Program Overview
Health and Wellness Promotion: Massage Therapy Option
Biological and Health Sciences Division, Room B213, (847) 543-2042
https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/biodv/health-and-wellness-promotion
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Plan 21WA
The focus of the A.A.S. in Health and Wellness Promotion (HWP) is to empower students to help others through prevention of illness, injury, and disease by effective application of principles and practices of holistic coaching. It also provides an opportunity for various health career certificate-seeking students to continue their education in a general health studies capacity and earn an associates degree. Successful completion of this program will prepare students for advanced certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine, National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), and others.
The associate degree program is accredited by the National Wellness Institute and the associate degree program (health and wellness coaching option) is approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates who meet other basic requirements are permitted to sit for the national board certification examination and may earn status as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). This board-level credential is offered through a partnership between the NBHWC and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Graduates of the A.A.S. in HWP who also possess a B.S./B.A. degree in any discipline qualify to receive the designation, Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) through NWI.
Note: Day and evening classes are available. The HWP program is not a limited-enrollment program.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the program and to consult with the department chair Joana Pabedinskas at jpabedinskas@clcillinois.edu or 847-543-2029.
Recommended Plan of Study
To complete an A.A.S., students are strongly encouraged to meet with an Academic Success Advisor to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements.
First Semester | 15 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
College Success Seminar | 2 | |
Technical Composition I or | ||
English Composition I | 3 | |
Introduction to Massage Therapy | 1 | |
Human Form and Function or | ||
course * | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
First Aid/CPR | 2 | |
Contemporary Health Issues | 3 | |
Second Semester | 14 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Massage Structure and Functions I | 2 | |
Kinesiology and Palpation I | 2 | |
Massage: Communication and Business I | 3 | |
Clinical Skills and Special Populations | 3 | |
Massage Therapy I: Swedish | 2 | |
Massage Therapy II: Integrative | 2 | |
Summer Semester | 4 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Massage Structure and Functions II | 2 | |
Massage Therapy III: Rehabilitative | 2 | |
Third Semester | 12 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Kinesiology and Palpation II | 2 | |
Massage: Communication and Business II | 3 | |
course ** | Therapeutic Massage Clinic | 1 |
Introduction to Philosophy or | ||
Introduction to Ethics | 3 | |
Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
Fourth Semester | 13 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Health and Wellness Practicum I | 1 | |
Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 3 | |
Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health Care | 3 | |
Principles of Health and Wellness Coaching | 3 | |
Communication Skills or | ||
Fundamentals of Speech or | ||
Dynamics/Small Group Discussion | 3 | |
Summer Semester | 4-8 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Professional Essentials for Health and Wellness Practitioners | 3 | |
Health and Wellness Practicum II | 1 | |
course * | Anatomy and Physiology II (If taking the BIO 244/245sequence) | 0-4 |
Total Hours for A.A.S. Degree | 62-66 | |
^ CLC 120 is an institutional requirement for graduation.
* Preferred courses for students planning to transfer to a 4-year institution. BIO 244 must be taken with BIO 245 in lieu of BIO 111. (NOTE: BIO 244 has a prerequisite of BIO 123 or BIO 161).
** For the A.A.S. in HWP, students are to complete 25-26 credits of required courses and electives within their specialty option (Massage Therapy, Exercise Science, or Health & Wellness Coaching). For the MAS certificate, MAS 235 is required; for the A.A.S. in HWP MAS 235 is recommended.
For more information on recommended courses or program specific advising, please contact department chair Joana Pabedinskas at (847) 543-2029 or the Biological and Health Sciences Division at (847) 543-2042.