About the program Why Stillpoint? Admission & fees Curriculum Faculty Resources FAQs Alumni resources Public massage clinics Find a massage therapist GCC Health Occupations Division Contact us! Home

Frequently asked questions about Stillpoint & massage therapy

When does the program start? The Stillpoint Program runs 10 months, from September to June. Stillpoint students can also study over two years in either a day or evening format. Because of the sequence of required courses, it is not possible to start the program mid-way through the year. If you are considering applying for the fall semester, it is strongly recommended that you attend one of our informational meetings that are offered several times each semester.

What is the course load like? Students enrolled for full-time study can expect to be in class Monday through Friday (with some variaion in length of day) and to complete between 8 and 10 hours of homework per week. Classes run for a full ten months and students are expected to attend classes during January intersession and in June beyond the close of GCC's academic year. We have found that unless a student has an extremely strong support system outside of school, it is extremely difficult to balance work, family, and full-time study. However, part-time options are available to students. Part-time and evening sequences allow students to complete the program over the course of two years. Part-time day students take no technique courses until the second year; evening students attend anywhere from 6pm to 10pm Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

What is the total number of hours involved? Ours is a comprehensive 750-hour program, which can be completed over one or two years. For the number of hours for individual courses, please see our curriculum page.

Where are classes held? Most technique and theory courses in the program are taught at GCC's Downtown Center, 270 Main Street in Greenfield. Biology courses are taught on GCC's Main Campus at One College Drive in Greenfield where students have full access to our well-equipped science laboratories.

How do students practice the techniques and skills they learn in class? All massage school students have the opportunity to practice massage therapy in instructor-supervised clinics. While Stillpoint does not offer any student internships in private practices or public hospitals, all students do work intensively over a ten-week period with practice clients to evaluate and treat acute and chronic injury and to learn management of long-term practicioner-client relationships.

Will you help me find a job when I graduate? We encourage students to work with GCC's Career Center to help find employment opportunities upon completion of the program. In addition, our business class helps you develop a sound business plan and gain a realistic understanding of the nature of the job market and self-employement for bodywork practitioners. We also maintain a job posting board outside of the massage faculty offices.

How do I become licensed when I graduate? Information about Massachusetts state licensing for massage therapists is available from mass.gov. AMTA regularly publishes a state-by-state guide to licensing available here.

Do I need to be nationally certified? No -- if you intend to work as a massage therapist in Massachusetts. However, Stillpoint prepares you for the national certification exam administered by NCBTMB and we highly recommend certification if you intend to practice professionally or take your skills to another state.

What does it cost to set up a practice and become insured? The cost of establishing a practice can vary. Our business class helps you develop a comprehensive business plan so you can accurately determine the cost of starting your own practice. Liability and malpractice insurance for massage therapists is covered by membership in the AMTA (although private policies may also be available).

Where can I learn more about becoming a massage therapist? The America Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) provides a wealth of information about massage. We encourage you to review their guide "Starting a Career in Massage Therapy" if you are interested in the field.

Upcoming informational meetings for massage school applicants:

* All meetings take place at 6pm, GCC Downtown, 270 Main, Greenfield

It is highly recommended that you attend an informational meeting prior to applying!

Program highlights:

Small class size and low faculty to student ratio
National accreditation
College environment
Free tutoring and academic support
750 in-class hours
Focus on sound business practice & ethics


The Stillpoint Massage Therapy Program at GCC - An accredited massage school in Western Masschusetts \| "We teach the healing touch"
About the program Why Stillpoint? Admission & fees Curriculum Faculty Resources FAQs Alumni resources Public massage clinics Find a massage therapist GCC Health Occupations Division Contact us! Home	Frequently asked questions about Stillpoint & massage therapy When does the program start? The Stillpoint Program runs 10 months, from September to June. Stillpoint students can also study over two years in either a day or evening format. Because of the sequence of required courses, it is not possible to start the program mid-way through the year. If you are considering applying for the fall semester, it is strongly recommended that you attend one of our informational meetings that are offered several times each semester. What is the course load like? Students enrolled for full-time study can expect to be in class Monday through Friday (with some variaion in length of day) and to complete between 8 and 10 hours of homework per week. Classes run for a full ten months and students are expected to attend classes during January intersession and in June beyond the close of GCC's academic year. We have found that unless a student has an extremely strong support system outside of school, it is extremely difficult to balance work, family, and full-time study. However, part-time options are available to students. Part-time and evening sequences allow students to complete the program over the course of two years. Part-time day students take no technique courses until the second year; evening students attend anywhere from 6pm to 10pm Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. What is the total number of hours involved? Ours is a comprehensive 750-hour program, which can be completed over one or two years. For the number of hours for individual courses, please see our curriculum page. Where are classes held? Most technique and theory courses in the program are taught at GCC's Downtown Center, 270 Main Street in Greenfield. Biology courses are taught on GCC's Main Campus at One College Drive in Greenfield where students have full access to our well-equipped science laboratories. How do students practice the techniques and skills they learn in class? All massage school students have the opportunity to practice massage therapy in instructor-supervised clinics. While Stillpoint does not offer any student internships in private practices or public hospitals, all students do work intensively over a ten-week period with practice clients to evaluate and treat acute and chronic injury and to learn management of long-term practicioner-client relationships. Will you help me find a job when I graduate? We encourage students to work with GCC's Career Center to help find employment opportunities upon completion of the program. In addition, our business class helps you develop a sound business plan and gain a realistic understanding of the nature of the job market and self-employement for bodywork practitioners. We also maintain a job posting board outside of the massage faculty offices. How do I become licensed when I graduate? Information about Massachusetts state licensing for massage therapists is available from mass.gov. AMTA regularly publishes a state-by-state guide to licensing available here. Do I need to be nationally certified? No -- if you intend to work as a massage therapist in Massachusetts. However, Stillpoint prepares you for the national certification exam administered by NCBTMB and we highly recommend certification if you intend to practice professionally or take your skills to another state. What does it cost to set up a practice and become insured? The cost of establishing a practice can vary. Our business class helps you develop a comprehensive business plan so you can accurately determine the cost of starting your own practice. Liability and malpractice insurance for massage therapists is covered by membership in the AMTA (although private policies may also be available). Where can I learn more about becoming a massage therapist? The America Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) provides a wealth of information about massage. We encourage you to review their guide "Starting a Career in Massage Therapy" if you are interested in the field.	Upcoming informational meetings for massage school applicants: * All meetings take place at 6pm, GCC Downtown, 270 Main, Greenfield It is highly recommended that you attend an informational meeting prior to applying! Program highlights: Small class size and low faculty to student ratio National accreditation College environment Free tutoring and academic support 750 in-class hours Focus on sound business practice & ethics
The Stillpoint Program at GCC \| 270 Main Street \| Greenfield, MA 01301 \| 413/775-1620 or 413/775-1621