Illinois State Licensing

I am hoping that all of you are now aware that we are coming to the end of a licensing period in Illinois.  It is necessary for all graduates licensed in Illinois to renew their license by the end of the year.  If you are renewing for the first time you are not required to have attained any CE’s but if you are renewing for the second time the state requires that you have 24 CE’s (at least 2 CE’s in ethics). 

Make sure you file copies of your proof of CE’s in a safe place so you are ready to produce them if asked.  I suggest that you keep the files organized by renewal year.  The state does not allow carry over of CE’s from one period to the next so those being used must have been attained between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008 in order to be used for this year’s licensing renewal. 

A number of graduates have called with specific questions about the licensing process and I am happy to take calls in order to assist any of you with the renewal process.  If you would like to contact on the IDFPR directly there is a page on their website that allows you to ask specific questions and an answer is usually provided within 24 hours.  I am including the link below.

http://www.idfpr.com/dpr/e_mail/prfgrp11.asp

Barry Wright, Career Services Coordinator      

800-852-8761

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Massage Therapy Careers Maintain Growth

Across the United States and much of the world, people are experiencing the positive effects of massage.  They are recognizing the benefits of massage in their overall health.  It’s helping people feel their best by decreasing stress levels, raising energy levels, relaxing muscles and more.  More healthcare professionals than before are realizing the benefits of this holistic approach to healing. As a result, growth in the massage therapy industry continues.

In fact, in 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated employment for massage therapists would increase 20% by 2016.  This is a figure well above average career growth rate.  In part, this growth is related to medical and insurance companies recognizing massage for both healing and preventative treatments.

Because massage is valued in the medical profession, clinical massage therapy is a popular technique.  Often, clinical massage therapy goes hand-in-hand with a healthcare professional’s treatment plan.  It is used out of medical necessity to alleviate pain from sports injuries or whiplash.  Also, it can be effective in relieving stress and relaxing muscles.

While massage therapy gains popularity, guidelines for massage therapists become stricter.  In most states, it is necessary to be certified through massage therapy training, and state exams are required.

With continued expansion in the industry, right now is an ideal time to become a massage therapist.  If you are interested in massage therapy, check state license requirements to discover what training you will need.

Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.  Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition.  http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos295.htm (Visited September 26, 2008)

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The Soma Institute Announces Master Clinical Massage Therapy Program

CHICAGO – The Soma Institute announced that it has received approval from both the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) and the Illinois State Board of Education to offer a Master Clinical Massage Therapy program.

“By presenting an eastern approach to healthcare from a clinical perspective, the Master program is designed to help bridge the gap that often exists between eastern and western medical philosophies,” said Program Director Ellen Letten.

“We are very excited to introduce this groundbreaking Master Clinical Massage Therapy program as it not only maintains the high standards of excellence that Soma has become renowned for, it raises the bar for the entire massage therapy profession,” said founder and President Joan Hannant.

The 300 clock-hour Master program is designed to expand upon the clinical skills taught in Soma’s Clinical Massage Therapy diploma program and to encourage lateral thinking about differing approaches to healing. The new program will examine advanced anatomy and physiology, build confidence in treating clients with medical conditions, develop massage techniques and palpation skills, and introduce eastern bodywork from a clinical perspective. The Master program will provide the knowledge and training required to develop and manage a specialty clinical massage therapy practice.

Master Program Director, Ellen Letten, was born in London, England where she graduated from Lancaster University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. She graduated from The Soma Institute in 2001 as class valedictorian. A member of the Soma faculty team since 2003, Ms. Letten has developed a Clinical Massage Therapy student guide, and an Anatomy Palpation workbook. Ellen is certified in Pregnancy Massage and Indian Head Massage, and she has studied extensively in Clinical Myofascial Release, PESM, Kinesio Taping, lymphatic drainage, core strengthening and cadaver lab.

The Soma Institute is the national leader in clinical massage therapy education. The inaugural program is scheduled to begin October 2007. Applications for the Master Clinical Massage Therapy certificate program are being accepted. Space is very limited. For more information visit www.soma.edu.

Ms. Letten has developed a Clinical Massage Therapy student guide and an Anatomy Palpation workbook. Ellen is certified in pregnancy massage and Indian Head massage, and she has studied extensively in clinical myofascial release, PESM, Kinesiotaping, lymphatic drainage, core strengthening, and cadaver lab.

The Soma Institute is the national leader in clinical massage therapy education. The inaugural program is scheduled to begin October 2007. Applications for the Master Clinical Massage Therapy certificate program are being accepted. Space is very limited. Please Contact The Soma Institute for more information.

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Michael Jones Named Massage Therapist to World Champions

Soma graduate and faculty member Michael (M.J.) Jones has been appointed as Massage Therapist to the World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist U.S. Women’s Soccer Team.

M.J. will be traveling with the team to both its training venues and game events.”I look forward to what the coming years bring”, says M.J., “and hope to share even more successes with my soma family!”

This is a tremendous opportunity for M.J., and Soma is extermely proud of this wonderful honor and personal accomplishment.

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