CollegeSurfing.com Featured School of the Week- November 12, 2007: Institute for Therapeutic Massage

Nov. 12, 2007 - PRLog -- Boasting one of the only programs in oncology massage is the Institute for Therapeutic Massage (http://www.collegebound.net/clickcount.php?id=8799576&goto=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.collegesurfing.com%2Fce%2Finstitute-for-therapeutic-massage%2F), with five campuses located throughout New Jersey. Owned and operated by therapist Lisa Helbig, LMT, the Institute for Therapeutic Massage can be viewed as having its finger on the pulse of what's going on in the world of massage, as stated by Pat Russo, director of sales and marketing.

"The medical side of massage therapy is becoming popular," says Russo. "We're there with that as things in the field change."

Offering classes since 1995, the Institute for Therapeutic Massage boasts an abundance of programs in massage and bodywork. Their most popular is the massage therapy and personal training program, which consists of 800 hours of classroom and clinical hands-on work. Upon completion of the massage therapy program, students will receive their certification from the Institute for Therapeutic Massage and will be well prepared to take the national certification exam. They may also become licensed to practice massage therapy in New Jersey.

Russo believes they are ahead of the game because of their oncology massage program. "We're so proud of that 12-month comprehensive program," says Russo. "When we first started, patients weren't so sure they wanted the therapy, but the second time we came they were lining up." As a result of the program's success, the school is in talks with the hospital to work on dialysis and Alzheimer's patients in the future.

Students get to work on oncology patients while they are receiving treatments. These students have been in a classroom (set up like a hospital room) for at least two to three months before they start practicing on patients. They learn how to work their way around the hospital room and work with patients. Once students begin their patient visits, they work under the supervision of the hospital's oncology department.

Many students and faculty members are former graduates of the Institute for Therapeutic Massage, according to Russo. "This gives us a 'homey' feeling," he says. "And everyone knows you by your first name." He even says that all students have his cell number so they can reach him anytime they have a question. Additionally, classes are no larger than 15 people per class so students receive individualized attention.

The Institute for Therapeutic Massage has an open enrollment admissions policy. So once you know you want to attend the school, all you need to do is go in and meet with an admissions officer, go through an extensive interview to express your intent, fill out an application, and work through the financial aid process.

There are two regions for the Institute for Therapeutic Massage: southern and northern. Each region has its own career counselor to help students find jobs. There's even lifetime placement so students can always know to visit the career services department. "We really take care of our students and make sure they are ready to work," says Russo.

There's much to be learned through the certificate programs offered by the Institute for Therapeutic Massage. There is no particular kind of student, as the school attracts anyone from the recent high school graduate to the career switcher or retiree. But all students have one thing in common, says Russo, and that is their desire to help others. "It's a lot more than just rubbing somebody's neck or arm," he says. "You won't be a millionaire. But you'll learn a lot about a wonderful, holistic field."

Featured School of the Week: Institute for Therapeutic Massage
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