At the Rizzieri Aveda School of Massage, in Voorhees, students can earn college credit while also gaining hands-on training in a spa-like environment. Through a new partnership with the Rowan College of Burlington County (RCBC), Rizzieri students may earn up to nine credits to be applied to their RCBC degree; this benefit is available to any student that has graduated from Rizzieri since April 2012. Better yet, all Rizzieri students qualify for in-county tuition fees, regardless of where they live. “Students can use the credits earned at our school towards their associate or bachelor’s degree while taking advantage of all of the educational opportunities at RCBC,” explains Terri Campagna, regional admissions and outreach specialist at Rizzieri Aveda School of Massage. “It’s a great benefit for our students because as they’re earning their massage certificate and license with us, they can continue to work and earn credits to put towards their degree.”

The Rizzieri Aveda School of Massage opened in 1998 in response to the growing demand for qualified massage therapists throughout the region. Accredited by the Commission of Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), the school provides comprehensive instruction on the art of massage therapy and aims to prepare students for successful, fulfilling careers in the healing arts.

With a focus on client-centered care, students learn relaxation techniques combined with clinical approaches to massage through courses designed to emphasize diversified training, professional standards and practical business application. The approach ensures that students leave Rizzieri with the ability to use a well-rounded method in promoting wellness as a lifestyle for their clients.

“One of the most unique aspects of our program is that we strongly believe in the importance of introducing our students to what it will be like to actually work in their chosen field,” says Valerie Ferrie, director of admissions and financial aid with the school. “We have students booking appointments, consulting with clients, setting up massage rooms and learning how to tailor massages to an individual’s needs… and all in our spa-like environment.”

In addition to its spa-based clinics for students, the Rizzieri curriculum is a blend of art and science that strikes a balance between both Eastern and Western approaches to holistic wellness, and incorporates both classroom and hands-on instruction. “We aim to balance both the spa and medical side of the massage profession, so students can pursue whichever aspect of the field resonates with them most,” Ferrie adds.

Rizzieri’s programs range from Swedish massage, reflexology and maternity massage to myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The educators are experts and practitioners in their fields, and are all state licensed with multiple advanced specialty certifications, including oncology, reiki, medicinal aromatherapy, neuromuscular and nutrition. The only Aveda Concept School in New Jersey, the institution provides its graduates access to an exclusive network of 7,000 salons and spas worldwide.

“Our students will be one step ahead when they’re ready to seek employment in the massage field because they’re already used to the hustle and bustle and behind the scenes of a spa, and they already know how to personalize services to meet each client’s individual needs,” Ferrie adds.

Family-owned and operated since 1924, the Rizzieri Aveda School began as the first beauty school in New Jersey. Steeped in history, Rizzieri has been serving aspiring hairdressers and skincare students since 1928, and today boasts two full-service salon and spa facilities and one spa facility in the state, in addition to its massage school. 

“The fact that we’re both a school as well as an operating salon and spa means that our educators have a keen awareness of what’s needed in the industry, and can better help our students prepare for successful careers,” Campagna concludes. “We like to say that our students’ future starts here… they come with a dream, and leave with a career.”

The Rizzieri Aveda School of Massage is located at 8102 Town Center Blvd., in Voorhees. For more information, call 856-552-2273 or visit RizzieriSchoolofMassage.com.