Massage Therapy

Ease client aches and tension

Learn bodywork techniques based in the sciences

Promote relaxation and healing using science-based massage techniques. Apply the essentials of human anatomy, physiology, palpation, pathology and more. Develop your practice with key communication, business and clinical skills. Your coursework prepares you to complete the national Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and apply for licensure in Illinois and most other states.

After successful completion of 3 prerequisite courses, you can earn the 33-35 credit-hour (712 contact hour) certificate and launch a rewarding career in nine months (two semesters) with daytime attendance—or 12 months (three semesters) with evening and weekend attendance.

What can you do with a Certificate in Massage Therapy?

The Certificate in Massage Therapy prepares you to work as a licensed massage therapist in a variety of settings such as wellness centers, sports clinics, private practice, salons, spas, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and other health care and recreational settings.

Take advantage of our ‘ladder’ approach where you can apply most of your Massage Therapy credits towards an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Health and Wellness Promotion degree.

Attend information session

Prior to admission, you must:
- attend a MAS information session
- be 18 years of age or older
- earned your high school diploma or GED
- successfully pass these pre-requisite classes with a “C” or better:
  - Introduction to Massage Therapy (MAS 119)
  - Human Form & Function (BIO 111) or take both Human Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 244) and Human Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO 245)
  - First Aid & CPR (KIN 228)
Once prerequisite classes are successfully completed, you may join the full-time 9-month program in the Fall (August) or the 12-month program in the Spring (January) semester. Then the department chair will provide you with instructions and forms on how to complete a:
- criminal fingerprint background check
- urine drug screen
- medical and physical exam
The results of your background check and drug screen may result in your losing your seat in the program. You are responsible for the cost of these items.
Because of the inherent requirements of the massage profession, the following essential technical functions are expected of you:
- lifting, stretching, and standing over the course of one or two hours
- use of a full range of motion of the joints, and the ability to perform fine motor movements with the hands
- ability to perform repetitive tasks such as stooping, bending, twisting, reaching and occasionally kneeling and squatting
- good physical health and the ability to safely give and receive massages without risk of physical injury; you should consult a doctor to determine whether giving or receiving massages might be harmful to your health in any way
- ability to always respond in an emotionally controlled, professional and ethical manner in varied client care and educational situations
- willingness to give massages to and receive massages from people of different ages, body types, genders, sexual orientations and personalities

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Student Therapeutic Massage Clinic

Gain hands-on experience with guidance from a licensed therapist/instructor and providing massage services to community members.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24,283
  
  Median
  
  $54,964
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $128,491
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $11.67
  
  Median
  
  $26.42
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.77
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  3.85%
  
  Certificate
  
  73.08%
  
  Some college
  
  7.69%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.54%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  3.85%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
MAS 119	MAS 119 Introduction to Massage Therapy Class Description This course is required to be accepted into the Massage Therapy Program. It offers students an introduction to therapeutic massage principles, theory, and techniques. Topics of discussion will include history, ethics, business, basic anatomical terminology and body mechanics. Students will learn basic Swedish massage techniques. Completion with a grade of "C" or better is required prior to admission to the Massage Therapy Program. Note: Must be 18 years of age to enroll.	1
BIO 111	BIO 111 Human Form and Function Class Description This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.	4
KIN 228	KIN 228 First Aid/CPR Class Description (Previously PED 228) This course is designed to prepare citizen responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to emergency and first-aid situations. First aid, CPR, and AED for adults, children, and infants are included in this course. Students will be eligible to take national certification exams upon successful completion of each respective content area.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 119
Course Title	MAS 119 Introduction to Massage Therapy Class Description This course is required to be accepted into the Massage Therapy Program. It offers students an introduction to therapeutic massage principles, theory, and techniques. Topics of discussion will include history, ethics, business, basic anatomical terminology and body mechanics. Students will learn basic Swedish massage techniques. Completion with a grade of "C" or better is required prior to admission to the Massage Therapy Program. Note: Must be 18 years of age to enroll.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 111
Course Title	BIO 111 Human Form and Function Class Description This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	KIN 228
Course Title	KIN 228 First Aid/CPR Class Description (Previously PED 228) This course is designed to prepare citizen responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to emergency and first-aid situations. First aid, CPR, and AED for adults, children, and infants are included in this course. Students will be eligible to take national certification exams upon successful completion of each respective content area.
Credits	2

