Communicable Diseases & HIV

Why Every Massage Therapist Should Take This Course

As a massage therapy instructor, I’ve seen countless therapists thrive in their careers by investing in their education. If you’re serious about protecting your clients, safeguarding your career, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, this course on communicable diseases and HIV is essential. Required for licensees in Florida, Maryland, and Missouri and accepted by the NCBTMB, this course isn’t just a requirement—it’s an opportunity to elevate your expertise.

Whether you’re looking to meet state requirements or simply ensure you’re prepared to handle potential health risks in your practice, this course will give you the tools to identify, prevent, and address diseases that may impact your clients and your work.

The Disease Process: What Every Therapist Needs to Know

1. Biological Laws of Disease: Every disease follows certain biological principles, which dictate how it begins, progresses, and impacts the body. Understanding these laws gives therapists a foundational knowledge to better recognize and address health concerns that may arise during a session.
2. The Body’s Natural Defenses: Our immune systems are remarkable. From white blood cells to antibodies, the body has built-in defenses against disease. However, these defenses can be overwhelmed, especially when faced with pathogens like viruses or bacteria. Learning about these processes empowers therapists to identify when clients might be at risk.
3. Stages of Disease Development: Most diseases follow a progression—from incubation to recovery. Knowing these stages helps therapists identify potential symptoms and make informed decisions about client care and their own safety.

Communicable vs. Non-Communicable Diseases

While communicable diseases are caused by infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, non-communicable diseases are chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Both types can influence your clients’ health and the approach you take during a session.

Prevention and Sanitation Techniques

The best defense against disease is prevention. This course emphasizes:

• Proper handwashing
• The use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Cleaning and sanitizing your workspace to eliminate pathogens

Clients trust therapists who prioritize safety. By completing this course, you show that you’re committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and professional environment—qualities that clients notice and appreciate.

Your role as a massage therapist goes beyond relaxation and pain relief. You’re a caretaker, a healer, and an advocate for health and wellness. By taking this course, you’ll not only meet state requirements but also position yourself as a trusted professional in your field. Don’t wait—enroll today and take the next step in protecting your clients, your career, and yourself.

Course Details

• Continuing education CEs available: 3
• Course classification: Cognitive (course materials consist of concepts related to massage therapy but do not teach a specific hands-on modality)  
• Approved by: Institute of Somatic Therapy is approved by the NCBTMB (Provider #280672-00) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Institute of Somatic Therapy is approved by Florida (#MCE-326), and New York (#0019). Our courses are also valid for most individual states as well as the AMTA and ABMP. Some states limit how many hours can be done online or by home study. Please refer to our State Guidelines section for specific information about your state. Laws can and do change, and your state will hold you responsible for knowing the laws that apply to you.  
• Tuition:$22 USD 
• Testing: You complete your test online, and immediately upon passing, print your own certificate. 

• Athlete's Foot
• Common Cold
• Covid 19
• Hepatitis A - G
• Herpes
• HIV/AIDS
• Influenza
• Strep Throat
• Tuberculosis
• Ebola

 "I have been a holistic therapist for the last 27 years and have invested a lot of money in furthering my education. Some courses were worth it...many others weren't. I love the courses you offer not only because there is so much to choose from but also because all is actually applicable! So many times I have taken courses and half of what was being taught had absolutely no relevance. Your courses are of high quality and they are relevant - that's the most important aspect for me. I know I'll be back for more :)  Cheers, Gabriela Eikeland"    Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. Courses Gabriela has taken: Manual Lymph Massage, Prenatal Fundamentals, Prenatal Techniques, Spa Fundamentals, Communicable Diseases