ECC's Massage Therapy Program meets local job demand

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of licensed massage therapists is projected to grow 22 percent by 2024. This figure is much higher than the average job growth rate for all occupations, which is projected at just 7 percent for the 10-year period, and the 19 percent average growth rate for other health care support occupations.

Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists, who typically work for spas, hotels, fitness centers, franchised massage clinics, physicians' offices or are self-employed, according to BLS.

"Massage therapists literally work hands-on to assist people with pain management, recovery from injury, stress reduction, during cancer treatment and for many other conditions," said Lurana Bain, director of the massage therapy program at Elgin Community College. "For those considering a highly rewarding, in-demand career that helps people achieve their health care goals, we welcome them to join us for our highly reputable one year program."

ECC offers an accredited massage therapy program for individuals pursuing a career in this growing field. The 744-hour program boasts a 100 percent licensure exam pass rate and high job placement as most graduates have jobs waiting for them upon completion of the program. This pass rate is more than 25 percent higher than the national average for other massage therapy programs. ECC's courses are firmly based in the sciences, massage theory and bodywork techniques, including strong hands-on clinical learning experience in all three semesters.

A career in massage therapy requires relatively low financial investment, as massage therapists typically require only a few supplies and pieces of equipment aside from their hands, and most massage therapy programs can be completed in two years or less. Some massage therapists work in a medical setting and others choose to travel the world on a cruise ship, or perform their job in beautiful and exotic locations at resorts.

ECC offers Intro to Massage Therapy (MAS 100), a six-week introductory course for anyone considering the program. The next session of MAS 100 begins on Tuesday, Oct. 17. For more information about ECC's massage therapy program, visit www.elgin.edu/massage or call (847) 214-7203.