College of Technology - Building Unlimited Career Opportunities
Faculty
Susan Beck BS, NCTMB
Susan Beck BS,NCTMB (National Certification in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork) brings over thirty years of experience in the massage industry into the massage therapy program. A pioneer in massage therapy in South-Central Idaho her experience ranges from co-owner of a massage school in the 80’s, co-owner of The Massage Clinic, editing and contributing to writing the first edition of Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage by Mark Beck, active in promoting massage legislation in the State of Idaho, and also being an instructor-trainer for International Loving Touch Foundation for 3 day infant massage instructor courses nationally. Recently serving as director and community liaison specialist and training for the Region 5 Childcare Resource and Referral Office, a project of the University of Idaho gives her the diversity of working in higher education. Professional Member of the American Massage Therapy Association.
Philosophy of Education
As a sophomore in college at 22 my mother died after a very short illness. While grieving, I received my first massage. This ultimately led me into a field of helping others through the power of touch. As Sharon Heller, PhD. states in Vital Touch, "Our fingertips contain an incredible pharmacy."
My personal goal as program coordinator is to provide students with a solid foundation for a career in the field of massage. Students will have the opportunity to learn foundational skills which will place them in the rank of 20% of massage graduates who have over 600 hours of training. "You have to have the foundation in before putting the roof on". Our Program has over 900 hours of training. Students also will have the unique opportunity to obtain an associates degree which can lead them to a bachelors in Health Science.
We provide opportunities to work in a Student Clinic for a total of 90 hours, plus internships in the summer. Special populations are brought in providing students with actual “Hands On” opportunities to massage infants, pregnant women, disabled adults, athletes, and the elderly. While our industry is rapidly growing, and expected to grow at a faster than average pace, my plan is to bring our graduates into the workforce with the skills necessary to go right to work; attend any continuing education course in our field; and be able to assimilate and utilize new knowledge. With 40% of massage students working in the spa industry we have incorporated spa services as part of our new curriculum.
