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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....
As its name suggests, Penn Commercial Business/Technical School is both a business and a technical trade school. It offers one of the largest lists of programs and training categories available, including a full range of massage therapy and spa services. Unlike many other types of vocational schools of this level, Penn Commercial Business/Technical School is only found at one location, and all studies are directed through a single campus.
Below is just some basic information about this school’s massage therapy program, but if you really want to learn more, fill out the short questionnaire by clicking the link below and someone from the school will contact you to talk about how to apply, scholarships, time requirements, costs and just about anything else you may need to know.
Penn Commercial Business/Technical School has served the western Pennsylvania and tri-state area for over 80 years, providing a place for students to get career-focused training to meet the demands of the current market. The school first opened its doors in 1929 to help generate skilled workers for the local area. In 1969, it became founded and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Private Licensed Trade Schools Board, with a primary focus on electronics and HVAC education. The medical classes (include massage) were added more recently to help further the school’s mission.
Penn Commercial Business & Technical School 242 Oak Spring Road Washington, PA 15301
There are more than 20 programs offered through the school, and all of them are designed to be completed in less than two years. The massage therapy program prepares students for entry-level work in the massage industry. It is a diploma course that lasts for a total of 12 months in all (990 clock hours). Students can expect to go through four quarters of school, each of which builds on the last to culminate in test preparation for the national certification exam.
Coursework for the massage therapy program includes the basics like medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the fundamentals of touch, as well as business practices (ethics, professionalism, etc.) and specific modalities. Students learn everything from sports massage and trigger point therapy to myofascial release.
In addition to massage, students may opt to get additional degrees in cosmetology and manicuring, both of which are offered through the spa and salon services department.
The instructors at Penn Commercial Business/Technical School have experience in their fields, often in the outlying community and business district. Hands-on labs are a part of almost every program, and massage students find that the bulk of their learning is done in this type of setting. Because the school also offers cosmetology and manicuring classes, there is also an in-school salon where massage students can put their new-found skills to use.
All classes at Penn Commercial Business/Technical School are taught at the primary campus building, which offers state-of-the-art facilities and institutional tools. The building (Oak Spring Plaza) was purchased in 2001 and boasts over 63,000 square feet of learning space. This even includes an in-house day care for students with young families.
Penn Commercial Business/Technical School is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which grants it the ability to award diplomas and Associate (AOS) degrees to eligible students. It is also licensed by the Division of Occupational Training Schools and a participant in federal funding and grant programs. This last designation is important for students who hope to get assistance paying for school.
Most students pay for their education through a combination of grants, student loans, scholarships, and self-financing options. Students interested in federal and state monies are encouraged to fill out a FAFSA form and submit it by the deadline required by their state. Penn Commercial Business/Technical School also offers its own list of scholarship opportunities for recent high school graduates and members of the military. Application requirements for these scholarships are listed on the school’s website.
Washington, PA is a suburb of Pittsburgh. Although it boasts a fairly small population of under 15,000 residents, its proximity to the city center means that there is still a strong urban appeal. Recent revitalization efforts have helped make Washington more of a commercial sector than it has been in years past, though many graduates of Penn Commercial Business/Technical School still go on to work in other areas. In addition to Penn Commercial, Washington is also home to Washington & Jefferson College, a small liberal arts college. Both colleges help to keep the demographic young and focused on education.
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