Therapeutic Massage is a 500-hour course that will instruct students in the field of massage therapy. Topics include but are not limited to the history of massage, client-therapist relationship, draping techniques and procedures, business development, ethics, Western massage modalities, aromatherapy, indications, and contra-indications for massage. Students will also have on-the-job experiential learning in our newly built state-of-the-art Spa Skills Lab, where you will learn how to work in a fast-paced environment and provide effective treatment for each client. Massage Lab clients will consist of NOVA faculty, staff, students as well as members of local communities. Through a combination of lectures, online coursework, laboratory, and practical clinic work, this course will provide the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary to embark upon a career in massage therapy. Instruction will prepare students to sit for the national exam (MBLEx) and certify them to apply for a massage license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.