Elective Course

Oncology Massage

Oncology Massage prepares students to work more safely and confidently with clients affected by cancer. The course covers contraindications, common myths, session adaptation, positioning, pacing, and treatment-planning considerations for clients in treatment, recovery, or survivorship.

15 Total Hours 7.5 lecture hours and 7.5 lab hours
Prerequisite Acceptance into the program plus a high school diploma or GED
Textbook No textbook required

What Students Build

Adaptive Care
Contraindication Awareness
Comfort-Based Positioning
Safe Session Planning

Overview

Course Description

A focused elective that builds safe application, practical decision-making, and client-centered session skills.

What You Learn

Core Areas of Study

  • Contraindications and common myths Identify cancer-related contraindications, precautions, and common misconceptions that affect session planning.
  • Safe treatment planning Create treatment plans that respond appropriately to clients in treatment, recovery, or survivorship.
  • Session adaptation Adapt positioning, pressure, pacing, and support strategies to match client needs and safety concerns.
This elective supports safe, thoughtful, and professional application of course concepts within massage therapy practice.

Learning Outcomes

Course Outcomes

Students develop practical abilities and professional habits that support effective course application.

By the End of This Course

  • Identify cancer-related contraindications and common myths.
  • Create safe treatment plans for clients in treatment or recovery.
  • Adapt positioning, pressure, and pacing to client needs.

Hours Overview

Lecture and lab hours are evenly balanced to support both theory and hands-on application.

Schedule

Course Structure and Related Learning

Instruction combines guided discussion, practical application, and focused skill development.

Instructional Time

Total instructional time is 15 hours, including 7.5 lecture hours and 7.5 lab hours. The course blends lecture and hands-on practice to support technique development, treatment planning, and safe client-centered application.

A more detailed course outline with class activities, assignments, and school policies is provided to enrolled students.

Evaluation

Grading Summary

Student progress is measured through coursework, labs, and assessment activities.

Graded Items
Value
Homework (Self Study)
10%
Labs
60%
Exams
30%
Total
100%

Resources

Helpful References

A few public resources related to the course topic.

Course Planning Note

Oncology Massage supports safe application, practical skill development, and confident decision-making within the AFSM elective curriculum.

Note: This syllabus is condensed for planning purposes. A detailed version with dates, assignments, and policies is issued to enrolled students.