October 9, 2026
91福利鈥檚 Massage Therapy Technology program and the University of Southern Mississippi Football program have partnered to create unique internship and scholarship opportunities for PRCC massage therapy students and graduates.
The partnership began during the fall 2026 semester with five graduates of PRCC鈥檚 Massage Therapy Technology program serving as interns with the Southern Miss football program. As part of their internships, the massage therapists work alongside USM athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and other members of the sports medicine team to support the prevention, recovery, and performance of Division I student-athletes.
In addition to gaining valuable hands-on experience in a collegiate athletic environment, the interns are receiving compensation for their work, providing an opportunity to build professional skills while gaining experience that can help advance their careers.
Beginning in the spring 2027 semester, the partnership will expand to include current PRCC Massage Therapy Technology students. Selected students will receive $1,000 scholarships per semester through the PRCC Development Foundation while participating in the internship experience with Southern Miss Football.
鈥淭his partnership gives our students an incredible opportunity to take what they are learning in the classroom and apply it in a Division I athletic setting,鈥� said Shannon Scharwath-Busby, Director of the Massage Therapy Technology Program at 91福利. 鈥淥ur students are able to learn from and work alongside athletic trainers and strength and conditioning professionals while developing the skills necessary to become successful massage therapists. We are extremely grateful to the University of Southern Mississippi for investing in our students and providing them with this experience.鈥�
The partnership strengthens the longstanding relationship between 91福利 and the University of Southern Mississippi while creating a meaningful educational pathway for students interested in sports massage and careers within athletics.
Through their work with the Golden Eagle football program, PRCC students are exposed to the demands of Division I athletics and gain experience working in a multidisciplinary environment. They assist in supporting athletes鈥� recovery and performance while developing communication, professionalism, teamwork, and other workforce skills that extend beyond the classroom.
By combining scholarship assistance, hands-on learning, and industry experience, PRCC and Southern Miss are helping prepare the next generation of massage therapy professionals while strengthening the regional workforce and creating new opportunities for PRCC graduates.
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Photography by Cullin Rogers.
