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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....
Prospective students looking for more information about massage schools in Pennsylvania should visit our Pennsylvania Massage Schools Directory for details.
Tri-State Business Institute (TSBI) is a vocational training center that provides diploma and degree programs in everything from accounting and cosmetology to graphic design. Massage therapy is also an option for students who are interested in starting a healthcare career that combines hands-on work and a holistic outlook ideal for working in spas, alternative treatment centers, and resorts. Located in Erie, PA, TSBI sets the tone for great academics in one of Pennsylvania’s top lake-side cities.
TSBI recently launched a partnership with the Fortis Institute, a network of colleges and educational facilities that focus on career-level training. Although the school itself and the owners remain the same, students now get the advantage of far-reaching resources and technology underneath the Fortis name. Fortis itself is backed by Education Affiliates, which is one of the larger private school groups in the United States.
Depsite the new parent company, TSBI intends to continue focusing on the same values that have helped it succeed for 27 years. The school’s mission is to “provide students with the practical skills and the responsible behaviors necessary to secure rewarding careers in their specialized fields of study,” which is accomplished through strong connections with partner businesses in the Erie area.
Tri-State Business Institute 5757 West 26th Street Erie PaThe Therapeutic Massage Career program provides students with the technical skills they need to work in entry-level massage positions. As is the case with most massage programs, this one starts out with a solid base in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, and builds on that with hands-on work learning specific modalities. These include Swedish massage, chair massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, kinesiology, trigger point therapy, acupressure, and spa treatments. Every student rounds out the program with additional learning in professional standards, ethics, and business practices. These help prepare graduates to enter the field either as self-employed therapists or as part of a massage business.
Faculty members at TSBI are former (and current) professionals who have a passion for helping others succeed in their field. Class sizes are small and intimate, and many students develop a good one-on-one rapport with their instructors.
The TSBI campus is located on twelve acres and serves a total student population of around 1,400. All facilities are updated and in keeping with what students can expect from the real working world. This includes massage tables, supplies, and the setting itself. In addition to the regular school facilities, TSBI offers a Learning Resource Center (library) and study spaces to help facilitate the learning process. The massage program includes an externship component at an outside business, as well, further enhancing the chances of post-graduation employment.
Tri-State Business Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which grants it the ability to award Associate (AOS) degrees and diplomas. It is also licensed by the Department of Education, State Board of Private Licensed Schools, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Department of State, Pennsylvania Board of Cosmetology.
Financial aid is available to students who qualify. Prospective students are encouraged to contact their assigned Financial Aid Officer, who can help with identifying and filling out the appropriate forms. These include the FAFSA form (for federal grants and loans) as well as private loans through third-party financial institutions. All loans must be repaid regardless of whether or not students complete the program. Two scholarships, the TSBI Academic Merit Scholarship Program and the Goodwine Scholarship, are also available annually. Separate application rules apply.
Erie is one of the larger cities in Pennsylvania, located along Lake Erie and boasting more than seven miles of beach to explore. This is the sort of place where people enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle, thanks to the boating, water sports, and outdoor parks that appeal to so many. This translates to great opportunities for massage graduates, since the focus on health means that massage is a viable career field within the immediate area.
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