Prerequisite Courses

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
MAS 110	MAS 110 Massage Structure and Functions I Class Description This course examines the anatomy and physiology of cells and tissues that underlie the normal functioning of the human body. Content includes an introduction to the principal bones and muscles, as well as their structure and functions at both a cellular and tissue level. Anatomic or physiological principles as related to practical application in therapeutic massage will be covered. Course also covers basic principles of pathology and the major pathological conditions likely to be encountered in massage therapy.	2
MAS 112	MAS 112 Kinesiology and Palpation I Class Description Course examines the skeletal and muscular systems that underlie the normal functioning of the body. Content includes a study of the structure of each major joint of the body and how the surrounding musculature affects the support and function of those joints. Principles of kinesiology are geared toward practical applications in the field of massage therapy, including major pathological conditions likely to be encountered.	2
MAS 114	MAS 114 Massage: Communication & Business I Class Description This course introduces students to interpersonal communication theories, and concepts of professional boundaries and ethical touch. This course also introduces students to business and legal practices of the massage therapy industry. Topics include tax information, licensing, liability insurance, and professionalism.	3
MAS 116	MAS 116 Clinical Skills and Special Populations Class Description This course introduces the students to the basic aspects of the procedural process of assessing, treatment planning and documenting in a massage clinic. Case-based applications and case discussions are utilized during the course to enhance the student's critical thinking skills. This course examines basic massage techniques and procedures when working with special populations including, but not limited to, geriatric, pregnant, cancer, and HIV clients. Students will learn basic chair massage skills and will practice and demonstrate massage techniques.	3
MAS 131	MAS 131 Massage Therapy I: Swedish Class Description This course involves hands-on learning of basic Swedish massage techniques and strokes, including effleurage, friction, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, and joint movements. Content includes body mechanics, draping techniques, client intake, contraindications, and listening skills.	2
MAS 132	MAS 132 Massage Therapy II: Integrative Class Description This course introduces students to the fundamentals of three massage modalities; Craniosacral Therapy, Foot Reflexology, and Polarity Therapy. The concept of the "Fascial Web" is also introduced.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 110
Course Title	MAS 110 Massage Structure and Functions I Class Description This course examines the anatomy and physiology of cells and tissues that underlie the normal functioning of the human body. Content includes an introduction to the principal bones and muscles, as well as their structure and functions at both a cellular and tissue level. Anatomic or physiological principles as related to practical application in therapeutic massage will be covered. Course also covers basic principles of pathology and the major pathological conditions likely to be encountered in massage therapy.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 112
Course Title	MAS 112 Kinesiology and Palpation I Class Description Course examines the skeletal and muscular systems that underlie the normal functioning of the body. Content includes a study of the structure of each major joint of the body and how the surrounding musculature affects the support and function of those joints. Principles of kinesiology are geared toward practical applications in the field of massage therapy, including major pathological conditions likely to be encountered.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 114
Course Title	MAS 114 Massage: Communication & Business I Class Description This course introduces students to interpersonal communication theories, and concepts of professional boundaries and ethical touch. This course also introduces students to business and legal practices of the massage therapy industry. Topics include tax information, licensing, liability insurance, and professionalism.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 116
Course Title	MAS 116 Clinical Skills and Special Populations Class Description This course introduces the students to the basic aspects of the procedural process of assessing, treatment planning and documenting in a massage clinic. Case-based applications and case discussions are utilized during the course to enhance the student's critical thinking skills. This course examines basic massage techniques and procedures when working with special populations including, but not limited to, geriatric, pregnant, cancer, and HIV clients. Students will learn basic chair massage skills and will practice and demonstrate massage techniques.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 131
Course Title	MAS 131 Massage Therapy I: Swedish Class Description This course involves hands-on learning of basic Swedish massage techniques and strokes, including effleurage, friction, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, and joint movements. Content includes body mechanics, draping techniques, client intake, contraindications, and listening skills.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 132
Course Title	MAS 132 Massage Therapy II: Integrative Class Description This course introduces students to the fundamentals of three massage modalities; Craniosacral Therapy, Foot Reflexology, and Polarity Therapy. The concept of the "Fascial Web" is also introduced.
Credits	2

