Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) announced the addition of an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Myoskeletal Massage Therapy (MMT) in the fall of 2022. With the recent additions of health science majors including kinesiology and exercise science in the Department of Science and Mathematics, massage therapy will be a complement to the department. The program will also be offered as a minor.
Dr. Penny Quinn, department chair, stated, “This is a wonderful new opportunity at The Woods for individuals interested in a career focused on personal wellness. Successful students will be able to earn a terrific salary in a field that allows them to determine their own schedule, and in only two years. We can’t wait to start our first cohort.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for massage therapists will grow 32% in the next ten years, much higher than the average of 8%. The BLS estimates median pay at $46,910 per year.
Dr. Tricia Pierce, assistant professor, said, “Massage therapy is a great addition to our human service-based degrees. SMWC offers a unique personal holistic approach to health, and we are pleased to offer massage therapy into our curriculum.”
Completion of the program with either an AS degree or a minor will prepare students to apply for state licensure. Upon completion, a student will have 11 certifications and will not need to complete continuing education units (CEUs) for as many as eight years after graduation, allowing a graduate to practice as soon as they pass the state licensure exam.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is just one of five private colleges in the country to offer this degree and the second in the country to offer it as a minor.