June 23, 2025
Beyond relaxation, massage therapy is a growing healthcare field that offers healing and hope. Massage therapy can relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients. Since 2021, the Pearl River Community College Massage Therapy Technology program has been equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for rewarding careers in this dynamic industry.
Available on the Forrest County Campus, the 12-month, 720-hour program is led by Instructor of Massage Therapy Shannon Busby and offers hands-on learning. Students in the program study massage therapy principles, ethics, business application, pathology, anatomy and physiology, technique modalities, and kinesiology. Workforce projections show 18% growth in the industry through 2033. On average, a massage therapist in the United States earns $57,950.
Prior to teaching at Pearl River, Busby worked as a massage therapist for a local chiropractor and then opened her own massage clinic. She considers massage therapy a profession that not only nurtures others, but also offers personal fulfillment, meaningful connections, and the chance to be part of a growing healthcare field.
“Massage therapy is a rewarding and impactful career that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through therapeutic touch, health education, and holistic care,” said Busby. “It combines science, skill, and compassion to support physical and emotional well-being, making it ideal for individuals who are passionate about health, wellness, and helping others.
“As a massage therapist, you have the flexibility to work in a variety of settings—from clinical environments and wellness centers to private practice. With increasing public awareness of the benefits of massage for pain management, stress reduction, and overall health, the demand for licensed professionals continues to grow.”
The knowledge and skills learned in class are then used to treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. Students obtain clinical hours through regular massage clinics on the Forrest County Campus.
“I incorporate a variety of learning tools—such as case studies, lab-based activities, and exam preparation strategies—to accommodate different learning styles and help students prepare for the Mississippi Professional Examinations, Mississippi State Law Exam, and the MBLEx,” said Busby. “My goal is to graduate competent, confident massage therapists who are ready to serve their communities with integrity and skill.”
Graduate Spotlights
Maria Godbolt of Hattiesburg was looking for a career change after working as a Registered Behavior Technician with autistic kids. Godbolt previously earned an associate in arts degree in 2017.
“I was coming from traveling jobs, and a demanding physical job working in behavioral institutions,” said Godbolt. “I still had the desire to help others but I wanted a flexible schedule to align with my needs and wants. I wanted to help others and show them a different route other than medications. It’s more naturalistic/holistic practices with more benefits.”
Godbolt graduated from the program in 2023 and has worked as a licensed massage therapist ever since. She currently works at Lotus Day Spa in Downtown Hattiesburg and does mobile massages.
“The program gave me hands-on skills such as body mechanics and massage techniques,” said Godbolt. “It gave me knowledge and understanding of the body. It also prepared me for the business side of it, client interaction, prepping for business, and marketing.”
She would gladly recommend the program to anyone considering the industry.
“Ms. Shannon is amazing, very well educated, and lives the industry. She is well equipped to give the knowledge; the passion to help others just needs to be there.”
Nikki Duncan of Hattiesburg worked as a licensed practical nurse since 2014. Most of her nursing career was spent between travel nursing and working in a nursing home.
“I pursued Massage Therapy because of the holistic approach it brings to healthcare,” said Duncan. “As a nurse, I was told several times that I had therapeutic touch and that I should consider pursuing massage. Once in the program, I knew I had found my calling.”
She graduated from the massage therapy program in 2024, earning an Associate Degree in Applied Science. She now owns Phoenix Cove in Hattiesburg.
“The program helped me by training me to be intentional in my touch,” said Duncan. “It helped me prepare by teaching contraindications and indications of those who will and won’t benefit from massage.
“The program ultimately taught me the basics of delivering a therapeutic massage. It prepared me to work in the field by instilling in me the purpose and importance of massage and how a healthy intentional touch can really impact the lives of people.”
She recommends anyone considering massage therapy as a career to consider the program at Pearl River.
“I would recommend the program because you are being taught from experience,” said Duncan. “The instructor is thorough and loves massage herself. She is passionate about the field and teaches it where you can become passionate as well!”
How to Apply
The massage program is licensed through the Mississippi State Board of Massage, and students are required to pass a state or national certification before beginning their careers. Applications are still being accepted for the upcoming class. Only fifteen students will be accepted into the incoming cohort.
Information about the application process is available at prcc.edu/academics/health-sciences-nursing/massage-therapy-technology/ with questions sent to massagetherapy@prcc.edu.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill.