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
MAS 210	MAS 210 Massage Structure and Functions II Class Description This course examines the anatomy and physiology of tissues and organs that underlie the normal functioning of the body. Content focuses on the anatomical and physiological principles as related to therapeutic massage. This course also examines the impact of massage therapy on the normal functioning of body systems as well as principles of pathology and the major pathological conditions likely to be encountered in massage therapy.	2
MAS 212	MAS 212 Kinesiology and Palpation II Class Description This course continues an examination of the skeletal and muscular systems that underlie the normal functioning of the body. Content includes an introduction to the complexities of movement, and the directional terminology associated with that movement. Students build upon their knowledge of the skeletal system and the core muscles for movement and stability.	2
MAS 214	MAS 214 Massage: Communication and Business II Class Description This course covers more advanced communication techniques for managing the client-massage therapist relationship. Topics include effective listening, verbal and non-verbal communication, and professional boundaries. Comprehensive examination of professional ethics, and legal and regulatory considerations for a massage therapy business will also be covered.	3
MAS 233	MAS 233 Massage Therapy III: Rehabilitative Class Description This course combines two therapeutic modalities - Neuromuscular Therapy and Sports Massage Therapy. Content includes both functional assessment and corrective concepts.	2
MAS 234	MAS 234 Massage Therapy IV: Advanced Techniques Class Description This course involves hands-on learning of the fascial system and fascial web. Content includes therapeutic massage techniques and strokes, with an understanding of the connective tissue which supports the body. This course also serves as an introduction to Eastern healing theories emphasizing the practical application and function of Shiatsu and exploration of the twelve channels. This course blends didactic lecture with hands-on practice.	2
MAS 235	MAS 235 Therapeutic Massage Clinic Class Description In this course students perform full-body therapeutic massage sessions and 20 minute chair massage sessions on members of the community and the College. Students apply principles, techniques, and procedures to assess and treat clients in a professional massage setting. Students will serve as both the therapist and office assistant. Students will demonstrate client/therapist communication skills, apply both basic and advanced massage techniques, use proper safety and sanitation practices, practice proper draping skills and body mechanics, and record each session with proper documentation.	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 210
Course Title	MAS 210 Massage Structure and Functions II Class Description This course examines the anatomy and physiology of tissues and organs that underlie the normal functioning of the body. Content focuses on the anatomical and physiological principles as related to therapeutic massage. This course also examines the impact of massage therapy on the normal functioning of body systems as well as principles of pathology and the major pathological conditions likely to be encountered in massage therapy.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 212
Course Title	MAS 212 Kinesiology and Palpation II Class Description This course continues an examination of the skeletal and muscular systems that underlie the normal functioning of the body. Content includes an introduction to the complexities of movement, and the directional terminology associated with that movement. Students build upon their knowledge of the skeletal system and the core muscles for movement and stability.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 214
Course Title	MAS 214 Massage: Communication and Business II Class Description This course covers more advanced communication techniques for managing the client-massage therapist relationship. Topics include effective listening, verbal and non-verbal communication, and professional boundaries. Comprehensive examination of professional ethics, and legal and regulatory considerations for a massage therapy business will also be covered.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 233
Course Title	MAS 233 Massage Therapy III: Rehabilitative Class Description This course combines two therapeutic modalities - Neuromuscular Therapy and Sports Massage Therapy. Content includes both functional assessment and corrective concepts.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 234
Course Title	MAS 234 Massage Therapy IV: Advanced Techniques Class Description This course involves hands-on learning of the fascial system and fascial web. Content includes therapeutic massage techniques and strokes, with an understanding of the connective tissue which supports the body. This course also serves as an introduction to Eastern healing theories emphasizing the practical application and function of Shiatsu and exploration of the twelve channels. This course blends didactic lecture with hands-on practice.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	MAS 235
Course Title	MAS 235 Therapeutic Massage Clinic Class Description In this course students perform full-body therapeutic massage sessions and 20 minute chair massage sessions on members of the community and the College. Students apply principles, techniques, and procedures to assess and treat clients in a professional massage setting. Students will serve as both the therapist and office assistant. Students will demonstrate client/therapist communication skills, apply both basic and advanced massage techniques, use proper safety and sanitation practices, practice proper draping skills and body mechanics, and record each session with proper documentation.
Credits	1

Total Credit Hours

35

Massage Therapy at CLC

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Learn about courses, faculty, related programs and more.

View the Massage Therapy program overview

Frequently asked questions

As a Massage Therapy student, you benefit from:
- small class sizes
- affordable costs
- financial aid opportunities (grants and scholarships)
- instructors that are licensed massage therapists or practicing health practitioners
- being part of a cohort program, which is a group that stays together throughout the program, becoming a tight-knit community
- block classes in the morning or evening/weekend
- learning a variety of massage techniques
- student membership to governing organization with access to an online massage therapy licensing exam preparation program
- personal growth and transformation
- community outreach and networking opportunities
- access to a Career and Job Placement Center and other on-campus amenities
Yes! Massage therapy courses blend lecture, lab and clinical hours to provide you with 712 contact hours. After you complete this program, you are prepared to sit for the national Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). This exam is a requirement for licensure in most states, including Illinois and Wisconsin.
No. All massage therapy classes must be taken in person. These classes are offered at the Southlake Campus in Vernon Hills.

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Ease client aches and tension

Learn bodywork techniques based in the sciences

What can you do with a Certificate in Massage Therapy?

Admission: Before you enroll

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Student Therapeutic Massage Clinic

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Massage Therapists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 9 Credits

Semester 2 14 Credits

Semester 3 12 Credits