Peninsula College now offers a massage therapy program, new to the school in 2009-2010.

There are two courses students can take.

The Massage Therapy Certificate Program is a nine-month program offering 816 hours of training, including both classroom and clinical experience.

Beginning each fall quarter and following the college calendar, classes typically meet from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with occasional Saturday and Monday classes.

The Massage Therapy Degree Program is a continuation of the certificate program. During the second year students will continue their training with advanced treatment clinic and community health practicum hours, as well as general education classes. Students complete a total of 1,256 hours.

Upon fulfillment of the first year's program requirements, students will graduate with a certificate in massage therapy. This will qualify the graduate to take the licensing examination and be eligible for Washington state licensing.

Students completing the second year have two options: earning an Associate of Applied Science - massage therapy degree or completing the requirements for a transfer degree, an AAS-T massage therapy.

Students completing the AAS-T option are eligible to apply for admission to the college's Bachelor of Applied Science - management degree program.

Class size is limited to 20 students. Entrance is in the fall quarter only, which starts Sept. 21.

For more information, call 417-6255.