Zoology vs. Massage Therapy
A student told me last week that she is passionate about working with animals in a zoo, and that she needs a 4-year degree in Zoology to achieve that life goal.
So why is she in my Massage Therapy program? She had a vague idea that she might want to do massage on the animals, and maybe she could support herself doing massage while she worked her way through her Zoology program. But now she's wondering why she is here.
I think what she needs is a specific vision for her future and a roadmap to help her get there. And in my opinion these should have been in place *before* she enrolled. So that when the inevitable stresses come, she could look on her fridge and see exactly what her plan is and why she's doing it.
As program director, it falls to me to become her de facto guidance counselor and help her clarify her goals. If we determine that massage therapy is not a good match for her goals, she will leave with my blessing and our retention numbers will take yet another hit.
She is not alone; a great many of my students only have a vague idea of why they are here. I'm wondering if a screening interview is needed to set expectations before we accept them into the program.
Any thoughts?
Do you have problems with students not knowing what they don't know or changing their goals, Erinn? How often are students encouraged to re-visit/re-write their objectives?
Within my institution students are asked about their career plan before they enroll and also within their first six weeks on campus.
Even though we have a screening program in place, I still recognize students who are unsure of their place within the program. The best tool we have is to remind student’s that they are here because this is something that they are passionate about and to have them review the initial screening tool with an advisor so they can see what they said about their goals during the first few weeks of class.
On the first day of class, I ask the students why they signed up for the class. it is important to let the student understand the importance of making a career choice that will work for them. as for this student there is a call for equine massage which is massaging horse. continuing education is required because it is not in the particular program. but the program can direct her into the feild that she is interested in. It is such a specific area that she wants to work in, she could open a new field of massage. I'm sure that the first person who wanted to massage a horse went through the same issue. i would also help her get into contacts that would direct her in the correct direction.
I agree with you, Karen. Not everyone who wants to massage their family wants or needs to be certified. A course like this would give them a few tools and the confidence to get started.
I believe every household should have someone able to give nurturance in this way.
The student Terry is talking about could have had her needs met through this type of course!
CM
I would (if I were in charge of it) certainly charge for this course. It would be a stand-alone that anyone could take (perhaps couples?) and if those who took it decided to continue into a cert. program the charge could be applied toward tuition. Or not. No refunds since they did get a great class in any case and can use skills only for friends/family--clearly informed that in NO case can they charge anyone for services based on what they learned in Intro. And, it should be at least a 15 to 20 hour (5 or so days) course. I have actually taught this type of course at a college in the past and a lot of people took it who had no intention of going on to be MTs, just to learn how to safely massage a spouse or family. It's great!
Karen, this is an intriguing concept. Having hands on experience [pardon the pun] certainly should benefit prospective students who aren't familiar with the field.
Would this "Intro" class be blend into the curriculum? Would you charge for it? Apply the payment toward tuition and/or refund the payment if the prospect decided not to proceed?
Absolutely! A screening interview is one way to "weed out" those who are unclear on why they want to attend massage school (maybe it's just because they heard they can make 65 bucks an hour or more, not understanding the limitations involved). Another way is to hold an "Intro" class which would be about five sessions long and teach a very basic seated (clothed) and table (unclothed) routine to see who really is comfortable with touching. Since touch is a key component to developing the nurturing gift of massage, potential students have a chance to see if they enjoy that aspect. I have known of students who dropped out when they found out they had to not only give, but receive massage as a part of the learning process. Make sure they also see all the textbooks needed for classes and are fully informed of the huge study commitment they are facing. If they are eager to learn and anxious to devour the various aspects of the courses involved, full disclosure will not scare them off; it will only excite them more. Those who choose not to attend will be thankful for the experience and more clear on their direction.
I am surprised that a screening program is not already in place!! Based on my past experience with other educational institutions, where a screening process for prospective Massage Therapy students was in place, I observed attrition, however at a low rate. I believe students need to be screened for any program they are interested in taking.
