Residents of Scotia Village Retirement Community recently visited the Therapeutic Massage Program at Sandhills Community College to explore the benefits of massage therapy. The SCC Therapeutic Massage Coordinator Samantha Allen and the Wellness Director of Scotia Village Sarah Laviner organized the visit.
During the visit, residents had the opportunity to receive a massage from students under the supervision of their instructor. "It's always a joy to see our students perfecting their skills and using them firsthand. It's really a positive experience for both the student and client," says Allen.
Students spend several hours in the class learning and role playing the methods required for geriatric massages. "Massage therapists must be able to adapt when it comes to this type of massage, and teaching our students that is key. Mobility, joint replacements, and medications can all play a role in how you interact with a client," says Allen. Scotia Village residents were highly impressed with the students' professionalism and knowledge during the massage therapy session. Allen adds, "It's always rewarding to see the positive impact massage therapy can have on people."
Sandhills Community College's Therapeutic Massage Program will begin accepting new bookings in October 2023. Appointments can be made beginning in October via email at massageclinic@sandhills.edu.
The Sandhills Community College Therapeutic Massage program has offered the highest level of training for massage therapists in North Carolina since 2001. "The skill level of our graduates is unmatched. We have local students and others from surrounding counties that commute up to an hour and a half to attend our program," says Allen. The curriculum prepares graduates to work in direct client care settings to provide manipulation, methodical pressure, friction, and kneading of the body for maintaining wellness or treating ailments throughout the lifespan. Students must complete 38 credit hours and master content in normal human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic massage, ethical/legal issues, business practices, nutrition, and psychology. Graduates of this program can be employed in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, health departments, home health, medical offices, nursing homes, spas/health/sports clubs, or begin a private practice. The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy accredits this program.
Those interested in enrolling in the Therapeutic Massage program should contact Samantha Allen, Program Coordinator and Associate Professor for Therapeutic Massage, at (910) 695-3966 or allens@sandhills.edu.
Summer Semester
Summer semester curriculum (college credit) Sessions A and B begin on May 23, and Session C starts on June 27. Workforce Continuing Education classes begin on various dates throughout the summer.
Summer semester curriculum classes are open to current, returning, and new students. Local students attending colleges outside of the area are invited to take courses this summer at SCC. Credits can transfer back to the university, saving students time and money. New students can apply online, and an advisor will assist in registering for classes. Current or returning students may register using Self-Service or by meeting with their Advisor. For all information, go to www.sandhills.edu/learn.