LIHU‘E — Scented candles and lavender-infused sheets were in abundance Wednesday afternoon as Kaua‘i Community College Professional Massage Therapy students busily set up their tables at the Nursing Building, preparing to practice their new trade.

Among those who booked their 50-minute massages well in advance were visitors Les and Linda Pratt of Arizona, who anticipated a little afternoon relaxation and rejuvenation.

“We try to support a lot of colleges and high schools wherever we go,” said Linda while waiting for her 3 p.m. massage, adding she and her husband also recently attended the 23rd annual American Culinary Federation brunch buffet at KCC almost two weeks ago.

Massages were offered for only $25; a price many may be inclined to spend, and according to Virginia Dunas, a licensed massage therapist and coordinator and principal instructor for the Massage Therapy program, appointments were scooped up quickly.

Another reason could also be because Dunas believes her students are well-rounded and well-versed within the field.

“We have seven different instructors within the nine months,” she said, explaining what sets the program apart from others. “We have both nursing instructors and massage therapists teach the classes.”

Health and Wellness is just one of the examples, taught by Judy Brown, a registered nurse with a Masters degree in the field.

“The program works very closely with the nursing department,” said Brown, adding with a smile, “sometimes even hand to back.”

Academic courses include Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Terminology and Structural Kinesiology.

“The thing is, you can read that you’re going to learn all these things, but the program is far more than academic, it’s hands on,” said Dunas.

The hands-on learning she’s referring to include Basic and Advanced Namikoshi Shiatsu, Swedish Massage and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi.

She also said that the students practice pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation at the start of the program in order to “teach the student how to become quiet and focused and be able to leave everything aside in order to entirely be there for the client.”

“In learning those things, it greatly expands their own awareness of self and energy and capability,” said Dunas. “The students go through a metamorphosis and grow so much.”

Tammy Gandeza, one of the students set to graduate in May, said she is extremely thankful to be a part of the program. After having a baby and working for Aloha Airlines for 12 years, she decided to embark on a different journey in life. 

“It’s so rewarding,” she said of her new career. “This is a very professional, very detailed program and everyone is so helpful.”

Gandeza hopes to be able to have her own private practice at home, where she can stay close to her family.

“It’s already starting to happen,” she said, with regards to excited individuals inquiring about when she will officially begin her business.

Fellow student Abi Jones said her husband is involved in natural healthcare, which helped give her the inclination to enroll in the program. 

“The natural movement is to help others,” she said. “It makes me happy.”

Although massage therapy is a popular business on the islands and college enrollment is reportedly increasing, Dunas said this was not the case with her recent massage therapy class.

 For the first eight years of the program, student enrollment was limited to 16 due to heavy interest. This year, Dunas said, only 10 individuals are currently enrolled.

She has faith, however, that massage therapists are still in demand and will be even more so, once the economy picks up. Dunas is hopeful that the shift will occur by the summer of 2010, which she said is perfect timing for the next enrollment coming up in August 2009.

“Our economy will have picked up the time they graduate, so that the hotels, spas and clinics will need licensed therapists. Coupled with the fact that so many have been laid off in this economy and many leave have left for the Mainland because they need to pick up jobs wherever they can; I feel like there might be a shortage of massage therapists,” she said. “Of course, I don’t have a crystal ball that gives me all the answers, but the doomsayers say that it will be worse and the optimists say will be better; I like to think optimistically.”

She added that it’s a good time for people to consider the possibility of getting back into school and beginning a new career.

 “When the economy is booming, people don’t have time to go to school,” she said. “It’s a paradox because money is tight right now and it takes money to be educated, yet when money isn’t there, the time is.”

Dunas said she is proud of all her students and hopes to see them succeed as others have throughout the years, acquiring jobs at hotels, naturopath clinics and beauty salons across the island. Many have also started their own businesses and some have even gone on to practice on cruise ships and other islands.

“My graduates are being hired within a few months right after graduation,” she said. “The program is very well-respected.”

While landing employment may be the key to surviving the economic storm, Dunas said that one of the things which makes the entire experience so rewarding for the students is not only the potential job stability, but the friendships that are built.

“The bonding between the students is awesome, they really help each other get through it.”

To inquire about enrollment or for further information, contact Dunas at 742-9400.

•Coco Zickos, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com