National University of Health Sciences has been accumulating an impressive collection of success stories since it's first class of massage therapy graduates finished the program in the year 2000.

Here are a few of our former students with stories that show some of the exciting career possiblities in this expanding field:

After graduating from National, Yolanda began her own massage business out of her home. Today, however, business has grown and she now has her own office space in suburban Warrenville, Illinois.

Yolanda is very active in her community promoting massage. "I'm a member of the local chamber of commerce, and I've sponsored sports teams and church fundraisers. I also donate massage gift certificates and do chair massage at community events," says Yolanda. All of these outreach efforts have brought her new business that keeps her practice thriving.

She is grateful for her experience at National, and says, "My decision to go to NUHS was after much research. I don't think I could have received the same education anywhere else. For me, National was the top!"

Since graduating, Yolanda has attended several continuing education classes at NUHS to enrich her practice, including orthopedic massage, headache relief and orthobionomy.

Krista Soli ('06)

For the last year, Krista Soli has been working four days per week at the job of her dreams. Krista is the massage therapist at Oasis Center for Health, an integrative medical clinic in Hinsdale, Illinois. "I see a great cross-section of clients, some of whom are in chronic pain, or are pre-surgery, or geriatric. I even have two pediatric clients," says Krista. "My degree from National definitely helped me get this job. All the training I received in pathology and special populations is very important in what I do."

"I work with two acupuncturists, one chiropractic physician, a 'healing hands' nurse and a medical psychotherapist," says Krista. "I am considered one of the practitioners, not just an employee. Once every week, we all meet together to go over our center's cases and share what we know from the perspective of our health care specialty."

"This is exactly the career I wanted when I went to school," she says. "I thought I'd have to work 20 years to get it, but it came right to me!"

Judy Compton ('03)

“National’s massage therapy program is health care oriented, preparing you to work well in a medical setting. Besides offering a comprehensive, science-based curriculum taught by chiropractic physicians and massage therapists, you are also trained in communication skills, which are invaluable in working with clients,” says National massage grad, Judy Compton.

Judy has a degree in education and was a teacher before deciding to switch careers and go into massage therapy. “It was the best decision I ever made. I’ve been working in a chiropractor’s office since my second trimester, and I absolutely love it. Last year, I traveled to Hollywood and worked with contestants and celebrities at the Miss USA pageant."

Judy also appreciated how the flexibility of National’s schedule fit her lifestyle. She attended school part-time while she worked full-time and completed her program in less than two years.

Michael Bouvier ('03)

During his first trimester at NUHS, Michael Bouvier came up with the business name "enlightened hands." Last year, he incorporated his business, which has locations in Sububan Westmont and Algonquin. Michael also does a steady stream of home visits and chair massage. Additionally, Michael provides massage for several corporate accounts, including the McDonalds corporation. He has also successfully worked with workman's compensation and insurance providers in handling his recent client cases.

"In my business, I've been able to interact with many massage therapists who come from other schools," says Michael. "I think National's caliber is higher. I highly recomment that people choose National for its anatomy training, the hands-on experience they'll have, the pathology classes, as well as National's business program."

What's Michael's advice fore those considering a career in massage therapy? "Self-care is very important, especially your hands and arms.  They are literally what keep you in business. you need to get into this business for the right reasons -- to help people. If your intent is right, then the money will come."

Why does Michael feel he is so successful? "I love what I do, so it comes through in my massage."