NC’s first cohort of Massage Therapy students will have a place in ‘NC history’ after crossing the stage on the afternoon of October 27.
Twenty graduating students will be among NC’s first Massage Therapy graduates. The program launched in September 2021 to help serve a growing need for massage professionals in Niagara.
Associate Dean, School of Allied Health, Eva Lemak said they are very proud of the very first graduating class from the Massage Therapy program and, as the first cohort, their experience, feedback and input is incredibly important for the continuous improvement of the program.
“The graduates worked extremely hard on perfecting techniques and developing skills that will lead them into rewarding and vital health care career where they will improve the lives of their clients,” she said. “It has been so amazing watching the students develop their skills in labs and build on those competencies in the on-campus student led massage therapy clinic and in outreach experiences out in the community.”
Lemak noted that this group was the first to celebrate their hard work and dedication at a pinning ceremony prior to starting client care.
“It was amazing for the team to see the students providing treatments with such incredible skill and professionalism. The Massage Therapy team has done an incredible job preparing the graduates for their entry to practice licensing exams and for a prosperous careers as Registered Massage Therapists,” said Lemak. “We are so excited for the graduates as they embark on their careers as critical members of the healthcare team.”
Massage Therapy manager Paula Baxter said NC’s Massage Therapy program strives to fulfill their vision of preparing client-centered graduates dedicated to providing evidence-based treatment and committed to ongoing professional development that supports positive client outcomes.
“We provide an excellent educational experience through innovative and inclusive teaching and learning practices that prepare students to enter massage therapy practice as safe, competent, and ethical health care professionals,” said Baxter.
In order to fulfill this philosophy, Baxter noted that the students undergo a rigorous 24-month program with over 330 hours of direct client care. Anatomy, physiology, assessment, pathology and research coupled with extensive clinic and outreach hours are all part of their training. After completion, students prepare for a pair of provincial exams in order to become a Registered Massage Therapist.
“These students are about to enter into a very ‘in-demand’ and privileged career as many people are turning to alternatives to medicine,” said Baxter. “Massage therapy is a less invasive manner to control pain, improve circulation, enhance the immune system and reduce stress and anxiety.
“As the Canadian health care services face continuing challenges such as the high cost of technology, lack of finances for health services and aging baby boomers, massage therapists and other health care providers will continue to emerge as a popular method of therapeutic treatment. ”
Baxter pointed out that some of the graduating students have experienced significant challenges along their academic journey but were able to successfully achieve their goals.
“Along with a dedicated team of support, these students demonstrated a passion to the profession, a commitment
to learning, self- discipline and emotional intelligence that is all required to be successful in their field. These acquired skills will allow these students to enjoy successful careers in areas such as multi-disciplinary clinics, occupy their own business, work with athletes, teams or in wellness centers… they persevered even through the difficult times!“
Baxter said she wishes the first cohort much success in the future, as they march toward their careers as Massage Therapists.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce our future colleagues as Niagara College’s first graduating class of Massage Therapy,” Baxter said.
Massage students gather at
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