Scientists have long known that there are many causes of cancer in human beings, but not until the last part of the twentieth century did they develop the technology to allow early detection, and the non-surgical methods of treatment that has resulted in much higher survival rates. Unfortunately, along with the ability to treat this disease, has come an increased prevalence that some consider to be reaching epidemic proportions. According to the National Cancer Institute, as of January 1, 2003, there were approximately 10,496,000 men and women in the United States who were either living with, or had a history of cancer in their lives.
Progressive hospitals, researchers and medical practitioners have been increasingly recognizing the benefit of alternative treatment methodologies when developing their client care protocols. This is supported by the fact that prestigious institutions such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York City, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and Johns Hopkins in Baltimore have been adding massage therapists to their staff as the benefit of medical massage / touch therapy has demonstrated both physical and psychological benefits for the patients. The greatest limiting factor in these advancements is a lack of training programs and certified practitioners to provide the type of care that is needed.
The Oncology Massage Certification Program (OMCP) was developed to accommodate the fast growing need for qualified health and wellness professionals interested in performing medical massage on patients who currently have, or are a survivor of cancer. Along with traditional therapeutic techniques, students will learn how to incorporate supportive and palliative care for oncology patients into their application of the art and science of massage therapy.
The OMCP is a 769-hour, NJ State approved massage therapy course. It is also the first COMTA accredited program of its kind in the United States. It meets the requirements of New Jersey's certification standards, and provides the student with the knowledge needed to take the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Required Courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Swedish Massage Theory & Techniques
- Oncology Massage I & II
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage I & II
- Hospital Based Massage Therapy
- Reiki I
- Foot Reflexology
- Chair Massage
- Aromatherapy
- Swedish Massage Clinic
- Oncology Massage Externship - Fully Supervised Technique Practice