Therapeutic Massage nationally recognized for quality

January 14, 2025

Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s Therapeutic Massage program has received national recognition for its program quality, coursework and commitment to upholding the professional standards of therapeutic massage.

Recognition from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) will allow students in the program to become board certified, granting them access to the highest voluntary professional credential in the industry.

“Recognized as an assigned school for NCBTMB, the Therapeutic Massage program maintains a commitment to the mastery of core knowledge and skill, the highest professional values and an education that aligns with nationally recognized standards,” says program coordinator and faculty Carrie Bates Hale, M.A. “This better prepares our students for exams and gaining professional credentials. The accreditation also increases their credibility in the industry, improving job prospects and client confidence in their skills.”

Demand for qualified massage therapists in Minnesota is expected to grow at least 17 percent in the next decade.

Graduates of Anoka-Ramsey’s program, like Erin Pfaff, are prepared to help meet that demand. Erin completed the program in December 2024. She’s opening her own massage practice.

It’s a challenge she wasn’t planning to undertake immediately after graduating.

“As a part of the program, we take a business class,” Erin says. “After taking the business class, I realized starting a business is a lot simpler than I thought it was. Plus, I can make my own schedule, my own rules, set my own prices, everything.”

About Therapeutic Massage at Anoka-Ramsey

Anoka-Ramsey offers a 38-credit diploma in therapeutic massage. Through the program, students receive specialized instruction in anatomy, kinesiology, pathology and clinical massage techniques. The program also gives students instruction in nutrition, medical terminology, business basics and ethical guidelines for holistic health practitioners. As part of the program, students also complete an internship and clinical massage practicum.

Learn more about Anoka-Ramsey’s Therapeutic Massage program.