Massage Therapy--More About the Program

The Massage Therapy Certificate Program at Moraine Valley Community College trains students in the art of touch and the application of pressure to clients’ sore muscles and limbs to induce relaxation, assist in rehabilitation and contribute to their overall physical and emotional well being. The program will instill a code of professional ethics coupled with a foundation of business skills. Additionally, Moraine Valley offers a supervised student clinic that is open to the public and gives students the opportunity to work with a variety of people.

While there are some people in this world who can rub you the wrong way, it's unlikely that a massage therapist ever would. Massage therapists have been especially trained in the art of touch—they know how to knead, rub, rock, tap and apply pressure to clients' sore muscles and limbs to induce relaxation, assist in rehabilitation, and contribute to their overall physical and emotional Well-being.

For many years this occupation suffered from a bit of an image problem. Massage therapy was seen as, at best, an "alternative lifestyle" rather than a professional job and, at worst, an illegitimate and even shady occupation. However a dramatic turnaround occurred in the 1960s, and today massage therapy has secured a mantle of legitimacy. Riding a general trend toward preventive health care and stress reduction, massage therapy has become one of the country's fastest-growing occupations. In fact, you can find massage therapists everywhere, from chiropractic offices to health clubs and luxury spas, to corporations and stand-alone private offices. Many massage therapists work in conjunction with doctors and other health care professionals in hospitals and clinical settings to help the ill and injured recuperate. Others work in airports, malls, and cruise ships. Massage therapists also work with professional athletes, with the disabled, or even with animals. The possibilities are endless!

While massage treatments are not covered under most health care plans, a growing number of health maintenance organizations are beginning to cover such services as the benefits of massage in managing conditions such as lower back pain, bursitis and arthritis have become clearer. Research has proven that massage therapy can be an effective treatment for easing migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, reducing anxiety, and alleviating the side effects of cancer treatments. To help regulate this boom in the massage world, at least 38 states and the District of Columbia now regulate and license massage therapists who demonstrate competency by challenging a national certification exam.

Being a successful massage therapist requires more than just a way with hands, though. This occupation also requires several other skills—among them, a soothing and reassuring manner with clients and the ability to adhere to a high standard of confidentiality and professional ethics. Massage therapists must have a lot of business sense, since those who are self-employed must attract and maintain a client base. In addition, massage therapy is strenuous, requiring long hours of standing as well as the physical strength to perform one massage after another. If they aren't careful, it can be all too easy for massage therapists themselves to become injured and in need of a massage.

Specific tasks include:

• Performing various types of massage by rocking, kneading, tapping, applying pressure, vibration or friction to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body

• Applying oils, lotions, powders or other lubricants to clients' bodies to aid in various massage techniques

• Applying non-forceful passive or active movement to affect the energetic systems of the body and movement re-education

• Scheduling appointments

• Finding new clients

The possibilities for practicing massage are limited only by your imagination. As a massage therapist, you may work in chiropractic offices, physical therapy clinics, health spas or beauty salons. To minimize overhead, you may prefer to work out of your home, do house calls with a portable massage table, or on-site massage at businesses with a massage chair. You may choose to work part time, using your practice to supplement income from a full time job, or to help yourself through college. It also is possible to open your own office.

The Moraine Valley Community College Massage Therapy Program is a 31-credit hour certificate program. The massage classes are taught in our contemporary, technology enabled classroom. The 2600 square foot multi- purpose room has a lecture area in the center. The room is equipped to accommodate 20 students. Surrounding the lecture area are 10 semi-private studios. One studio is equipped with a hydraulic table to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Moraine Valley Community College operates within the guidelines of the Massage Licensing Act of Illinois and Rules of Practice Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 225, Part 57.We have a comprehensive curriculum that exceeds state requirements. Upon graduation, students are eligible to challenge the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) which is required for Illinois licensure. Since January 2005, all massage therapists in Illinois are required to be licensed. Moraine Valley's Massage Therapy Program exceeds the licensing requirements and will prepare graduates for the exam.

Our students attend school full time and part time. We welcome the working adult who is seeking a second career as well as individuals who have chosen massage therapy as their first career. Classes are offered during the day and evening to accommodate the working adult. We have an open enrollment policy. Students can start the program during any semester. To be eligible to enroll in MAS 101 you must be a minimum of 18 years of age and be emotionally mature. There are physical demands that are required to be a successful massage therapist. These include, but not limited to: the ability to stand on your feet for prolonged periods of time; hand and finger dexterity; and the ability to lean over the table.

Our curriculum has a solid foundation in both the art and science of massage therapy. As a student you will be required to study anatomy, physiology and kinesiology. To ensure a well rounded graduate, you will also take coursework to increase your understanding of the importance of wellness and leadership. These courses are taught in the appropriate disciplines throughout the college. Ethics are reinforced throughout the program. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities thru our Center for Disability Services.

Therapists must also have the ability to relate to other students and professionals with a high level of interpersonal communication skills. Since we work with the public, poise, tact and diplomacy is required. Therapists must be able to relate to the public in an emotionally controlled and professional manner. The curriculum here at Moraine Valley requires students to possess computer skills and reading at the 10th grade level. It is paramount that massage therapists maintain established safety and sanitization standards for all supplies and equipment.