The massage therapy field is growing rapidly, both in demand for Licensed Massage Therapists and in job opportunities. Increasingly, people are seeking the therapeutic benefits of massage to reduce stress and alleviate pain. Research is documenting the significant health benefits of massage, making massage a vital part of any integrative approach to healthcare. Massage therapists work in a variety of settings which include private practice, massage clinics, physical therapy offices, hospitals, wellness centers, chiropractic clinics, health spas, vacation resorts, cruise ships, athletic clubs, beauty salons, and hotels. A career in professional Massage Therapy will give you an opportunity to join this growing field and enjoy professional success and rewarding opportunities.
The UWS Massage Therapy Program seeks to give graduates the skills necessary to work within a multidisciplinary healthcare team and contribute meaningfully to the wellness of massage clients. Students seeking a career working with allopathic, chiropractic and naturopathic physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists and other health care providers will experience the highest-level of anatomical and physiologic training, extensive exposure to medical terminology, the culture of healthcare and a
broad variety of clinical experiences. The program focuses on teaching students to evaluate each client individually based on informed assessment methods and client goals to choose massage techniques which help improve mobility, reduce pain, manage symptoms, decrease stress, support existing medical treatments and improve overall wellness. Students receive this training with a focus on body mechanics which is the art of giving effective massage in a safe way that requires the least amount of effort from the massage therapist.
The massage program is a 768-hour certificate program in clinical massage therapy. Students are intended to complete the program in 1 year, (12 months). Students are admitted each Fall and Spring quarter.
Classes are held Monday through Thursday in the evening in Portland and during the day in Salem. Clinical rotations and open labs are typically during the day from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM one to two days a week. There are seminar classes and outreach events held on weekends approximately once a quarter.
