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South Carolina's First Massage Therapy Apprenticeship Program
Willow Tree Massage Therapy is proud to offer South Carolina’s first registered Massage Therapy Apprenticeship, in partnership with York Technical College, Apprenticeship Carolina and officially registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Created in 2025, this innovative program is designed to support massage therapy students as they move through their education—combining paid, on-the-job learning with real clinical experience in a nurturing, professional environment.
About Our Massage Therapy Apprenticeship
At Willow Tree Massage Therapy, our Massage Therapy Apprenticeship is built on care, professionalism, and steady growth. The program is designed to bridge the gap between education and real-world practice by giving massage therapy students the opportunity to work one-on-one with experienced, supportive professionals in the field.
Apprentices develop and refine their hands-on skills and techniques while also gaining practical knowledge of the business side of massage therapy—including client communication, scheduling, professional boundaries, and what it takes to build a sustainable practice.
After licensure, apprentices begin working directly with clients while continuing to receive ongoing mentorship and feedback from senior therapists. This structure allows for a confident transition into professional practice with continued guidance and support.
At Willow Tree Massage Therapy, we value long-term relationships and career stability. Apprentices who successfully complete the program are guaranteed employment with Willow Tree Massage Therapy, providing a clear and reliable path from student to professional massage therapist.
“Traditionally, apprenticeship has been a rite of passage on the path to mastery. To me it is the practice of the humility to learn with respect for the wisdom of the experienced.”
- Galena Barnhouse-Colon
Willow Tree Massage Apprentice 2025-2026
An apprenticeship is a structured training model that blends education, paid on‑the‑job experience, and a wage that grows with skill. Unlike internships, apprentices are employees who earn while they learn and work toward recognized credentials.
The Massage Therapy Apprenticeship at Willow Tree Massage Therapy is a Registered Apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with Apprenticeship Carolina. This registration ensures national standards for training quality, mentorship, and wage progression.
The program lasts about one year and combines schooling, hands‑on clinical work, and paid employment. It’s intentionally designed to support each apprentice with education, real‑world practice, and mentorship that aligns training with professional readiness.
Registered Apprenticeships are a proven workforce model, with national data showing strong employment and retention outcomes. This program is among the first of its kind in South Carolina and reflects a forward‑thinking approach to developing skilled, confident massage therapists.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Meet Our Apprentice
Galena Barnhouse-Colon
Hi! My name is Galena. I am a recent graduate of York Technical College's Massage Therapy Program. I practice Swedish, Neuromuscular, and Swedish Movement Cure. I am currently an apprentice with Willow Tree Massage Therapy looking to fine tune my practice.
Massage therapy fascinates me not only because of the variety of modalities and treatment styles but also because one can reap both immediate and long-term benefits which can improve mental and physical wellbeing.
No matter if you enjoy a regular wellness massage or are targeting an ailment with deeper work I look forward to working with you in the near future!
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