Seven students graduate from massage therapy program

Front row left to right: Michelle Thompson, Danielle Lane, Claudia Reyes-Moreno and Lisa Sawa. Back row left to right: Kerry Cone, Jane Spencer and Rhonda Giles. Not pictured Rebecca Cabral-Gibson

Seven new massage therapists recently graduated from Isothermal Community College with new certifications last week.

The graduates are Kerry Cone, Rebecca Joann Cabral-Gibson, Rhonda Durbin Giles, Danielle Michelle Lane, Claudia Lili Reyes-Moreno, Lisa Marie Sawa and Michelle Louise Thompson.

Isothermal's Massage Therapy program provides 660 hours of training combining lecture time with hands-on practice of massage techniques. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, business practices, ethics and specific massage modalities. Students gain hands-on experience by working with the public in a clinic setting through the program's student massage clinic.

The Massage Therapy program graduates may sit for the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam) and apply to NCBMBT (North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy) for their license to practice massage in the state of North Carolina.

Isothermal's program prepares students for a career in massage therapy in hospitals, health & fitness centers, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, resorts, spas, nursing homes, cruise ships or provides the opportunity to start their own business.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Registration is now taking place for the new class, scheduled to begin Tuesday, Nov. 8. For more information on the program or to register, please stop by or call the Polk Center at 828-894-3092. Financial aid opportunities are available for qualifying students.