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In a time when the economy continues to be difficult to navigate and many people are considering their career options, you might be wondering if it’s the right time to start massage school. While there is always a benefit to increasing your education....
One of the best ways to pay for massage school is to earn a scholarship (or several scholarships) to help cover the costs of tuition, fees, and supplies. Scholarships, which don’t have to be repaid and are usually offered based on financial status and personal....
North Hollywood is the home of the Southern California Health Institute (SOCHI), a massage and physical therapy vocational school providing hands-on learning opportunities for students hoping to enter their careers in less than a year. Massage-related jobs are one of the best industries in Southern California, thanks to a health-conscious population that puts a high value on luxury items and trips to the spa. SOCHI remains a leading provider of this kind of education in the area, with a history that dates back to 1996.
The Southern California Health Institute was formerly known as IPPT Career School, which first opened its doors in 1996 as a therapy educator. Since its inception, the school has graduated over 1,500 students, many of whom have gone on to work in the area. Its mission is to “provide quality programs in an environment of scholastic learning to encourage empathetic and compassionate therapists, dedicated to the ethical and social principles of the profession and committed to a lifetime of continued learning.” This mission is brought to life not only through the curriculum, but through many continuing education opportunities and seminars that occur there.
Southern California Health Institute 5200 Lankershim Blvd., Suite 150 North Hollywood, CA 91601
The massage therapy program offered at SOCHI is focused on European Medical Massage, a non-invasive type of therapy that has been around for hundreds of years. These techniques are complimented by traditional modalities (Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and chair massage), basic core classes (anatomy, physiology, pathology, business principles, ethics, and hygiene), and more specialized techniques like hot stone massage, kinesiology, Shiatsu, Thai massage, and reflexology.
The course lasts for a total of 740 hours and prepares students to sit for the national certification exam through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Additional opportunities taking a combined physical therapy and massage program can help boost the chances of employment and job success.
The instructors at SOCHI are part of a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to helping students succeed in a real-world setting. In addition to hands-on skills development in a small class size setting, instructors and the career placement services department are prepared to help students track down potential employment opportunities. This focus on career training makes SOCHI a good choice for those who want a better chance at landing a job.
SOCHI is unique in that all classes and programs are offered through a single location, rather than serving as a chain of schools. Students who attend classes here get a personalized focus and access to the same great technologies, which include up-to-date massage tables and materials in keeping with the professional massage setting.
SOCHI is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which grants it the ability to bestow awards and certificates on graduating students. This is in keeping with the United States Department of Education regulations on vocational and career schools. The school also maintains memberships with the American Massage Therapy Association and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
The school provides each potential student with access to a financial aid representative who can help determine possible funding sources and fill out the necessary applications. Students may be asked to fill out a FAFSA form in order to determine federal financial aid eligibility. Other options include private bank loans or payment plans set up with the school.
North Hollywood is technically just a district in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, but it is as recognizable as any large city in its own right. It is the location of the majority of the movie studios in Los Angeles, and contains a rich cultural and theater district that is perfect for students, massage professionals, and those who want to enjoy all that the city has to offer. Although most of the students who attend the Southern California Health Institute already live and work in the area, North Hollywood is also a great place for relocation if you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the LA experience!
© 2012 Massage Schools Guide