Professional Development in Massage and Bodywork Course Offerings

If you are not already a student at UAA, you must apply to the University as a non degree-seeking student using UAOnline. For more information regarding the application process please click here to visit the Admission's website. Once you have applied as a non degree-seeking student and you have a UAA ID, you may register for the class through UAOnline. Please apply early, as there may be a 48-hour waiting period before you receive your UA ID. You may also make payments for your course through UAOnline, or you may visit the Cashier's desk in the lobby at University Center. If you have any questions about the below courses, please contact the Massage Therapy Department at 907-786-4930.

Spring 2009 Massage CEU Course Offerings

Oncology Massage

CRN: 50699, CEUs: 2, NCBTNB Hours: 40, Course Fees: $500.00. Class Start Date and Times: Friday, January 2 - Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 9:00am-6:00pm
Instructor: Jamie Elswick LMT

This 40 hour 5 day intensive massage therapy course emphasizes working safely with those that are currently going through cancer treatment as well as those with a history of cancer. Defines safe and gentle modalities of massage to apply. Curriculum includes the psychosocial aspects of those living with cancer as well as examining cancer itself through its biological mechanisms of development and spread. Developing understanding of common cancer types as well as the side effects of treatment are essential to providing safe and beneficial massage and are covered in detail. To this end there is up to date and complete material regarding lymphedema and its relationship to massage therapy. The course provides communication skill development relative to intake interviews for oncology related clients. There will be 5 hours of supervised massage for clients with a history of cancer during class time. There is an additional supervised 20 hours clinical hospital based portion which is optional and is required to volunteer at Providence Alaska Medical Center which will provide an understanding for working in an outpatient or impatient setting.

Please Note: This page is continuously updated. Please check back frequently for the most up-to-date course information.


Meet This Semester’s Instructor

Jamie Elswick LMT, NCBTMB – UAA Continuing Education Coordinator for Massage Therapy
Jamie has been a massage therapist since 1992 and a massage educator since 1994. She holds a 300-hour certification in oncology massage through the Peregrine Institute with specific trainings from pioneers in the field – Gayle MacDonald MS LMT and Dr. Sandy Canzone DOM. Jamie is a nationally certified instructor of Massage for People Living with Cancer through Gayle MacDonald. She currently manages an oncology massage at Providence Alaska Medical Center (PAMC), a program she started in 2003. Jamie is the contributing author to the 2^nd edition of Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer, on the topic of scar mobilization for the post-mastectomy/radiation client. Jamie teaches both nationally and internationally, including a presentation on working with scar tissue at the Oncology Massage Summit at Mercy College in Toledo in May 2007.

Jamie’s other certifications include completion of seven years of training in the Lauren Berry Method of Corrective Massage in 2000; she holds both practitioner and instructor level certificates in this modality.  Jamie has extensive background in teaching anatomy and physiology for massage therapists as well as gross anatomy instruction through the University for students enrolled in the first year medical program. Jamie is actively involved with the oncology community in Alaska, organizing and participating in several volunteer events each year, providing massage therapy. Her private practice operates from the Integrative Medicine Clinic in PAMC.