U of A Wayne and Stark State colleges work together to provide degrees

  • October 7, 2009
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The University of Akron Wayne College is partnering with Stark State College of Technology to offer massage therapy degrees on the Wayne College campus in Orrville. This collaboration represents the first time the two institutions have worked together to provide degrees for area residents. The new partnership between Stark State and Wayne College allows those interested in the massage therapy program to take all the courses on the Wayne College campus in Orrville. An information session will be held Thursday, Oct. 22, from 3 to 6 p.m., in the auditorium. Participants will learn more about the required courses, the application process and financial aid. There will be campus tours, light refreshments and chair massages. Jack Kristofco, Wayne College dean, is looking forward to working with Stark State on this new program. “By partnering with Stark State, we are expanding programs to benefit the citizens of our region,” said Kristofco. “This also helps address a high priority goal of Chancellor Eric Fingerhut and Gov. Ted Strickland: improving access to higher education. We have established a good working relationship with our colleagues at Stark State, and we look forward to developing other program offerings with them.” John Thornton, dean of the health technologies division at Stark State, said, “Our partnership with Wayne College expands the training opportunities and addresses the current and projected health care worker shortages in this region.” Massage therapy is a fast-growing profession that allows graduates to work in private practice as well as hospitals, clinics, spas, doctor and chiropractor offices and in many other venues. Professional massage therapists are an integral part of a health care team and are recognized for their important role in treating illness and chronic ailments. The associate of technical studies degree in massage therapy can be completed in five semesters and includes business and other courses to prepare students to operate their own businesses. The certificate program can be completed in 42 credits of coursework in four semesters. Successful completion allows students to sit for licensure with the State Medical Board of Ohio and begin work as a massage therapist as they work toward their associate degree. Wayne College is a regional campus of The University of Akron, and offers the first two years of general bachelor’s degree courses for students who plan to complete their degrees at the Akron campus or other colleges and universities. The campus is located at 1901 Smucker Road in Orrville. For more information, call Traci Carmony, admissions counselor, at 330-684-8909, or e-mail traci2@uakron.edu.


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