Massage therapy is now closely aligned with natural stress and pain relief. Health care professionals tout its benefits when combined with traditional medicine to maintain health, manage chronic diseases, and relieve symptoms of more serious illnesses. The well-published benefits of massage therapy have increased demand for massage therapists in the healthcare industry and among people who prefer a holistic approach to the restoration of health. Outside of healthcare, massage therapy is still the top choice for relaxation and indulgence. In sports medicine, it can aid rehabilitation after injury. Enrollment in massage therapy programs is increasing and can drive competition among new graduates. However, with a corresponding increase in demand, there will be room enough for all graduates to find employment or start their own successful massage business.
Massage therapy programs in Chicago lead to a certificate or diploma in massage therapy. Accredited programs must cover at least 500 hours of theory and practice, which is the minimum educational requirement for obtaining a license in Illinois. The content will cover both Eastern holistic practices and Western massage therapy that graduates will use to provide holistic care to their clients. Massage therapists in Illinois must obtain a license to practice. The license is issued by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations to persons who have passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and fulfilled all other requirements including a background check.
Pacific College of Health and Science – Chicago
The Pacific College of Health and Science massage therapy program provides adults with theory and hands-on training that combines holistic care with modern Western medicinal concepts. Students will develop respect for the integrity of the human body, mind, and spirit. The program leads to a certificate in massage therapy. The accelerated format permits fast but thorough preparation for national and state certification and employment as a massage therapist. Students will learn through classroom sessions reinforced by hands-on experience through clinical rotations. They will develop knowledge of therapy that integrates body, mind, and spirit, have the opportunity to interact with experienced practitioners, and have their choice of electives in the fields of pediatrics, reflexology, and sports massage.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Certificate
Duration: 3 to 4 months (full-time) 4 to 6 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 500
Prerequisites:
- Provide satisfactory TOEFL/iBT score if the primary language is not English
- Provide official high school transcript, certified copy of high school diploma or GED certificate
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $9,900 including tuition and required textbooks. Students must add costs for fees, CPR, and supplies.
Website: https://www.pacificcollege.edu/prospective/programs/chicago/massage
Address: 65 E Wacker Pl Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 866-276-0717
The Soma Institute
Soma Institute trains students to become Clinical Massage Therapists where they will be prepared to use natural methods to promote health and wellbeing. The program includes hands-on training, practical experiences and interactive classroom sessions. you are in a unique position of being able to use natural methods to help people treat painful ailments, rehabilitate injuries, reduce stress, and promote overall health and wellbeing. The class size is limited to 54 persons for the lecture class and 18 persons to one instructor for the lab. Course topics include clinical anatomy, clinical education, clinical integration, clinical massage techniques and protocols, clinical massage therapy, kinesiology, musculoskeletal anatomy, pathology, physiology, and professional development.
Program overview:
Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma
Duration: 48 weeks (daytime) 62 weeks (evening)
Contact hours: 750
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years or older
- Show satisfactory completion of high school or the GED by submitting an official high school transcript from a recognized high school or copy of GED certificate
- Applicants who have been convicted of a felony may not be eligible for admission
- Attend an interview with an admission representative
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $14,150. It includes uniform, complimentary massage therapy treatments, lotions for lab and clinical education classes, tuition, course handouts, professional liability insurance, initial massage licensure in Illinois, career services, and job placement. The enrollment fee and cost for textbooks are not included.
Website: https://soma.edu/programs/clinical-massage-therapy/
Address: 55 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312-939-272
The New School for Massage, Bodywork & Healing
The massage therapy program offered by The New School for Massage is approved by the state and endorsed by COMTA. It will include coursework delivered in lecture format and hands-on activities designed to prepare students for success on the licensing exam. The curriculum is organized into three units: Human Sciences for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers, Massage and Bodywork, and Professional Development. Content includes Key Concepts and Medical Terminology, Human Sciences for Massage Therapists, Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Kinesiology, Physiopathology, Massage Therapy, Western Framework and Narratives, Eastern Framework and Narratives, Clinical Skills, and Student Clinic. New classes begin every month.
Program overview:
Massage & Body Work Diploma
Duration: 6.5 months (fast-track), 11 months (extended track)
Contact hours: 625
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be a US citizen or have permanent residency
- Submit a completed online application for admission with a short essay explaining interest in massage therapy
- Attend an interview with an admission officer
- Must have good physical and mental health and a good moral character
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $9,600. It includes the application/registration fee, books, ABMP membership, student liability insurance, lotions and creams, sheets for clinical use, polo shorts, and free transcripts for FSMTB, NCBTMB, and the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. An interest-free payment plan is available for all students.
Website: https://www.newschoolmassage.com/
Address: 747 N. LaSalle Dr. Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 888-461-0114
Estelle Medical Academy (European Massage Therapy School)
Students enrollment in the European Massage Therapy School’s massage therapy program will obtain a specialized approach to massage therapy. They will learn advanced techniques in Swedish massage, chair massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure techniques, cupping therapy, kinesiology, sports massage, and body mobilization techniques. Key advantages include experienced instructors, full-time and part-time schedules, job placement assistance, state-of-the-art technology to improve classroom learning, up-to-date curriculum to maintain industry trends, and weekend classes.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Certificate
Duration: 34 weeks (full-time) 44 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 610
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a high school graduate or have recognized equivalent
- Complete an accurate Application for Admission
- Meet with an Admission Representative and complete a campus tour and sign the enrollment agreement
- Must be in good health
- Take and pass a pre-entrance oral interview
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee of $100
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $9,400 including tuition, registration, textbooks, and supplies.
