Loyalist College has officially opened its Integrative Health Centre, marking an important expansion of hands-on learning opportunities in the college’s health and wellness programming, the college has announced.
The new teaching and learning space currently supports students in Loyalist’s massage therapy program and will welcome students in the college’s new acupuncture program starting this fall.
Officials said the centre is a purpose-built space designed to reflect industry-standard clinical environments, and under the supervision of registered massage therapists, students will gain real-world experience offering therapeutic treatments.
“The opportunity to work with real clients while still in the program gives students an invaluable bridge between classroom learning and professional practice,” said Dr. Amanda Baskwill, senior vice-president of academic and chief learning officer at Loyalist College. “The Integrative Health Centre was designed to support that transition, creating a space where students can build their skills, confidence and professionalism in a setting that closely reflects the environments they will enter after graduation.”
The grand-opening celebration included several remarks, tours and a ribbon cutting.
“The new space truly mimics what most of our first workplaces out of school will look like with a reception area, a clean environment with multiple spaces for other professionals, as well as private space for you and your patient,” said Bethany Satterley, a massage therapy student set to graduate next month, who was also involved in the ribbon cutting. “The program grew my confidence tremendously and I am certain of my ability to apply my skills in my future profession.”
College president and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick also said that the centre represents an important investment in student success, community well-being and continued growth of allied health in the region, while adding Loyalist remains committed to creating learning environments preparing students for the realities of professional practice and responding to needs of local communities.
Residents can learn more about the new centre, including therapeutic massage bookings, online.
