1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

Phoenix College Therapeutic Massage Professional Track Program Accepting New Students
Free Information Sessions: Monday, May 12 & Monday, Aug. 25

by: Christy Skeen

The Phoenix College Therapeutic Massage Professional Track Program is currently accepting new students for Fall 2003. The program will host a free information session/reception on Monday, May 12 and Monday, Aug. 25 at Phoenix College - Osborn Campus (Room OSW 107). Both sessions will begin at 6 p.m.

The Therapeutic Massage Professional Track Program is slightly different from the more traditional massage therapy programs throughout the Valley. To qualify for acceptance into the program, applicants must be current licensed health care professionals. Previous students have included medical physicians, physical therapists, nurses, physicians’ assistants, chiropractors and respiratory therapists.

The Phoenix College Therapeutic Massage Professional Track Program is the only one of its kind within the Maricopa County Community College District.

The 28-week program is designed especially for the working professional. Classes are held one or two nights a week from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students will complete a total of 300 hours and receive an Award of Completion that will prepare them for licensure eligibility.

Therapeutic Massage Professional Track program director, Dianne Geddis believes that this program creates a great opportunity for current health care professionals to expand on their knowledge and skill level.

"The Therapeutic Massage Professional Track Program is a unique program that enables health care professionals to intertwine traditional medical skills with newly acquired alternative therapy skills in therapeutic massage," said Geddis. "This combination of traditional and alternative practices in the health care setting will pave the way for improved patient care, controlled pain management and a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection for the patient."

Current students speak highly of the program. They are beginning to incorporate these additional skills into their daily life and working environment.

"This program is rejuvenating, fun and feels good all over," said Leslie Kaminski, psychiatrist. "The time is so worthwhile. I look forward to the class for the learning, laughs and a relaxed atmosphere."

Another student, Russell Jordan II, a local Diagnostic Imaging Technologist, agrees with Kaminski.

"Learning how to help others; learning how to keep ourselves well; and, the learning process of how to put it all together has been an experience," he added. "This has been an enjoyable journey, with marvelous navigators."

The information session/reception is free and open to all health care professionals. For more information regarding either session or the program, please call (602) 285-7649 or email dianne.geddis@pcmail.maricopa.edu.