Massage Therapy--FAQ'S

What opportunities exist for massage therapists?
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.

Do I need to have strong hands to be a massage therapist?
No. The way we teach massage emphasizes using different parts of your hands with different strokes so that your hands will not get tired. Proper body mechanics are emphasized so that you will be using your body weight more than your hand strength. The body mechanics you learn will be helpful in many other activities. You will be able to work without tiring yourself.

What about licensing?
Most states require formal training and successful completion of a post-graduation certification examination for entry into the filed. 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.

How much is the tuition for the massage therapy program? 
See Moraine Valley's current tuition rate, plus fee and books.

Are there additional expenses?
Yes, in addition to tuition, fees, and books, students are financially responsible for the following:

• MAS-101: Swedish massage (starting at $20/hour); set of twin sheets (approximately $20/set); Therapeutic grade oil/lotion (approximately $15)

• MAS-110: Professional Swedish massage (starting at $50/hour); Lab uniform, including hunter green scrub top (approximately $15) and black slacks, Criminal background check (approximately $30), Student professional malpractice insurance (ranges from $65[ABMP] - $109[AMTA]); Massage table (starting at $250).

• MAS-114: Modality experience (starting at $50/hour)

• MAS-118: Office supplies such as computer discs/stick drives, paper, printer ink.

Do you have a student clinic?
Yes, our students gain valuable experience working on clients right here at the college under the supervision of a faculty member. To make an appointment, phone (708) 608-4460. The days and hours of the student clinic are updated and announced on the answering machine. The fee is $20 for a 50 minute massage. You may pay by check or cash (no credit cards, please!) on the day of your massage.

How large are the classes?
The Moraine Valley Massage Therapy Program complies with the Massage Licensing Act, Sec. 1284.20-8. "The ratio of students to faculty in the lab/clinical/community area shall not exceed 20 students to 1 instructor with no more than 10 student therapists and 10 serving as clients."

What is the difference between clock hours and credit hours?
The Moraine Valley catalog (p. 156) describes how to interpret the course descriptions included in the catalog. Each course has credit hours and contact hours listed. Credit hours are how your tuition is determined. Contact hours determine how much instructional time is spent in the classroom. One contact hour is based on a 50 minute hour so every contact hour listed in the catalog equals 800 minutes of instruction.

How long is your Massage Therapy Program?
It depends on the student. If a student enters our program with all their prerequisites, it would be possible to finish in three semesters, i.e., fall, spring and clinic in the summer.

What is it like working in the field?
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. 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 good 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.

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

What are some areas of massage specialization?
A massage therapist may specialize in a certain type of massage or in treating certain types of problems. In general, the profession seems to break down into two broad categories: "medical" massages which include sports, orthopedic, isolated stretching and neuromuscular massages and "energy" massages, which include techniques such as Reiki, therapeutic touch and polarity.

• Acupressure massage is the practice of applying finger pressure to certain areas of the body to ease muscle tension.

• Cranial-sacral therapy involves a gentle massage of the head and neck.

• Deep tissue massage involved vigorous kneading of muscle to loosen them and increase range of motion.

• Shiatsu massage combines elements of acupressure and massage.

• Sports massage is a deep tissue massage designed to relieve specific muscles related to athletic activities, increase flexibility, and aid in injury prevention and recovery.

• Swedish massage uses gentle, long-kneading strokes of all major muscle groups to ease tension, improve flexibility, increase circulation, and promote relaxation

How does one get ahead in the field of massage therapy?
Advancement for massage therapists usually means establishing and maintaining a base of regular clients. Whether they are self-employed or work for someone else, massage therapists rely on repeat customers for job security and financial success. Attaining certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork can help significantly with achieving advancement and mobility since many clinics, hospitals and states require this certification. Without it, a massage therapist will be greatly hampered.

What essential functions are needed for massage therapy?

• Manual dexterity and coordination

• Physical strength and stamina

• Ability to work standing for at least 2 hours at a time

• Working well with clients

• Listening carefully to what someone else is saying

• Business sense

• Ethical behavior

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Appropriately interacting with clients, peers, instructors, and physicians

• A calm, reassuring and professional manner

Where do massage therapists work?
Massage therapists have traditionally been self-employed, but they are increasingly finding employment in spas, athletic clubs, medical clinics, chiropractor's offices, resorts, and cruise ships. Even many beauty salons are now hiring massage therapists to work in "day spas." However, those who work for someone else often maintain their own businesses on a part-time basis.

Does Moraine Valley offer continuing education for massage therapists?
Yes! Continuing education is offered through the college’s Workforce Development Subdivision. For current programming information, contact Aurora Zwick, Coordinator, Business Solutions, at (708) 974-5741 or zwick@morainevalley.edu.

Where do massage therapists work?
Massage therapists have traditionally been self-employed, but they are increasingly finding employment in spas, athletic clubs, medical clinics, chiropractor's offices, resorts, and cruise ships. Even many beauty salons are now hiring massage therapists to work in "day spas." However, those who work for someone else often maintain their own businesses on a part-time basis.

What is the job outlook?
An increasing concern for total health and wellness coupled with an expanding public interest in alternative therapies has spurred significant growth in the field of massage therapy. Contributing to this growth is the fact that many insurance companies are integrating massage therapy into their coverage. Nonetheless, this career is now becoming very competitive, because so many people are interested in becoming massage therapists. People entering the field now need very good business and marketing skills, as well as skills at massage, in order to develop a clientele and a successful business.

Will I need to complete a criminal background check for this program?
Yes, in order to comply with certain state statutes and/or clinical affiliation agreements, students will be asked to complete a criminal background check. Application forms for criminal background checks may be obtained through the Career Programs Subdivision Office, B150, and fees paid to the Bursar’s Office. For information on criminal background application procedures, please contact the Career Programs Subdivision Office at (708) 974-5708. Deadline dates for completion of criminal background checks will be announced by Program coordinators.