National Massage Therapy Institute (NMTI) Chronicles Top Industry and Massage School News in 2011

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While some employment sectors have yet to rebound from the recent recession, the massage therapy career and industry outlook has remained positive. Over the past year, National Massage Therapy Institute (NMTI), a nationally accredited massage school with campus locations in four Mid-Atlantic states, continued to experience a high level of interest from prospective students, and implemented a number of new initiatives to meet the needs of its students and graduates.

"With 2011 behind us and the new year underway, it's a perfect opportunity to reflect on the state of the industry, NMTI's recent accomplishments and what lies ahead for our students," said Robert P. Cappel, President of NMTI. Cappel noted that the massage therapist career forecast indicates strong growth in the coming years - a fact that was recognized by several national publications.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections indicate that massage therapist employment is expected to grow 19% between 2008 and 2018 - faster than the average for all occupations.(1) This growth led U.S. News & World Report to include massage therapy among "The 50 Best Careers of 2011."(2) In addition, Bloomberg Businessweek listed massage therapist as number 1 among its "Top 10 Careers for 2011."(3)

These industry developments have generated strong interest in massage therapy careers, and led NMTI to introduce a number of new initiatives in 2011. Among the highlights:

Massage Therapy Program Enhancements

NMTI debuted a number of program enhancements over the past year to empower students with a more comprehensive massage therapy education. Following an initial round of curriculum updates in February 2011, NMTI announced the launch of a new 900-hour massage therapy program in December. The expanded program covers all of the modalities featured in the original curriculum and integrates specialized training in Sports and Active Isolated Stretching as well as Prenatal, Infants and Geriatrics. It also adds instruction in myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy and condition-specific massage therapy.

Student Clinic Rewards Program and Online Booking

All four of NMTI's massage therapy schools feature a student massage clinic, where students gain valuable hands-on experience and clients enjoy affordable massage treatments. In February 2011, NMTI introduced the Student Massage Clinic Rewards Program, which offers members a free birthday massage gift certificate and provides advance notice of special promotions and offers. In April 2011, NMTI launched a new clinic website at http://www.NMTIstudentclinic.com with online appointment booking, and debuted a Student Massage Clinic Facebook page.

Expanded Online Communications

NMTI unveiled a new website - http://www.NMTI.edu - in October 2011. The new site boasts a redesign and improved navigation along with additional information and resources, including student, employer and faculty testimonials. A live chat capability was also added, so prospective students can get immediate answers to their questions while on the website. In addition, NMTI expanded its Facebook following at http://www.Facebook.com/NationalMassage, with more than 800 fans as of December 2011.

"NMTI is off to a great start in 2012, and I invite prospective students, employers and student clinic clients to follow our latest announcements through our website and social media profiles," concluded Cappel.

For additional information on the National Massage Therapy Institute - including details on its campuses in Philadelphia, Pa.; Falls Church, Va.; Wilmington, Del.; and Egg Harbor, N.J. - visit http://www.NMTI.edu.

About the National Massage Therapy Institute (NMTI)

The National Massage Therapy Institute (NMTI) has a singular focus and passion: professional massage therapy training. The school's Massage Therapy programs have been carefully crafted by industry experts and aim to produce highly qualified massage therapists to meet the industry's growing demand. NMTI is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). NMTI has four convenient locations in Northeast Philadelphia, PA; Falls Church, VA; Wilmington, DE; and Egg Harbor Township, NJ. To learn more about the National Massage Therapy Institute, please visit http://www.NMTI.edu.

(1) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Massage Therapists." Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition; December 17, 2009. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos295.htm#outlook
(2) Grant, Alexis. "The 50 Best Careers of 2011." U.S. News & World Report; December 10, 2010. http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2010/12/06/best-careers-2011-massage-therapist
(3) Ryan, Liz. "Top Careers for 2011." Bloomberg Businessweek; January 14, 2011. http://images.businessweek.com/slideshows/20110114/top-10-careers-for-2011/slides/2

Media Inquires:

Fernando A. Lopez
VP of Marketing
National Massage Therapy Institute
Phone: 212-677-9898, ext. 104
Cell: 347-882-3715
E-mail: [email protected] 

This press release distribution was issued by PR Syndication.

SOURCE National Massage Therapy Institute