More and more people are turning to complementary therapies such as meditation and massage to cope with stress, recover from illness or injury, or to maintain a balanced, healthy outlook on life. Finger Lakes Community College's Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in Therapeutic Massage/ Integrated Health Care is designed to meet the growing demand for trained professionals in this health care field.

The program combines both massage and other forms of complementary therapies as well as a strong focus on research.

FLCC is one of a few colleges in New York State to offer this type of program. FLCC's degree program is less expensive than private massage schools in the State. At the same time, students are taking credit bearing courses many of which transfer into baccalaureate programs.

The A.A.S. Therapeutic Massage/Integrated Health Care is a unique program which develops the knowledge and basic skills necessary for the practice of massage therapy while also providing a base of studies in life sciences and alternative therapies. This holistic approach is complemented with coursework in general education, as well as introducing the student to massage research. The program is designed for those students who are preparing for a new career in massage therapy. Professionals who are currently working in other health care fields may choose to seek further training in integrated therapies through this program.

Admission to the program is competitive. Courses are completed over a two year schedule.

A limited number of seats may be available for January admission. Applying students must have a minimum of 13 credits applicable to the program, including A&P I, by the December preceding admission. Total number of credits and GPA will be used as admission criteria. Students, accepted into this track, will complete the program in three semesters from the time of his/her January admission. This requires enrolling in Massage 110, in addition to the other required massage courses, during the fall semester of the sophomore year. Interested pre-massage students should contact Admissions by December 1.

For more information about admission requirements and a pre-Therapeutic Massage/Integrated Health Care sequence of courses, contact the FLCC Office of Admissions at (585) 394-FLCC, ext. 7278.

Sixty-four credit hours of study (equivalent to two years of full-time study) are required for this program. Students will take classes in subjects such as Swedish Massage, Medical Massage, Connective Tissue/Neuromuscular Massage, Shiatsu, Therapeutic Touch, Oriental Healing Arts, Yoga, and others. Massage Therapy Research is also included in the program.

Students may enroll in the program on either a full-time (taking 12 credit hours or more) or part-time basis. Except with special permission, massage therapy courses should be taken over a consecutive two-year period. The pre-massage sequence is suited for students who wish to attend part-time.

The program meets the standard 1,000 hours of academic training in massage therapy that are now required to sit for the NYS massage licensing exam. Graduates of the program will also be prepared to take the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to seek employment in massage and integrative therapies at hospitals, health centers, resorts, corporations, clinics, and private practices.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that faster than average job growth is expected in this field through the year 2010.