Craniosacral
- Deep tissue
- Disabilities and special needs
- Geriatric
- Hospice and end of life care
- Hospital & surgery
- In- reach: student organized target group
- Infant
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
- Myofascial release (MFR)
- Pediatric
- Prenatal
- Shiatsu
- Sports & athletics
- Thai