Six new massage therapists hit the job market this week after graduating from Isothermal Community College with new certifications.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Isothermal Polk Center in Columbus, where the program is conducted, on Tuesday last week. The graduates are Crystal Turner-Howell, Ashlin Steinman, Evelyn Quijano, Bonnie Stoll, Zach Evans and Kimberlie Steffes-Hammond.

Isothermal’s Massage Therapy program provides 660 hours of training, combining lecture time with hands-on practice of massage techniques. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, business practices, ethics and specific massage modalities.

Students gain hands-on experience by working with the public in a clinic setting through the program’s student massage clinic.

The Massage Therapy program graduates may sit for the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam) and apply to NCBMBT (North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy) for their license to practice massage in the state of North Carolina.

Isothermal’s program prepares students for a career in massage therapy in hospitals, health and fitness centers, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, resorts, spas, nursing homes, or cruise ships, or provides them the opportunity to start their own business.

Registration is now taking place for a new class, scheduled to begin in May.

For more information about the program or to register, please stop by or call the Polk Center at 828-894-3092. Financial aid opportunities are available for qualifying students.

-Submitted by Mike Gavin