Massage therapy classes to be offered
Staff reporter
Carolan McFarland, massage therapist with St. Luke Integrated Health Services, saw an opportunity and made it happen.
McFarland and Butler Community College have formed massage therapy classes which will begin in Marion in August.
McFarland wanted to hire additional therapists at the clinic but had a difficult time finding someone with appropriate training.
"There just aren't a lot of training opportunities around Marion," said McFarland. "There are classes available in Topeka and at Johnson County Community College."
McFarland had taught before in Kansas City and wanted to do it again.
"I didn't see much point in starting a school from scratch," noted McFarland. She approached Allied Health at Butler Community College and classes were formed.
The classes began in August 2001, on the El Dorado and Andover campuses with McFarland being an instructor. BCCC wanted to start by attracting students from Wichita to see how it would be received.
"Classes were well received," said McFarland.
Students only could earn a certificate in massage therapy until November 2003, when the college approved a two-year degree program.
"Students can be either certified or can get an associate of arts degree," said McFarland.
Pauline Holub, Marion site coordinator for BCCC, notes the importance of the program.
"BCCC is the only college in the Midwest area that offers an associate of arts degree in massage therapy," said Holub.
"My goal was to have classes available in Marion," McFarland said. "I knew there was interest in Marion and Hillsboro areas."
The college office began receiving calls from students in Manhattan, Salina, Lindsborg, and McPherson inquiring about the classes. Students were asked if they would be willing to drive to Marion for classes and most said they would.
Classes will be offered this fall at Marion and Andover campuses.
McFarland will teach in Marion and continue to work at the clinic.
Basic courses will be offered with anatomy and physiology classes. The anatomy and physiology classes are not nursing classes but specifically for massage therapy students.
"People are turning to alternative health care," said McFarland, noting the interest in massage therapy by prospective students and patients. "Patients use massage therapy as preventive health care maintenance."
Massage therapy professionals can use the training in different ways — traditional clinic office, home office, hospitals and wellness centers, onsite in offices, airports, etc., health clubs, fitness centers, hotels, beauty and hair salons, and cruise ships.
Class size is limited to 12 students in Marion and 14 in Andover.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 32.5 credit hours before taking the national certification exam at a cost of $63.50 per credit hour plus books.
Students wanting an associate of applied science degree must complete a minimum of 62 credit hours at a cost of $63.50 per credit hour plus books.
Two years is the typical time frame for full-time students to complete a two-year degree or part-time students to complete certification.
A room at the Marion campus is being transformed from a traditional classroom to a massage therapy classroom complete with privacy screens and cubicles.
Students practice on each other and volunteers during the course of the class.
"Modesty and privacy is important," said McFarland, "and will be maintained in the classroom setting."
McFarland is quick to note the continued cooperation with Allied Health, the BCCC nursing department, and St. Luke Hospital.
"St. Luke Hospital and Craig Hanson (former hospital administrator) are so progressive," said McFarland. She appreciates the opportunity she and other health care therapists have had in the Marion community.
