The following excerpt was taken from the March 15th issue of the North Jersey Jobs section in the Bergen Record.
‘If you're looking for something that offers a change of pace from the 9-5 job, consider a career as a massage therapist or cosmetologist. What's more, you may complete training in either of these fields in less than a year.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment growth for massage therapists is expected to be faster than average -- or increase 20 percent -- for all occupations, from 2006 to 2016. Meanwhile, employment of hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists will increase 12 percent, about as fast as average for all occupations, during that same period.
Training is available right here in northern New Jersey. Among them is the Institute for Therapeutic Massage, founded in 1995, which has locations in Red Bank, Haskell, Morristown, Toms River and two in Newark.
Lisa Helbig, executive director of the Institute for Therapeutic Massage, said the facility offers five programs: Massage and Bodywork; Eastern Bodywork; Massage and Personal Training; Clinical Massage Therapy; and the Oncology Massage Certification. "We are one of very few schools in the country to have a dual certification in Massage and Personal Training, and our Oncology Massage Certification Program is the first in the U.S. to be accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA),"
she said.
The institute, which was founded in 1995, offers both full- and part-time programs and day, night and weekend classes. Students are required to pass both theory and practical classes, including completing at least 100 hours of hands-on experience in the student clinic.
Helbig said it may take between nine to 12 months to complete training, depending on the program. Upon successfully completing the program, graduates are employable. "They also are qualified to be certified by the state of New Jersey as a massage therapist," said Helbig. "They [also] qualify to sit for the National Certification Exam if they choose, but that is voluntary, not mandatory," said Helbig. The exam is administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
The Institute for Therapeutic Massage boasts a completion rate of about 90 percent and offers lifetime job-placement assistance, added Helbig.
To see the entire article, along with the pictures that were included, please click on ITM in Bergen Record.