Massage Therapy

Program Location: The Body Therapy Center

The SWIC Massage Therapy program is designed to provide students with a strong, comprehensive foundation for practice as a massage therapist.

Massage therapists:

• Promote healing, relieve stress, manage pain and improve circulation
• Work by appointment, and when self-employed, supply the other needed materials needed for treatment
• Interview and assess each client to determine a treatment plan, which may include specialized massage techniques and complementary techniques, such as spa treatments
• Establish clear boundaries with their clients to create a safe and effective healing environment
  
• Must have good communication skills, effective business practices and an appreciation of the body, mind and spirit connection
  

For more information on the Massage Therapy program, please contact Program Coordinator Tammy Bivin at 618-239-6400 or tamara.bivin@swic.edu. 

For more information regarding the field of massage therapy, refer to the American Massage Therapy Association Web site at amtamassage.org or the U.S. Department of Labor Outlook handbook at bls.gov/oco.
 

Educational Program

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

The Massage Therapy certificate program is a 38-credit hour, one-year program, which can be completed in three semesters. Courses include MT technical courses and assigned clinical experiences/practicums. 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.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the one-year, 38-hour MT program, graduates are awarded a MT certificate and are eligible to take the national certification examination. 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 AMTA Web site for more information.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for massage therapists include:

Approximately 60 percent 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, 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. A self-employed massage therapist with increased skill and a larger client base will have the highest earnings.