All seven July graduates from ECC's massage therapy program passed their national certification exam—a first for the seven-year old program.
“I’m so proud of them,” said Deb Keisler, massage therapy program director. “These exam results demonstrate a commitment to their studies and a dedication to their goals of a career in massage therapy.”
Normally, approximately 85 to 95 percent of the program’s graduates pass the national exam annually—exceeding state and national averages of 57 and 60 percent, respectively.
“This reflects on the quality of our program,” Keisler says. “We’re on the right path in giving students the knowledge they need in order to get them nationally certified and receive their Illinois state license.”
This year, the program was converted from noncredit to credit status, meaning students can attend credit classes in the massage therapy program and qualify for financial aid and scholarships. The program is three semesters of classroom study and hands-on training that involves 750 hours, 40.5 credit hours, upon completion. At the end of the program students are prepared to sit for the national certification exam and with a passing grade, apply for their state license.
Also new this year is the opportunity for licensed massage therapists to receive continuing education hours through courses at ECC. The college just received its approved provider of continuing education status from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork—an independent, private, nonprofit organization fostering the highest standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of therapeutic massage and bodywork through a recognized credentialing program.
To enter the program in the fall 2010 semester, students must first take MAS 100: Introduction to Massage Therapy, a mandatory prerequisite course, which is held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning Nov. 10 through Dec. 15 in the Advanced Technology Center on the Main Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. An additional MAS 100 course will be offered in the spring semester. In this course, students learn basic Swedish massage techniques and how to apply them; and basic anatomy and physiology.
Those seeking information about the program may attend a free career exploration session from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in Room ATC 214. These sessions feature opportunities to see the massage therapy classrooms and the equipment used in the clinic setting. An overview of the program will be presented with ample time for questions and answers. Prospective students also receive information on financial aid, scholarships and the application process for being accepted into the massage therapy program.
For more information about the program, contact the massage therapy office at 847-214-7773.