Massage Therapy
SIC massage therapy instructor, Sheila Brown, demonstrates joint movements and shaking to students Katherine Woodard (left) of Carmi and Sarah Welch of McLeansboro. The technique can be used to increase range of motion.
Why Massage Therapy Could Be the Career for You
If a flexible schedule and a work environment of soothing music, soft lighting and scented oils sounds like your kind of occupation, massage therapy might be a good fit for you!
Massage therapists manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of their clients to produce relaxation, pain relief, improved health and other benefits.
At SIC, you will learn a variety of massage techniques, massage anatomy, and helpful ethics and business practices. The program is offered in even years and takes only one year to complete. Clinical work begins in the spring semester in two locations: Carmi and Harrisburg campuses. Students have a chance to practice their new skills and techniques on real clients and even earn tips in the SIC Massage Clinic.
Certification may be obtained by exam from NCBTMB.
Employment
Employment is available in a variety of settings, including:
- Cancer centers
- Chiropractic offices
- Cruise lines
- Fitness centers and health clubs
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Hotels & Resorts
- Physical therapy clinics
- Private offices or in-home settings
- Spas and Salons
- Sports medicine facilities
Even if massage therapy is not your end career goal, it can be a great way to supplement your income or work through college.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 26 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists.
As an independent contractor, a new graduate can earn $30-$50 per hour. Working for an hourly wage, such as at a clinic or spa, the earnings are generally $15-$25 per hour.
The Massage Therapy program is accredited by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB), and Southeastern Illinois College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Board Pass Rates for 2016: 37.5%
Program Learning Outcomes
Goal 1: Communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner with clients, members of the healthcare team, and others.
Goal 2: Demonstrate and document various assessment processes; recognizing health and non-health within the body.
Goal 3: Demonstrate ability to utilize knowledge and problem solving skills when creating and implementing a treatment plan.
Goal 4: Provide care for diverse populations of clientele and demonstrate a personal commitment to service and the profession of massage therapy.
Goal 5: Demonstrate ethical/legal behaviors and boundaries in the massage profession, identify and apply components of a business plan and the ability to bill insurance cases.
Goal 6: Utilize universal precautions and maintain a high level of sanitization of equipment and the facility.
Goal 7: Use safe, efficient and effective body mechanics for injury prevention of the therapist and client as well as utilize, demonstrate and instruct the client in self-care techniques.
Goal 8: Identify and describe components of the body systems, how homeostasis is maintained, effects of massage on the differing systems and demonstrate safe movement through range of motion.
Goal 9: Demonstrate preparedness for various employment opportunities in the field.
Goal 10: Function as providers of massage therapy care.
State Licensure or Certification Information
Find information on the specific states the institution has determined its Massage Therapy program curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification regardless of modality.
