The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) recently opened its renovated massage therapy spa on its main campus, Old Trail Road.

The vision of Chair of the Beauty Trades department, Dr. Donnalee Minnis, the project cost just under $50,000 and took four months to complete.

The spa includes 10 massage rooms, one of which is exclusively for couples.

This is in addition to a spa lounge and two shower facilities and an adjacent classroom.

The Project Manager was Chair of BTVI’s Construction Trades department, Gus Ferguson.

Forty students are presently in the program. They are trained to work in fitness centres and spas to medical facilities and even on sports teams.

Furthermore, they are trained to start their own businesses, as BTVI’s motto is, “To provide learning opportunities that enable individuals to be globally competitive and economically independent.”

BTVI’s President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson, commended Dr. Minnis and her team of instructors for their efforts. 

“When our students exit our halls as massage therapists, they leave with skills that prepare them to not only be employees – but employers.

Our massage therapy students are prepared to run their own businesses, providing professional, yet personal service,” said Dr. Robertson.

Speaking directly to the students, Dr. Robertson added that they should use their hands as tools.

“Your hands are able to bring a level of healing to the body, while calming the spirit.

You take your healing hands wherever you go…when you entered our gates, you entered with a dream. You came with a vision.

And while here and beyond, you have – and will continue to – discover the possibilities,” he stated.

The massage therapy program, which was launched in 2007, includes topics such as anatomy, physiology, allied modalities, HIV precautions and therapist/client inter-dynamics.

The spa will receive clients when students have practicums including an upcoming session slated between October 23rd and December 14th.