Massage Therapy Program

What is Massage Therapy?

Therapeutic massage offers both relaxation and health benefits. With the correct training, massage can be an adjunct therapy in addressing many health disorders. Massage can also be a stress-relieving choice for people committed to wellness and preventive health care. 

Massage Therapy Techniques

From the long-slow strokes of Swedish massage, to the direct and penetrating pressure of trigger-point therapy, massage therapy can also include: cranio-sacral work, sports massage, pregnancy and infant massage, chair massage, hot stone therapy and more! 

Massage Therapy Careers

Today's massage therapists can work in their own "at home" or private office practice, on cruise ships, for sports teams, in hospice centers and nursing homes, in hospitals and integrative care clinics, in a chiropractic physician's office, or in corporate wellness centers. Massage therapists can often set their own hours and choose the work environment that suits them best.

Program Overview

You can earn your Certification in Massage Therapy in three trimesters or 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 the Chiropractic Assistant Certification Program (available at our Lombard campus only) by adding just a few extra weekend courses and you'll have even more credentials for starting an exciting future in health care. 

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.

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 courses. In these classes, you'll combine palpation and pathology coursework with time spent learning from cadavers in our gross 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.

Strengths

Consider National University for its distinct advantages and be well-prepared for the career that awaits you.

Excellent Career Preparation

Beginning with the Intro to Massage Therapy course, students are invited to explore the profession and the university before committing to the full program. Once in the program, you will be well trained for a variety of job settings including spa, corporate, hospital, sports and more.

Additionally, NUHS graduates score very well on state licensure exams, so they are well prepared for this first step to employment. Students wishing to add still more to their skill set also have the option of continuing on to the Chiropractic Assistant program or Associate of Applied Science degree.

Thorough Curriculum

Choosing to study Massage Therapy at National University means you will receive a thorough education with a strong medical and health focus. The unique curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy through instruction in the medical cadaver lab. The flexible evening program accommodates part-time or working students and is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation.

Outstanding Facilities

While at NUHS, students will study on a beautiful 35-acre campus and have access to a gross anatomy and biochemistry laboratory as well as a learning resource center with over 15,000 volumes. The campus also includes a massage therapy suite housed in our on-site clinic which affords students real world interaction with patients and the public.

Clinical Exposure

Students in the Massage Therapy program will receive early clinical exposure with experienced clinicians. Because we are a graduate medical school, you will learn from professors and instructors with outstanding credentials. The large integrative campus clinic provides a unique opportunity to interact with other health care professionals within a diverse clinic setting.

Emphasis on Collaborative Learning

The institutional focus at National University is on collaborative learning and encourages students to become colleagues rather than competitors, preparing them for future careers in integrated health care. Students have the opportunity to learn in a unique environment with others from multiple Complementary and Alternative Medicine professions.

Curriculum

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 (available at our Lombard campus only).

The massage therapy programs at National University provide thorough training in every area necessary to practice successfully as a professional massage therapist. The curriculum provides you with a solid grounding in anatomy and physiology, includes study of massage theory and history, and offers extensive training in clinical massage as well as business practices and ethics. You will be prepared for immediate work in any health care setting or for self-employment.

Distinctive Curriculum

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

Chiropractic Assistant Certification Program

The Chiropractic Assistant program is available at our Lombard campus only. 

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.