Massage Therapy

A vocational training program which combines theoretical teaching and practical experience, this holistic program is designed for students aspiring to become licensed massage therapists in the State of New Mexico.

UNM-Taos has been offering an Massage Therapy Certificate Program with an emphasis on the medical massage model since 2007.

Medical Massage techniques use a broader set of therapies for muscle health and recovery.

The program’s mission is to impart the knowledge and experience that will prepare graduates to qualify for applying to the New Mexico State Massage Therapy Board for licensure which is required for entry-level employment in the Massage Therapy Profession.

The Integrative Massage Therapy Faculty are dedicated to guiding students through the licensure process which includes:

• successful completion of the 650-hour Massage Therapy Certificate Program
• application and passing of the national Massage and Bodywork Licensure Exam (MBLEx)
• application and submission of required documentation to the New Mexico State Massage Therapy Board for licensure.

Our department is available to mentor students in obtaining employment and developing their career.

650-Hour

The 650-hour Certificate in Integrative Massage Therapy meets the minimum requirements necessary for taking the national Massage and Bodywork Licensure Exam (MBLEx).

Supplemental Catalog Link for details about the program. Find course descriptions here MAS

How to Apply

Formal application and acceptance into the program are required before enrolling in classes with MAS prefix. 

Candidate's applications must be submitted 1 month prior to the beginning of Fall semester. 

Massage Therapy Program Application Form

MAS - MASSAGE THERAPY

Most MAS courses require enrollment in the massage therapy program. One credit courses may be taken for continuing education by massage therapist or equivalent skill set.

MAS 250. MASSAGE THERAPY I. (5)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
This course is for students accepted and enrolled in the UNM-Taos Massage Therapy Certificate Program. This course will develop students understanding of the healing art of touch and gain a basic understanding of the field of massage. You will learn basic massage techniques including Swedish massage, acupressure, and reflexology. You will enhance your intuition, learn body reading and effective body mechanics so you learn to be relaxed as you give massage. This course will provide the opportunity for students to refine their understanding of basic deep tissue and medical massage fundamentals as well as an opportunity to practice. Students will continue developing their skills in deep tissue massage. Other massage modalities may be explored at the discretion of the instructor. Students will work on each other in a safe, supportive, and professional environment.

MAS 251. MASSAGE THERAPY II. (4)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
This course will provide the opportunity for students to refine their understanding of deep tissue and medical massage fundamentals as well as an opportunity to practice. Students will continue developing their skills in deep tissue massage. Students will learn application of hydrotherapy, energy techniques, introduction to oriental medicine, sports massage, contraindications and disease education. Other massage modalities may be explored at the discretion of the instructor. Students will work on each other in a safe, supportive, and professional environment.

MAS 252. MASSAGE THERAPHY III. (3)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
This course will provide the opportunity for students to refine their understanding of basic sports and deep tissue massage fundamentals: hydrotherapy, energy techniques, introduction to oriental medicine, sports massage, contraindications and disease education.

MAS 253. DEEP TISSUE TECHNIQUES I. (3)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
This course will provide the opportunity for students to learn deep tissue techniques in massage. Students will continue developing their skills in Swedish massage, while learning application of deep tissue theory and hands-on modalities.

MAS 254. MYOFASCIAL AND MYOSKELETAL TECHNIQUES IN MASSAGE THERAPY. (3)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
This course will provide the opportunity for students to learn myofascial and myoskeletal techniques in massage. Students will further their understanding of myofascial anatomy trains and learn incorporation of myoskeletal techniques.

MAS 255. CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN MASSAGE THERAPY. (6)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
Students will learn to run a small clinic using online software platform Massagebook and practice the application of massage therapy to the general public. www.massagebook.com

MAS 258. EASTERN MODALITY - THAI MASSAGE (3)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
This course is an introduction to some of the different forms of Eastern bodywork with a working emphasis on Thai Yoga Massage. Students will be given a solid foundation of knowledge on the histories of the modalities presented, Qi (Chi), Yin Yang theory, 5 Element theory, meridians and sen, as well as the principles of traditional Thai Massage.

MAS 259. EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY. (3)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program or massage training.
This class will focus on the various exercise testing evaluation, dietary approach for peak performance, the physiology of exercise, and exercise for special populations (i.e. diabetes).

MAS 260. CULTURAL DIVERSITY COMPETENCY AND CROSS-CULTURAL ETHICAL ISSUES. (3)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
This course is for students requiring professional ethics for massage certification. Students will be challenged to look at cultural diversity and ethical issues in practice and how they apply to their profession.

MAS 261. CRANIAL SACRAL II. (3)
Pre- or corequisites: MAS 265.
Continues in the education of 265 and offer a more in-depth experience of biomechanical, somatio-emotional, and energetic aspects of cranial-sacral therapy.

MAS 265. CRANIAL SACRAL I. (3)
Pre- or corequisites: None.
Cranial Sacral I will introduce students to the bio-mechanical, somatio-emotional, and energetic aspects of Cranial-Sacral Therapy.

MAS 270. EASTERN MODALITIES - SHIATSU. (3)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
This course is an introduction to some of the different forms of Eastern bodywork with a working emphasis on Shiatsu Massage. Students will be given a solid foundation of knowledge on the histories of the modalities presented, Qi (Chi), Yin Yang theory, 5 Element theory, meridians and tsubos, as well as the principles of Shiatsu Massage and how it is directly applicable to massage sequencing.

MAS 280. MASSAGE ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY. (3)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
Students learn the twelve systems of the body and how they can be affected by manual therapy, and assist students in understanding the basic concepts of anatomy and physiology and how to apply the concepts.

MAS 293. TOPICS IN MASSAGE THERAPY. (1-3)
Restriction: admitted to UNM-Taos Integrative Massage Therapy Program.
This course is for various topics in massage therapy. If offers a wide variety of continuing education and topics in massage therapy. Courses will vary depending on the need of the student body and developments in massage therapy.