Lewis & Clark Community College

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Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage treats both ends of the health continuum — rehab and wellness.

It has become one of the recognized therapies for treatment of physical illness, acute and chronic discomforts, and psychological dysfunctions, as well as a regimen for wellbeing and overall health.

As a licensed massage therapist (LMT) you’ll have a number of career options. You can choose to be self employed, work with chiropractors, hospitals, nursing homes, cruise ships, resorts, medical and day spas, and health centers. As a massage therapist, you work with many different kinds of people; those who just want to relax or those who need rehabilitative bodywork. And in many cases you work with physicians to help clients with terminally ill or chronic diseases.

L&C’s program combines courses in general studies, plus human biology, anatomy, nutrition, psychology, various massage techniques, and business practices, along with practica and internships for on-site and hands-on training.

Therapeutic massage practice is growing, with more and more acceptance in the medical community and the general public. American Bodywork Massage Professionals studies state that more people in the U.S. are trying massage therapy for the first time and are open to alternative health care. L&C offers two means to the end of enhancing or starting your career in therapeutic massage.

L&C’s program is accredited by the ICCB. Graduates are able to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCE). Illinois requires licensure in order to practice massage therapy once you have successfully passed the national examination.