Massage Therapy

The Southwestern Illinois College Massage Therapy program is designed to provide students with a strong, comprehensive foundation for practice as a Massage Therapist (MT). Massage therapists are involved in “hands on” care intended to promote healing, relieve stress, manage pain, and improve circulation of their clients. They work by appointment and when self employed supply the tables, chairs, sheets, pillows, body lotions/oils, etc. needed for treatment. The Massage Therapist interviews and assesses each client to determine a treatment plan, which may include specialized massage techniques and complimentary techniques, such as spa treatments. Massage therapists establish clear boundaries with their clients to create a safe and effective healing environment. To develop and maintain a successful massage therapy practice, they also must have good communication skills, effective business practices, and an appreciation of the body, mind and spirit connection. For further information regarding the field of Massage Therapy, refer to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) web site at www.amtamassage.org, or the US Dept of Labor Outlook handbook at http://www.bls.gov/oco/.

Upon successful completion of the 1 year, 692 hour massage therapy program, graduates are awarded a Massage Therapy Certificate and are eligible to take the national certification examination. The States of Illinois and Missouri require successful completion of the National Certification Examination in order to apply for licensure. In addition, students are required to submit to a criminal background check and provide verification of fingerprint processing by an approved agency. The laws regarding massage therapy practice vary from state to state; refer to the American Massage Therapy Association website for more information, http://www.amtamassage.org/.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for massage therapists include:

A large percentage of Massage Therapists are self-employed, although other employment settings include chiropractic offices, health clubs/fitness centers, spas/salons, resorts, massage therapy clinics, sports medicine centers, hospitals, corporations, and stress reduction centers. Approximately 60% of Massage Therapists work part-time due to the physical demands of the occupation. Employment is expected to grow faster than average from 2004- 2014 as more people learn about the benefits of massage.

Average Starting Salary

As an independent contractor new graduates 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. A self-employed Massage Therapist with increased skill and a larger client base will have the highest earnings.

Programs Available:

Associate in Applied Science Degree (027B) and Certificate (027A)

The Massage Therapy certificate program is a 38 credit hour, 1 year program, which can be completed in 3 semesters, pending ICCB approval. Courses include MT technical courses and assigned clinical experiences/practicums. The curriculum includes: anatomy, physiology and pathology related to massage-including Western and non-Western philosophies, kinesiology basics; client assessment, specific therapeutic massage applications & spa treatments. The curriculum also includes the professional standards, ethics, business and legal practices related to massage therapy. The MT certificate program begins each Fall and Spring semester at the Body Therapy Center and School of Massage.

Students are advised to take the National Certification Board Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks after graduation because an increasing number of states have adopted this exam to regulate massage therapists.View Curriculum >>