Information on the Massage Therapy program at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL

1. MASSAGE THERAPY www.sandburg.edu

2. Certificate in THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Carl Sandburg College offers a certificate program in Therapeutic Massage designed to prepare students for both national certification and state licensing. Students will study and apply the principles and techniques of massage for both therapeutic and general wellness purposes.

3. Nature of the Work The massage therapist performs hands-on manipulation of the body’s soft tissues with the goal of improving overall physical and mental health, managing pain, or assisting with rehabilitation. Individuals who choose massage therapy as a career usually have a desire to help others and a genuine interest in health and wellness. Working Conditions Massage therapists work closely with clients on a one-to-one basis. Individual massage sessions may range from 30 minutes to two hours in length depending upon the type and purpose of the massage. Therapists may work full-time or part time, but due to the physical nature of the work they may be limited in the number of massages they are able to perform each day. Massage therapy also requires that a caring yet highly professional client/therapist relationship be maintained at all times.

4. Employment Opportunities for careers in massage therapy have continued to rise, leading the Department of Labor to project employment growth to be "faster than average" over the next decade. This can be attributed to both the increasing acceptance of the use of massage in medicine and society’s greater focus on wellness. Jobs may be found in physicians’ offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, health and fitness centers, as well as spas, salons, hotels, and resorts. Self-employment is also an option for those seeking to establish their own business.

5. CSC Advantages • Interactive classroom environment • Lab and clinic faculty/student ratio of 1:20 or less • Students are able to take classes at both Bushnell and Galesburg campuses Accreditation Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCBTMB examination in therapeutic massage. Special Needs Carl Sandburg College complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws, orders, and regulation. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Affirmative Action Officer. Facilities are accessible for people with physical disabilities. Persons requiring special accommodations should make their needs known at the time of registration by contacting the Academic Support Services Office at (309) 341-5262.

6. Cost & Financial Aid For current tuition and fees, please refer to our Web site at www.sandburg.edu. A variety of scholarships, loans, grants, and other forms of financial aid are available to qualified applicants. For information contact the Financial Aid Office at (309) 341-5283. Mission Statement OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED The mission of Carl Sandburg College is to provide accessible, quality education in a caring environment by keeping the learner’s needs at the center of decision making and by working in partnership with communities of the College district. 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. Galesburg, IL 61401 www.sandburg.edu (309) 341-5229 Toll Free (877) 236-1862, ext. 5229