Beaufort County Community College Expands Healthcare and Wellness Education with Fall 2025 Programs
Starting in Fall 2025, Beaufort County Community College (Beaufort CCC) will launch a new Therapeutic Massage diploma program and reintroduce the Esthetics Technology certificate program into its curriculum division. These offerings expand the college’s healthcare and wellness training, opening new career pathways for students and meeting rising community demand for alternative healthcare and self-care services.
Train for a Career in Therapeutic Massage
The Therapeutic Massage diploma program is a 39-credit hour, one-year course that prepares students to enter the growing field of massage therapy. With in-person training focused on anatomy, physiology, client care, and therapeutic techniques, students will graduate ready to sit for the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam.
“This program will help our students work locally in a healthcare career that may align better with their goals than our current offerings,” said Dr. Lisa Hill, vice president of academic affairs. “It offers a meaningful career path while addressing the wellness needs of our aging population.”
Massage therapy continues to grow nationally and locally. According to the Labor Market Index, job growth in the field is projected at 1.3 percent annually. At Beaufort CCC, enrollment in the Associate in General Education (AGE) Pre-Nursing program has increased by 23 percent over the last three years, but competitive admissions mean many students need alternative options. This new program creates a clear and rewarding pathway for those passionate about healthcare.
Graduates will be prepared to work in chiropractic offices, rehabilitation centers, spas, and independent practices. The hands-on nature of the program ensures students develop the skills and professionalism required to succeed in clinical and wellness environments.
Esthetics Technology Returns to Curriculum
Beaufort CCC is also bringing back its Esthetics Technology certificate program to the curriculum side, under the Cosmetology program. Last offered for credit over a decade ago, the 16-credit hour program has recently experienced strong demand through continuing education courses, often filling quickly and generating waitlists.
“This will give our Cosmetology students a chance to expand into skincare and self-care to build a more resilient and dynamic career,” said Hill.
The field of esthetics is growing due to rising interest in skincare, beauty trends, and self-care, fueled by social media and a broader cultural shift toward wellness. With just 600 hours of training, students can complete the program in under a year and work in salons, spas, dermatology offices, or launch their own businesses.
Programs Covered by the Beaufort Promise
Both the Therapeutic Massage and Esthetics Technology programs are eligible under the Beaufort Promise Scholarship, which covers tuition and fees for qualifying residents of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington counties. While the scholarship does not cover textbooks, students are encouraged to apply for private scholarships to help with those costs.
Register Now for Summer and Fall Classes
These new programs are part of Beaufort CCC’s ongoing mission to provide high-quality, career-driven education that meets local workforce needs. The college is currently enrolling students for:
- Summer curriculum classes starting May 15
- Continuing education courses
- Fall 2025 semester programs
To learn more or begin the advising process, visit the Beaufort CCC Advising Center.