Northeastern Technical College’s popular Allied Health program grew this fall by adding Massage Therapy.

“Expanding allied health offerings with massage therapy at Northeastern Technical College enhances student career opportunities, meets local healthcare demands, and promotes holistic wellness,” said NETC President Dr. Kyle Wagner. “A massage therapy tract strengthens the college’s healthcare program diversity that will attract more students and addresses community needs for comprehensive health services”

Massage therapy provides pain relief, enhances rehabilitation, reduces stress, improves circulation, boosts immune function, and complements medical treatments, contributing to overall health and wellness in patients.

Janet Copelle joined NETC to establish the massage therapy curriculum.

Copelle served as Health and Wellness Director from 2004-2017 at Stautzenberger College, in Maumee, Ohio, and massage program supervisor from 2019-2024 at Intellitec College in Colorado.

“I love seeing excitement from students who can start a new career or go into business for themselves in a pathway they choose,” Copelle said.

NETC’s Massage Therapy program delves into Swedish massage techniques along with studying body movement and muscular and structural factors.

Massage therapy is full-time program with 10 credit hours for two semesters.

During the fall semester, students will take Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapy; Principles of Massage 1, Massage Therapy Seminar, and Kinesiology for Massage Therapy.

In spring, students in the massage therapy tract will take Pathology for Massage Therapy, Clinical Applications of Massage, Massage Practicum, and Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapy 2.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics a growing demand for licensed massage therapist. Nationwide, the average salary for a massage therapist is approximately $55,000, or about $27 per hour). Massage therapists work in a variety of settings from health practitioners to spas, operating in offices to traveling to client’s homes.

To become a licensed massage therapist in South Carolina, students must pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) after completing both semesters.

For more information, call NETC at 800.921.7399 or visit online at netc.edu.