HARRISBURG - Massage therapy remains among the region's fastest growing occupations. It's also an occupation with a lot of options.

Potential students and their families are invited to explore those flexible career options and more at a massage therapy open house from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 12, in the program's new facilities in rooms 201 and 203 at Hall Technology Center on ther Harrisburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community ColMassage therapy remains among the region's fastest “Massage therapists can be employed in private or group massage practices, hospitals and wellness centers, chiropractic offices, on-site – chair massages in offices, airports or public events, health clubs and fitness centers, with sports teams and at spas and resorts, hotels, salons, and cruise ships,” said Martha K. Malina, M.S., NCTMB, director of HACC’s massage therapy training program. “The average cost for a one-hour massage in the Harrisburg area ranges from $35-$70 depending on the therapist’s training and experience,” she said.

Job prospects for massage therapists also include sports massage. Through a partnership with the City Islanders, HACC massage therapy students provide sports massage to members of the professional soccer team. The application of sports massage aids in the recovery process, helps maintain the health of the players and enhances their athletic performance.

HACC is a school member of the American Therapy Association (AMTA) and Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and the curriculum has been approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. This enables graduates to take the National Certification Exam and become a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, a credential respected throughout the massage industry.

The 675-hour program is available in a seven-month, full-time format or a 12-month, part-time evening class. The curriculum prepares individuals with the hands-on, clinical, ethical, business and communication skills that are required to enter the health care field as a massage therapist.

For more information, contact Malina at 221-1386 or via e-mail at mkmalina@hacc.edu.