This Graduate Seems To Be Showing Off
Jess Labunski graduated from Soma about two years ago, and she has not wasted any time in getting a successful massage career started. We recently got her to answer some questions about her career for us.
What drew you to massage?
I was always interested in a career in the health field, but it took me awhile to discover that massage therapy was my true calling. I knew I wanted a job that gave me the opportunity to improve quality of life and function, and additionally had an interest in working with athletes. As I researched massage therapy more in depth I started to realize how much the field was expanding and becoming an essential part of rehabilitation programs. I saw the growing prevalence of massage therapists as a part of sports medicine teams and was instantly interested! The final piece to the puzzle was finding a school like Soma that taught me everything I needed to know in order to get started on my new path.
What are you doing now?
I am currently working for Athletico, a physical therapy company that originated in Chicago and has expanded throughout the Midwest. I am based out of the Elmhurst and Gold Coast locations, and practice a combination of clinical, therapeutic, and sports massage techniques. In addition to the work I do in the clinic there are a number of athletic groups I help keep in shape. This includes the dancers at Joffrey Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance for seasonal performances, and the rhythmic gymnasts for team USA in preparation for the Olympics this summer. Additionally this spring I became the core massage therapist for the Chicago White Sox, and work with the team before every home game. I love the diversity that all of these different work environments have brought to my career thus far!
Where do you hope to be in five years?
If you asked me this question 3 months ago, my response would have been that I would like to be working with a professional sports team. Given my recent opportunity with the White Sox, this goal has shockingly already been met and this year has become a breakthrough year for me. Now, as I look at the next 5 years, I would like to focus more on expanding my knowledge and skill set through continuing education. My goal is to learn as many therapy techniques as I possibly can to contribute to my own treatment style. In this profession you realize pretty quickly how unique the human body is, and with every bit of knowledge you acquire you also gain the ability to customize a treatment plan for an individuals’ specific needs.
Clinical Massage Therapy | Massage School Success Story
“The techniques I learned at Soma have been a great addition to my client offerings.”
Soma Graduate, Aline Silberg
The Soma Institute in Chicago, Illinois is dedicated to providing expert massage therapy training. Our Clinical Massage Therapy program offers varying modalities in massage training and specific methods to treat common ailments and injuries.
After completing the Clinical Massage Therapy Program, graduate Aline Silberg opened her own massage therapy business U Be Well 2 and now has two locations and continues to see her business grow. “The name Soma is well known. People have been very impressed with the fact that I graduated from a 750 hour program. I have the ability to make people aware of the methods to improve their overall wellbeing which has been very rewarding and gratifying to me.”
The Soma Institute offers an 11-month & 15-month Clinical Massage Therapy program. If you’re looking to launch a career in massage therapy, this is a great opportunity for you to become a qualified clinical message therapist. Call a Soma Admissions Representative at 1-800-694-5314 to learn more.
Massage Therapy Top Careers
Massage Therapy: A Top Growth Career
In a recent article published by the Chicago Tribune massage therapy was listed #23 of 28 top growth jobs by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. With its growth, you can expect to see massage practices popping up in new settings—from your local mall to hospitals like the Mayo Clinic.
For those considering a career in clinical massage therapy, the good news is that only a high school diploma or GED is required to begin the certification program. The Soma Institute in Chicago, Illinois offers an 11 and 15-month program designed to train students through the major elements of proper massage practice, including hydrotherapy, bodywork, and sports massage.
The 750-hour Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma Program is dedicated to supporting its students not just throughout the program, but also throughout their careers. If you’d like more information about a career in clinical massage therapy, give an admissions representative a call at 1-800-694-5314.
Top Jobs In Massage Therapy
You may have noticed the increasing number of spas and massage clinics popping up everywhere these days. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapist employment will grow 23% between 2012 and 2022—which will add roughly 30,000 more professionals to this field! Now, more than ever, is the time to take advantage of this career boom and make the jump to become a clinical massage therapist.
Why wouldn’t someone choose a job that aims, above all else, to make people feel better? Clinical massage therapists relieve pain, reduce stress, and just plain make people feel good. The Soma Institute in Chicago specializes in helping people follow their dreams and unlock their passion to serve others. Soma trains their students in many modalities of massage therapy, including deep-tissue, reflexology, sports massage, and hydro-therapy.
If you’re interested in a career promoting the health and wellness of others, and are looking for a rewarding career that fits your lifestyle, Clinical Massage Therapy could be the right fit for you. To speak to an Admissions Representative, give us a call at 1-800-694-5314.
Growing A Massage Practice
Growing & Retaining Your Massage Practice
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects massage therapy employment will grow 23 percent from 2012 to 2022—adding close to 30,000 more professionals to this field, more than any other occupational growth. That’s a lot of new massage therapists out there! With this extra competition, it’s more important than ever to stand out from the rest.
Attracting—and retaining—customers to your business through advertising and promotions will set you a part from your peers. We’ve compiled a couple tips to help you draw new clients and retain old ones, from advertising, business cards, gift certificates, to participation in volunteer events and public speaking engagements.
Advertising: This could include placing an ad on a local company’s website or writing a mass email to potential clients. You may also want to consider posting your business card on neighborhood shops and community bulletin boards.
Sales Promotions: This motivates prospective clients to take a chance on you with a special promotion. This could be in the form of a gift certificate, or ‘Bring a Friend’ discount, Buy-one Get-one-Free promotions, etc.
Events: Research local causes or charities and donate your services. This is a great way to attract attention to your business and expand your practice. Another event could be a Self-Care Workshop offered to current clients which will improve customer retention.
Marketing Plan: It’s important to define your goals and objectives of your business. Establish an action plan and strategy for achieving your goals!
The Soma Institute is committed to supporting its graduates. Take advantage of Soma’s Alumni Resources throughout your entire career. For more information, visit Soma’s Alumni Resources Page.