Jan. 8, 2009
HARRISBURG - According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, massage therapy is one of the region's fastest growing occupations. It's also an occupation with a lot of options.
Students are invited to explore those flexible career options and more at a massage therapy open house at HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College. Two sessions are being offered: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, and 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, in room 340 at HACC's Penn Center, 349 Wiconisco St., Harrisburg.
“Massage therapists can be employed in private or group massage practices, hospitals and wellness centers, chiropractic offices, on-site – chair massages in offices, airports or public events, health clubs and fitness centers, with sports teams and at spas and resorts, hotels, salons, and cruise ships. The average cost for a one-hour massage in the Harrisburg area ranges from $35-$70 depending on the therapist’s training and experience.” said Martha K. Malina, M.S., NCTMB, director of HACC’s massage therapy training program.
Along with the wide range of job prospects for massage therapists, Malina will provide information about the certificate program and answer questions about financial aid.
HACC’s program is a member of the American Therapy Association’s (AMTA) Council of Schools, and its curriculum has been approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. This enables graduates to take the National Certification Exam and become a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, a credential respected throughout the massage industry.
The 650-hour program is available in a six-month, full-time format or a 12-month, part-time evening class. The curriculum prepares individuals with the hands-on, clinical, ethical, business and communication skills that are required to enter the health care field as a massage therapist.
Applications are being accepted for full-time classes, which start in March.
In addition, current massage therapy students are providing chair massage in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Health during Farm Show 2009, which runs through Jan. 17.
