He enjoyed his classes, but he soon realized it was not the path for him. I couldn't imagine sitting behind a cubicle all day," he says. He started thinking about pursuing physical therapy but wasn't sure he wanted to commit to five years of education.
He decided to switch gears and entered the program, working as a dietary aide on weekends but mostly spending his time reviewing and studying the intensive course content. A careful planner, Michael says he took "higher spec classes than required" to be sure all his credits would be transferable if he decided to pursue further education.
He completed the program in December In a nutshell, the Massage Therapy Certificate Program at BCC prepares students to become state licensed massage therapists with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective relaxation and wellness massage.
Students apply the knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to provide safe and effective massage therapy sessions. Miraval, one of several local employers to visit graduating massage students at BCC, impressed Michael with their one-on-one approach and willingness to take on new graduates. Massage encompasses so many different things. You have energy modalities, Swedish massage and deep-tissue massage, but then you can go even further into rehabilitation therapies like neuromuscular massage and positional release massage therapy.
I want to help people with rehabilitation, not just relaxation. At Miraval, Michael plans to get as much training in various massage modalities as possible, such as hot stone massage, reflexology and body scrub massage. There's good room for growth," he says, adding that working with experienced professionals makes him "a better therapist. Massage therapists enjoy excellent job opportunities with good pay. According to the U. One of the unexpected aspects of Michael's massage therapy career is the diversity of people he works with, both fellow staff and clients.
