Massage Therapy Program

Program Overview

You can finish your certification in Massage Therapy in just one year of convenient evening classes. Or, if you've earned your general education requirements toward a two-year degree at another college, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in massage therapy by completing our program. 

Combine this program with Chiropractic Assistant certification program by adding just a few extra weekend courses and you'll have even more credentials for starting an exciting future in health care. 

Prepare for Licensure
Take the national certification examination with confidence. Our graduates perform exceptionally well on the mandatory licensing exam with scores traditionally above both state and national averages. View scores »

Master Techniques
Establish proficiency in Swedish massage, chair massage, sports massage, trigger point therapy, orthopedic massage, and deep tissue work as well as geriatric, cancer, pregnancy, infant and pediatric massage. Put these in practice when you intern in our on-campus integrative Whole Health Center treating a wide variety of clients.

Learn Anatomy
Explore the wonders of the human body and its systems through our anatomy and physiology course where you'll combine palpation and pathology classes with time spent in our cadaver-based anatomy lab.

Gain Business and Communication Skills
Gain business skills like learning how to build a successful client base, keep accounting and tax records, and familiarize yourself with state and local laws through our business management courses. Learn to communicate with other health care professionals in classes like medical terminology, interpersonal communication and ethics.

Unique Approach

Integrative Medicine
At National University, we believe a superior education in health care starts with an evidence-based, broad-scope curriculum emphasizing integrative medicine. Our students are educated in this integrative medicine setting and benefit from exposure to students from these unique disciplines.

And since the world of health care is moving towards integrative medicine, our graduates are uniquely positioned to take advantage of opportunities in this evolving field.  

Unique Campus
You will share a campus with students from all over the world studying for advanced degrees in health care.  Class sizes are generally small and offer lots of interaction with faculty and fellow students.

Academic Superiority
National University has a long history of academic rigor and excellence. We kept these standards in mind when creating the curriculum for the Massage Therapy program. We know you will be challenged by our graduate level faculty.

Unparalleled Career Preparation
Massage Therapy is a rewarding career where you can set your own hours and choose from a wide variety of working environments. While at National University, you will develop your professional resume, gain expertise in contract negotiation, and even create a business plan, which will give you a huge advantage if you decide to open your own business in the future. Wherever you decide to utilize your talents, we make sure you are fully prepared.

History of Excellence
National University has over 100 years of success in training dedicated physicians and practitioners of natural medicine. This academic tradition of excellence continues in our Massage Therapy program.

The Massage Therapy program can be completed in one year of evening classes. By adding a few extra weekend classes, you can also earn your Chiropractic Assistant Certificate.

Introduction to Massage Therapy
National University has created the Introduction to Massage Therapy course to be sure you fully understand the program and are confident it is the right fit for you. In this two week, 4-session course, you will learn the fundamental principles and hands-on techniques taught in the massage therapy program. This course is required for admission to the program.

Distinctive Curriculum
View trimester-by-trimester courses, course descriptions, and the course schedule. Learn more »

Chiropractic Assistant Certification Program

National University's Chiropractic Assistant certification program develops a competent, confident, self-motivated chiropractic assistant with the ability to think critically and provide assistance effectively in a variety of situations. Each student becomes fully prepared to enter the profession with a good foundation in knowledge and skills. Chiropractic assistants develop an attitude of caring, as well as self-confidence in interacting with patients and health care professionals.

This one-year program is comprised of evening courses shared with the massage therapy program, two Sunday seminars (12 Sundays total) and a clinical practicum. A total of 310 hours of classroom, lab and clinical instruction includes:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Chiropractic history and theory
• Clinical massage
• Medical terminology
• Business practices
• Interpersonal communication and wellness
• Principles in X-ray imaging and proper darkroom procedures
• Introduction to procedures and equipment used in making a diagnosis
• Taking and recording vital signs
• Experience as a Chiropractic Assistant in our university clinic system

Learn more about the Chiropractic Assistant program by viewing the trimester-by-trimester curriculum.

Note: Students in the Chiropractic Assistant program are not eligible for financial aid.