The Kluthe Center in Effingham provides several opportunities for area residents to train for a career near home. Chloe Carson of Brownstown, Laker Nation Class of 2018, took advantage of this option and is now employed as a massage therapist at Serenity Therapeutic Massage in St. Elmo and Corrective Care Chiropractic in Vandalia.
“I became interested in massage therapy because I was looking for a career in which I knew I would be helping people. However, the true inspiration came to me as I watched my mom struggle with pain throughout my childhood, and the only thing that really helped was massage,” Carson said. “I realized that there were so many people experiencing pain, and there was a huge need for massage therapy.”
Massage Therapy is a four-consecutive-semester program which progresses students through a curriculum to prepare graduates to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Students also receive hands-on training in the Massage Clinic.
“When I first entered the program, I wasn’t really sure what to expect,” Carson said. “As a recent high school graduate, the whole concept of college was kind of overwhelming and I was afraid that I wouldn’t understand the subjects or fit in with the other students. I learned very quickly though that everyone involved in the program wanted all of us to learn and succeed. I knew the program was going to be difficult, but I almost always felt prepared for the next new challenge. That was largely due to all of the teachers being compassionate and willing to share their past experiences to help us understand the concepts.
“If you are even slightly considering a career in massage, the Massage Therapy program at Lake Land is a great place to start. In addition to developing the skills necessary for a career in massage, the program instills a sense of community between massage therapists and opens doors for the future,” Carson said.
“Just as there are many styles of massage available to learn and practice, there are also many types of massage therapists, and the program fosters an atmosphere that is welcoming to everyone.”
According to O*NetOnLine, a massage therapist can expect to earn a median wage of $21.51 hourly or $44,730 yearly. The employment outlook is one of the largest in the state with an expected growth of more than 20% by 2028.
This is a special admission program that requires additional steps. Visit lakelandcollege.edu/counseling-services/special-admission-programs for more information. Applications must be completed by July 1
For more information about the Massage Therapy program at the Kluthe Center, contact Martha Mioux, Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor at 217-540-3551 or mmioux@lakelandcollege.edu.