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In Illinois and most other states, obtaining licensure is a critical first step toward becoming a massage therapist professional.

After two semesters, graduates of this program will have received over 570 hours of instruction and clinical experience, 70 more than the 500 hours that are required to sit for the National Certification Examination for Massage. And both semesters of instruction at CLC must be complete before students become eligible to take the licensure exam.

The Exam, which costs $175, is recognized by 36 states, including Illinois. From January 2007 to June 2007, ASIS graduates in Arizona had a 100 percent pass rate on the NCTMB exam, well over the national average of approximately 70 percent. The examination fee is not included in the tuition and fees.

Graduates must pass the exam before they become eligible to apply to the Illinois Massage Board to become licensed therapists in this state. There is an additional $175 fee to become licensed in Illinois and licensed massage therapists will have to take continuing education courses to maintain their licensure status over the years.

The Illinois Massage Board mandates criminal background investigations of candidates for licensure. Contact the Illinois Massage Board at (217) 785-058 for more information. In general, positive findings related to felony convictions may severely limit clinical placements and/or job opportunities in the field.

 
 
 
College of Lake County, 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030-1198    (847) 543-2000