GCC is making it easier for part-time students to enter the Stillpoint Massage Therapy Certificate Program at GCC, by changing the timing of educational requirements. Instead of having to have all their educational prerequisites and their physical examination lined up before starting the program, part-time students can now enter the program and fulfill their requirements over the first two semesters.

"We've essentially made it a little more user-friendly for part-timers to enroll into the program," said Jan Luzzi, a instructor in the program. GCC is now accepting applications for enrollment into the 2007-08 Massage Therapy Certificate Program using the new easy-access open enrollment plan. Also starting this fall, the Office of Community Education is making it easier than ever for community members to take academic classes on a credit-free basis. GCC's Department of Massage Therapy and the Office of Community Education will now offer classes and workshops for the community in the Stillpoint Massage Therapy program. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered through these programs for working massage therapists, bodyworkers and other health care professionals.

Bob Barba, associate dean for Community Education, said that GCC has offered some classes for CEUs before, but because of new regulations, the college will now be able to offer many more options for professionals. There are many massage therapists and bodyworkers in the Valley and up until now, unfortunately, they often had to travel to Worcester or Boston get their CEUs. "We want to give working folks an easy Community Education pathway into our program for their CEUs," Barba said. In addition to offering professionals the chance to enhance their skills and gain credit for their certifications, Community Education will also offer for the first time a class for people interested in learning massage for their personal purposes. The class, called "Massage made easy for friends and family," will be offered from Oct. 3 through Oct 31.

The Stillpoint Massage Therapy Program has been a popular program at GCC for years, turning out many of the skilled massage therapists and bodyworkers in the area. Graduates from the program credit much of their success to their teachers. "I loved the availability of the instructors. Teachers made themselves available to answer questions and have discussions outside the classroom," said Malisa Ochotnicky, who graduated in 05. "I love that the instructors I had seem to have the philosophy that ‘once their student always their student,' meaning they made themselves available after graduation, for questions, issues and support."

Margot Norris, who graduated from the program in 06, said the teachers in the program were supportive and helped her prepare herself for the challenges and opportunities of her new career. "The Faculty encourages students to be knowledgeable about anatomy, techniques, and business ethics and teaches us how to be compassionate and respectful of clients and their needs," Norris said. "I came away learning about myself and with the encouragement to explore and challenge myself to be true to myself and to the profession." Now with these new options, even more people can take advantage of this program.

For more information about the full-time or part-time certificate program, please contact Program Coordinator Patricia Wachter at (413) 775-1634 or by e-mail at wachter@gcc.mass.edu, or contact Gail Tease at in the admissions office (413) 775-1802 or at tease@gcc.mass.edu. For information on the Community Education courses, please contact Wachter or contact the Community Education Office at 775-1605. Press Contacts: Jan Luzzi 775-1634