Northeast College Launches New Massage Therapy AAS and Certificate Programs
SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — Northeast College of Health Sciences has announced the launch of two new Massage Therapy programs, officially approved by the New York State Education Department: the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Massage Therapy and a credit-earning Massage Therapy certificate.
The new programs replace the College’s current non-credit massage therapy certificate and mark an exciting new chapter in Northeast’s long tradition of excellence in healthcare education. Both programs meet New York State’s 1,000-hour requirement for licensure and prepare graduates for success in a range of healthcare, rehabilitation and wellness settings.
Building a Path from Certificate to Degree
The transition to credit-hour certificate and AAS degree programs allows future students to earn college credits that may be applied to additional future study. The new programs can also build a pathway to other degrees, offering flexible, stackable options for students seeking ongoing academic and professional growth.
Both programs combine a strong academic foundation — including anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology — with immersive, hands-on training in a wide range of Eastern and Western massage techniques. Students gain the clinical and communication skills needed to provide safe, effective, compassionate care.
“Our massage therapy programs empower students to become healthcare professionals who truly make a difference,” said Nicole Miller, M.S., LMT, program director of massage therapy. “From classroom to clinic, they learn to help others heal while gaining the knowledge, skills and confidence to build fulfilling, lasting careers.”
Massage therapy students at Northeast also engage directly with the community through a variety of service and clinical outreach opportunities. The College has partnered with organizations such as Clear Path for Veterans, providing massage therapy and wellness services for veterans and their families, and has collaborated with regional law enforcement agencies to offer stress-relief and recovery support programs for first responders. In addition, students provide care in the College’s community-serving Seneca Falls Health Center as part of their clinical education. These initiatives allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings while contributing to the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve.
Northeast’s Future Massage Therapy Students Eligible for Financial Aid
“This is an exciting milestone for Northeast College and for our students,” said Dr. Anne Killen, Northeast College provost and vice president of academic affairs. “By transitioning massage therapy studies into credit-bearing programs we’re expanding access to financial aid, creating clear academic pathways and reinforcing Northeast’s leadership in evidence-informed, patient-centered health sciences education.”
Students currently enrolled in the College’s existing non-credit Massage Therapy program will experience no changes to their current studies or credential. Those students will continue to completion exactly as planned, graduating with the certificate for which they are studying
Advancing Education to Meet Rising Demand for Skilled, Compassionate Caregivers
According to the New York State Department of Labor, employment for massage therapists is projected to grow 18% between 2022 and 2032, with about 1,100 new openings annually statewide — a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for massage therapists in New York is approximately $70,000, with higher earning potential in metropolitan regions.
Massage therapy classes are offered on weekends at Northeast’s Seneca Falls Campus, featuring state-of-the-art learning facilities such as the Integrated Learning Spaces, Anatomy Center, and Computerized Anatomy Resource Lab (CARL). Coursework emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and applied clinical experience, preparing students for both licensure and lifelong success.
The first cohorts of students for the new AAS and credit-bearing certificate programs will begin study in Fall 2026. Prospective students can learn more at www.northeastcollege.edu or contact enrollnow@northeastcollege.edu for information on admissions and program details.