What makes the UWS Massage Program different? As the only Regionally Accredited University in Oregon offering a massage program, UWS is home to the only Portland massage program with transferable credits. Our science based, therapeutically oriented program offers more clinical hours in an integrated health clinic and our students have access to more educational resources like our university library, gross anatomy labs and internship opportunities.
How Many Hours is the UWS Massage Program? The 47.5 credit massage therapy certificate program is 768 clock hours.
What are the clinical requirements? UWS has two outpatient massage clinics and one on-campus massage clinic. Starting in the 2nd Quarter students will be assigned to a clinical rotation and will begin seeing clients for both relaxation and therapeutic massage sessions. Before completing the program students will perform at least 90 hours of massage in an integrated UWS clinic.
When do students start practicing massage? Hands-on practice is an important part of the UWS curriculum. Students will begin hands-on practice in 1st quarter classes and will continue practicing massage throughout the program.
Can I work and go to school at the same time? Yes. Most of our students have at least a part-time job. Although most of the classes are offered in the evening, it will be important to have some flexibility in your schedule as there are some daytime clinic and lab requirements each quarter.
Do I have to buy a massage table? UWS provides students with massage tables for all bodywork classes and clinics. Students are not required to purchase a massage table but it is strongly suggested for at-home practice purposes.
Will I have to give and receive massage to and from classmates? Yes. In order to learn how to do massage, students will be regularly asked to trade massages with classmates.
What are the licensing requirements for Oregon and Washington?For the most up to date information on licensing check with: The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists
http://www.oregon.gov/OBMT/index.shtml Or The Washington State Department of Health
http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/Massage_Therapy/default.htm What are the licensing regulations for states other than Oregon and Washington? If you plan to practice in states other than Oregon or Washington please check with that state’s Department of Health to determine the licensure requirements. The admissions office can provide information on how to contact each licensing board.
When are classes typically scheduled? Most classes are scheduled from 6:00-10:00 PM Monday-Thursday. The integrated health care clinics are typically open from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Monday – Friday. There are also occasional weekend seminars and weekday labs. Please check the current version of the college catalog for the most up to date schedule of classes.
Are tutoring services available? UWS provides free tutoring in all massage subjects for currently enrolled students.
When can I enroll in the program?
The UWS massage program has two starts dates, April and October. Applications are accepted up to 12 months prior to your expected start day and all applicants are encouraged to visit campus during the application process.
What is your average class size?
UWS maintains around a 13:1 student to teacher ratio in all hands-on classes.
There are several financial aid opportunities for those who qualify. Applicants are encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by visiting
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Is there on-campus housing? Where do most UWS students live? There is no on-campus housing, but UWS is located in a pleasant residential area with houses and apartments nearby. Many students are able to live within walking or bike riding distance from the campus.
Can international students get F-1 visas? The massage program is not eligible to issue F-1 student visas. If you are in the United States under a visa which would permit you to study, this may be an option. Please consult your local consular office to determine eligibility.
Where can I find occupational information on massage therapy?
There are two good sources from the Federal government on massage therapy. The first is the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), developed by the US Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. This database contains information on many occupations. Massage therapists are coded in the database as 31-9011.00 , and the webpage specific to this occupation is http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9011.00. The second source is the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The specific webpage is http://www.bls.gov/oco/pdf/ocos295.pdf. A good, non-governmental place to find information on a career in massage therapy is the American Massage Therapy Association's website (http://www.amtamassage.org/index.html)
How many students who start the UWS massage therapy program actually complete it?
Over the past five years, 80% of students admitted to the UWS massage therapy certificate program successfully completed it. Almost all of these students completed the program in one year. For the most recent year, 86% of students who matriculated successfully completed the program Does UWS offer scholarships? Yes, for more information you can visit the financial aid section of the website or you can contact admissions advisor:
mtadmissions@uws.edu.
Where can I find the Gainful Employment Disclosure Statement for the Massage Therapy Program? Gainful Employment Disclosure StatementContact
mtadmissions@uws.edu if you have other questions or want to schedule a campus visit.