Cortiva Institute Graduate Named American Massage Therapy Association - Illinois Chapter "Rookie of the Year"

CHICAGO, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cortiva Institute School of Massage Therapy graduate Susan Berch was recently awarded "Rookie of the Year" by the Illinois Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association.

The purpose of the Chapter Award Program of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is to recognize individuals, groups, organizations and businesses for their contributions to the massage therapy profession in Illinois. The award will be presented during the 2011 AMTA-IL State Conference & Annual Meeting on April 8-10, in Itasca, Illinois.

A 2010 graduate of Cortiva Institute School of Massage Therapy in Chicago, Berch was an assistant director of admissions at the school before leaving for a position at the Four Seasons Chicago. In spite of a busy career, Berch still finds time to work two days a week at Cortiva Chicago's Massage Therapy Center in the Loop.

In his letter to the nominating committee of the AMTA, campus president Paul J. Myer said of Berch, "Her dedicated work and cheerful personality demonstrates her spirit, work ethic and dedication to her clients and fellow practitioners."  Berch's decision to become a professional massage therapist is part of a growing trend nationwide.  According to a recent report in U.S. News and World Report, massage therapist careers are one of the "50 Best Careers of 2011," showing strong growth over the next decade.  "As massage therapy becomes more popular, employment is expected to grow faster than average—19 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Labor Department," said the report.  

"It has been an amazing whirlwind for my first year as a licensed massage therapist," said Berch. "It took me a long time to decide to become a massage therapist, and I feel so fulfilled in my new career.  I know it was a good choice for me, and I hope it inspires others to work hard to find what fulfills them," she added.

About Cortiva Institute

Cortiva Institute is a community of Massage Therapy Schools with 11 locations nationwide, offering full and part-time massage therapy instruction, continuing education courses, student clinics that are open to the public, and career services for graduates.  Cortiva schools take a holistic and integrated approach to ensure that our graduates are prepared to work in clinics, hospitals, health clubs, spas, resorts, sports therapy clinics or start their own private practices.  Go to www.Cortiva.com for more information.

SOURCE Cortiva Institute