Potential students exploring career opportunities in massage therapy often ask us why they should enroll in the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage program rather than a two year Community College program. Here are some factors to consider:
Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage |
Community College |
PROGRAM LENGTH/FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING |
| OSTM offers a 6 month accelerated program
and 12, 16, and 18 month part time programs.
Part time classes are conveniently scheduled so
students may attend in the morning, afternoon,
or evening.
|
Community College is a two
year program. College classes
are offered as scheduled with
little flexibility.
|
A FOCUSED EDUCATION |
| At OSTM training in massage is specialized -
massage is what we do. Our sciences are taught
by health care professionals who help integrate
the sciences with hands-on theory and practice.
|
Community Colleges often
require academic prerequisites
before entering the massage
program. College level
science is not specific to
massage therapy, and other
non-massage-related classes,
math and English are
required.
|
COST |
| The 6 month accelerated program and 12 month
part time program means you will be earning on
average $50 an hour while your counter part is
still in school.
|
Tuition is generally lower but
does not take into
consideration delayed earning.
|
SMALL AND CARING ENVIRONMENT |
| Our small enrollment allows the staff to know
students as individuals. Small classes allow for
more individual instruction and classmates are
taking the same classes.
|
Typical college environments
are very institutional. Science
materials are often taught in
larger assembly halls.
|
HANDS-ON PRACTICE & CLINIC |
| When you take the 6 month accelerated program
you are doing massage on the first day of class.
The school also provides students with a diverse
clinical experience. Students work on public
clients that might include college or
professional athletes, and individuals with
disabilities.
|
Completing science is a pre-
requisite to massage which
means no hands-on work until
completing the first half of the
program.
|
HIGH GRADUATION & STATE BOARD RESULTS |
| Because of our focused massage education our
graduates consistently score much higher than
the state average on board exams. Our graduation
rate is over 90%. Also, our program is designed so
graduates sit for the boards within 6 weeks of
graduation.
|
The national drop-out
average for college
freshman is 50%
College graduates often
have to wait 3-6 months
before taking the exam.
|
STRONG ALUMNI SUPPORT |
| OSTM provides their graduates with a strong
continuing education program allowing graduates
to enhance their educational experience after
their formal training has been completed. OSTM
sponsors an Alumni Association, a newsletter,
job placement services, reunions, and special
alumni events and service discounts. Our graduates
are family.
|
Community Colleges
rarely provide graduate
services.
|
STUDENT SUPPORT |
| "Students don't care what you know, they want to know that you care." At OSTM we provide an early intervention assistance program for students who may be struggling with their academic studies. We offer a dynamic study skills class on the first day of school, as well as free tutoring as needed. Though we appreciate our students every day, we set aside several days in each program to show that appreciation - sometimes it is a pizza party, a Halloween costume party, spring fling party, etc. Our graduations are small and intimate - you will be graduating with students with whom you share a bond. |
EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS |
| We maintain a high teacher-to-student ratio. We subsidize continuing education classes for our instructors so they remain current on the most advanced massage techniques in the industry. Our instructors are practitioners who understand the business aspect of the profession and can bring real world experience into the classroom. |