Website: https://www.school-for-massage.com/
Address: 4905 Old Orchard Center, Suite 710, Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: 847-673-7595
Zen Shiatsu
The Shiatsu Massage Therapy Diploma program offered by Zen Shiatsu holds the credential or Endorsed Curriculum from the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). Students will cover 30 hours in massage basics, 30 hours of musculoskeletal pathology for Shiatsu Therapists, 30 hours of systems pathology for Shiatsu Therapists, and 625 hours of the Shiatsu Certification. Graduates will have the credentials necessary to practice professionally within the legal requirements for therapists. They will have met the educational requirements for massage licensing in the State of Illinois and can apply for an IL license after completing the NCBTMB exam.
Program overview:
Shiatsu Massage Therapy Diploma
Duration: 14 to 20 months
Contact hours: 715
Prerequisites:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Submit a completed application and non-refundable application fee of $50
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $12,714.43 including tuition, books, and fees. A non-interest, in-house monthly payment plan is available for all students.
Website: http://www.zenshiatsuchicago.org/
Address: 825 A Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: 847-864-113
Universal Spa Training Academy
Universal Spa Training Academy (USTA) philosophy is that true effectiveness and profitability for massage therapists begin with self-discovery, personal growth, and recognizing the power of touch between therapist and client. This philosophy guides the school’s success in producing effective and well-rounded therapists and sets it apart from other schools. The program will cover Swedish massage, sports massage, hot stone massage, aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, and reflexology. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Certificate
Duration: 7 months
Contact hours: 650
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application for admission online and pay the enrollment fee of $50
- Provide proof of secondary education (a high school diploma or GED certificate)
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $12,760 including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other miscellaneous costs.
Website: https://spatrainingacademy.edu/programs/
Address: 340 Burlington Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: 224-774-0117
Marco Polo Massage School
The massage therapist program at Marco Polo Schools helps students gain proficiency in a range of application and treatment strategies. Theory and practical instruction will impart education and experience that students need to correctly assess and identify signs and symptoms and design an appropriate massage plan, perform massage techniques for relaxation, stress, pain management, and rehabilitation, and understand medical terminology used in massage therapy. Courses covered include professional ethics, holistic overview of massage, human anatomy and physiology, basic pathology, kinesiology, specialized modalities, fundamentals of massage therapy, massage therapy practicum, ethics and business practices, and MBLEx Certification Exam. Day and weekend classes are available. Day classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Weekend classes meet Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Program overview:
Massage Therapist Course
Duration: 5 to 12 months based on schedule
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Attend an Admission Interview
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide proof of high school diploma or GED
- Submit a completed application for enrollment – applications are accepted throughout the year
Program cost:
The cost of tuition is $8,350. It includes the cost of materials, lotions, creams, and other supplies used in clinical applications. Students must purchase professional liability insurance, textbooks, and pay the registration fee.
Website: http://marcopolomassageschool.com/
Address: 4011W. School Ave Chicago, IL 60641
Phone: 773-205-5400
New Age Spa Institute
The Massage Therapist program offered by New Age Spa Institute covers the art and science of massage therapy to prepare students to become successful massage therapists. Experienced instructors are also active practitioners in the industry. They will ensure students obtain the tools to offer the very best services. Courses include the benefits of massage therapy, history of massage therapy, professional ethics, deep tissue massage, corporate massage, massage for stress management, energy techniques, the future of massage, sports and athletics massage, lymphatic drainage massage, and developing a professional practice. The program is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education which is required for taking the National Certification Exam or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exams. The class size is limited to 10 students to provide students with personalized instruction and attention.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Certificate
Duration: 10 months (part-time evenings and Sunday)
Contact hours: 635
Prerequisites:
- Complete an application for enrollment
- Must be able to understand the English language
- Provide proof of completing high school or the equivalent of 12th grade
- Demonstrate the ability-to-benefit from the training by successfully completing an approved exam
- Must have good moral character
Program cost:
The total cost of the program is $11,900. It includes tuition, registration fee, books, and portable massage table.
Website: https://newagespainstitute.com/programs/clinical-massage-therapy-program/
Address: 1870 Busse Hwy Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: 847-759-0900
Sohmar
Massage therapy instruction at Sohmar integrates theory and practical activities to prepare students for a career as a massage therapist. No prior education or experience in the industry is required for admission and hands-on experiences begin from the onset of the program. The curriculum will cover anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, business ethics, fundamentals of massages, bodywork, and much more. Students will participate in weekly client clinics and outside practice in the real-world to build confidence in their abilities. The program meets and exceeds Illinois Licensure requirements, so graduates will be eligible to take the MBLEx exam and obtain a license to practice in the State of Illinois. Day and evening classes are available to meet student needs. Classes meet Monday and Thursday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm or Monday and Thursday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Program overview:
Massage Therapy Certificate
Duration: 34 weeks
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Complete an application for enrollment
- Provide proof of completing high school or GED
- Attend an admission interview
- Must have good moral character
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $9,000 including tuition and required textbooks.
Website: https://www.sohmar.com/massage.html?menu=courses
Address: 3051 Oak Grove Road, Suite 104, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: 630-968-7827