Spa Practitioner
PCU College's Spa Practitioner program trains students to meet the changing needs of North American spas. The program provides students with a broad education in Eastern philosophy and Western spa techniques. Students study human physiology, structural anatomy, and the movements of the bones and muscles. They also learn about the body's systems and their relationships with each other.
Students gain hands-on experience as part of a four-week practicum at the PCU College clinic or an affiliated spa institute.
"It was interesting to learn ancient techniques as well as the more advanced theory." - Lisa L., PCU College Graduate
This program is 32 weeks in length.
Job Opportunities
- Club Spas
- Cruise Ships
- Destination Spas
- Resorts
- Medical Spas
- Hotels
Program Courses
The program outline below is for British Columbia .
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- This is a study of the Chinese method of therapeutic massage, which deals with Yin, Yang, Qi, Blood, and the internal organs. This course covers Tuina basic principles, manipulation techniques, functions, indications, and contraindications. The five elements and meridian theories of Eastern philosophy are discussed. Students will learn acupressure points as well as a full body Chinese massage. This course takes the approach of the healing the body as a whole, not in segments.
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- This module will introduce students to the art of assessment and treatment. Soft tissue dysfunction and holding patterns will be discussed. Specific deep tissue treatment and manual technique with emphasis on common musculoskeletal disorders will give students a better understanding of the human body. The students will be taught more advanced massage technique where primary focus is given to release holding from repetitive tension, and focus massage to specific areas causing client discomfort.
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- In this module, students will learn how to gather information pertinent to the spa session. Effective listening skills will be taught, as well as body language and postural cues. Students will learn how to document their findings appropriately and how to utilize common medical abbreviations. Upon completion of this module, students will be able to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals and maintain accurate patient histories and files.
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- This is the introductory module for the Spa Therapy program. All students must take core essentials before starting another module. This course offers students a history of massage, introduction to basic skeletal anatomy and introduction to major muscles. Students will also be given basic information on hygiene, draping and general massage technique. Contraindications and basic pathology will also be addressed. Students will be introduced to basic movement terminology and basic medical terminology.
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- This course introduces the structure and arrangement of gross surface features with special attention to musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous and genitourinary systems. Building on the anatomical knowledge acquired in W110, students will study functions and regulation of organ systems in this course. Specific attention will be place on respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.
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- In this module, students will learn the effects of hot stone therapy. Stone placement and the use of stones during massage will be covered. Students will learn the principles, precautions, indications, and contraindications of hot stone treatment. The heating and cooling properties of stones and their therapeutic effect will be covered in this module. The use of stone treatments (either hot or cold) on acupoints will be taught as well. Students will gain an in depth understanding of this treatment, which is gaining popularity in spa environments.
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- This module will cover the essentials of Spa Therapy and Hydrotherapy. Students will be taught the physiological effects of thermal therapy, the contraindications, and the appropriate uses for hot and cold for therapeutic purposes and relaxation purposes. Students will also be introduced to standard Spa therapy and practice, the use of thermal wraps, body scrubs, masks, sugar, and salt glows as well as facial and cranial massage. This module will teach the use of hydroculator equipment, paraffin wax baths, and the appropriate use of ice. Students will also learn about aromatherapy, essential oils and how to incorporate them into their spa treatment.
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- Focus in this module will be directed towards indications and contraindications pertaining to specific disease and dysfunction. Students will be able to identify conditions that would cause them to alter their massage treatment. Pathology of the skeletal system, nervous system, endocrine system, muscular system, immune system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system will be taught. Special attention will be paid to common pathologies, identifying potentially dangerous conditions and precautions for avoiding communicable conditions.
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- This module is for course credits but has no grade. Students will be placed at the on-site clinic at PCU College or affiliated spa institutes to gain practice and experience related to their field of study.
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- This module will teach students about the stages of pregnancy and the physiological changes the body undergoes. Students will learn appropriate draping for pregnancy as well as bolstering for different stages. Students will also be given the knowledge of infant massage, a technique they can pass on to their pregnant clientele, or continue working postpartum. Common body tenderness associated with pregnancy will be discussed, as well as home care for the pregnant client. Risk factors in pregnancy will be taught, as well as pathologies associated with pregnancy.
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- In this module, students will learn the theory of reflexology. Students will explore the reflex points of the hands and feet that directly correlate with the body systems. Treatment and assessment of body dysfunction will be taught as well as focus on foot care and maintenance. The body reflected in the extremities as mirrors will provide students with another alternative approach to Western medicine.
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- This module introduces pre and post event sports massage along with therapeutic stretching. Students will gain an in depth understanding of tissue injury and repair, as well as what an athlete must endure for their training. Muscle movement is explored in depth, types of contraction, aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, strength training, endurance, and cardiovascular training. Students will learn to focus massage based on individual athletic needs. Therapeutic stretching will be addressed and students will learn the elastic and contractile component of muscle tissue, as well as the most effective ways to stretch and gain range of motion.
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- In this module, students will learn planes of movement and movement terminology. The skeletal system will be covered in depth with emphasis on bony landmarks and types of joints. The muscular system will be taught including origin, insertion, and action of all major muscles and their nerve innervation. The entire muscular system will be broken down by segment (axial and appendicular skeleton). Types of muscles, muscle fibre, and direction will also be addressed.
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- This module teaches the students basic Swedish massage strokes and sequence and postural mechanics for the massage practitioner. Draping clients, bolstering clients, and adapting for pathological conditions that may be present will also be addressed. Students will learn a full body sequence and be able to allot time for thirty-minute treatments, hour long sessions, and hour and a half long sessions. Chair massage sequence will also be introduced along with chair massage marketing and promotion.