Information session March 7
Isothermal Community College will offer a new therapeutic massage certificate program starting in April.
The six-month program will combine class time with hands-on practice of massage techniques. Coursework will include anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, business practices, ethics and specific massage modalities. Upon completion graduates of the program may apply for the MBLex exam to practice therapeutic massage in the state of North Carolina.
Massage therapy is both a healing art and a science, offering a wide variety of career options. A licensed massage therapist may be self-employed or may work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, spas, fitness centers, sports organizations and more.
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine identifies massage therapy as the most common complementary profession used in hospitals in the United States. Last year, Bloomsberg Businessweek named “massage therapist” as one of 10 top career choices. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, therapeutic massage is expected to grow faster than average through 2018 with growth projections around 19 percent.
Melinda Kirby, lead instructor, brings more than 16 years of experience working with numerous integrative healthcare teams to ICC’s program. Her roles have included that of therapist, practitioner, educator, business owner and lecturer. Kirby has trained extensively worldwide and presented to such associations as the World Health Organization.
“I’m very excited to bring my experience and my love of teaching to this program,” said Kirby. “Massage is currently one of the fastest growing professions. It offers a great career opportunity to anyone interested in helping people relieve pain and stress.”
An information session will be held Wednesday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Polk Center for prospective students and anyone interested in learning more about ICC’s Therapeutic Massage program. The presentation will provide an overview of the curriculum, admission requirements and massage therapy as a career choice. Time will be reserved following the presentation for a question-and-answer session and to meet and speak with the instructors.
For more details or to reserve your space, please call 828-894-3092 or visit www.isothermal.edu/polk.
– article submitted by Kate Barkschat