Hands-on healing.
Build the skills and confidence needed for a career in massage Therapy.
Unlock the potential of your career with our Massage Therapy Program at Moraine Valley. Enhance your skills in the wellness and healthcare industries with a comprehensive education that can be completed in just one year. Our program offers a significantly lower cost compared to private schools in Chicago, making it an affordable option to achieve your goals without breaking the bank.
Our classes are taught by licensed massage therapists who bring their specialized expertise to the program. They are dedicated to providing excellence in massage therapy training and education, ensuring you receive top-quality instruction. Beyond technical skills, our program emphasizes the importance of interpersonal communication, poise, and professionalism. You’ll learn how to maintain established safety and sanitation standards, which are crucial in building trust with your clients.
Our classes are conducted in a contemporary, technology-enabled classroom. The 2,600-square-foot multi-purpose room features a central lecture area and 10 semi-private studios. Two studios are equipped with hydraulic tables to accommodate individuals with special needs, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.
The Massage Therapy program offers flexible start times, with entry available at the start of each semester, in January, May, and August. You can begin your training during any semester and move forward on a schedule that fits your goals.
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Prioritize wellness with a Career in Massage Therapy
Get introduced to essential concepts and acquire valuable knowledge that will aid you in your career in Massage Therarpy.
A certificate in Therapeutic Massage prepares you for a career as a licensed massage therapist, helping clients reduce pain, improve mobility, and support overall wellness.
Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including spas, wellness centers, rehabilitation clinics, chiropractic offices, fitness facilities, and private practice. In this role, you’ll use hands-on techniques to relieve muscle tension, support injury recovery, and enhance physical and emotional well-being.
Through coursework in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, you’ll gain a strong understanding of how the body functions, paired with practical training in therapeutic techniques. The program also emphasizes professionalism, client care, and foundational business skills, giving you the tools to build a successful career or grow your own client base.
This certificate can also enhance the skill set of professionals already working in health and wellness fields, such as personal trainers, physical therapy assistants, or those in rehabilitation settings, allowing them to expand services and better support their clients.
Additionally, the program instills the code of professional ethics coupled with a foundation of business management skills. Program students are prepared and eligible to sit for the exam to obtain Illinois licensure.
The Therapeutic Massage Certificate at Moraine Valley is designed to be completed in three semesters.
The Therapeutic Massage Certificate at Moraine Valley can typically be completed in three semesters when attending full time.
This program prepares students for a career in massage therapy through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and real-world experience. Students develop skills in therapeutic techniques that promote relaxation, support rehabilitation, and improve overall physical and emotional well-being while building a foundation in professionalism, ethics, and basic business practices.
The Massage Therapy program offers flexible start times, with entry available at the start of each semester, in January, May, and August. You can begin your training during any semester and move forward on a schedule that fits your goals.
Admission Requirements
Students must be 18 years of age and posess a valid First Aid card for healthcare workers or enrollement/credit in PEH-170.
In order to comply with certain state statutes and/or clinical affiliation agreements, students will be asked to complete a criminal background check. Application forms for criminal background checks may be obtained through the Career Programs Subdivision Office, B150, and fees paid to the Cashier’s Office. For information on criminal background application procedures, please contact the Career Programs Subdivision Office at (708) 974-5708. Satisfactory results of a completed criminal background check must be supplied to the program coordinator the first week a student is enrolled in MAS-110.
Moraine Valley students gain valuable experience working on clients right here at the college under the supervision of a faculty member. The fee is $30 for a 50-minute massage. You may pay by check or cash only on the day of your massage.
Student Massage Clinic
50 minute Swedish massage
Location: Building B, Room 161
Hours: By appointment only
View and Sign Client Policies
Fall 2026 Hours (Through Dec. 2, 2026)
*Mondays, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
*Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Appointments are subject to availability and our clinic policies
$30 cash or check only ($20 for students with Moraine Valley Student ID)
Call (708) 608-4460 or email massageclinic@morainevalley.edu to book an appointment.
Massage Partnerships
The Theraputic Massage progam at Moraine Valley partners with various organizations to offer unique opporunties and resources for students.
Potential careers in Massage Therapy
Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, including spas, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, rehabilitation clinics, fitness facilities, and private practice. Many professionals also choose to specialize in areas such as sports massage, medical or therapeutic massage, or recovery and wellness services.
Fast-track option for healthcare professionals
With a background in anatomy and kinesiology, you may be able to complete this program in as little as two semesters.
Discover the path that works for you.
Traditional route: Start your journey toward becoming a licensed massage therapist by enrolling directly in our therapeutic massage program. Complete the certificate in under a year at a fraction of the cost compared to private schools in Chicago.
Exploratory course: Not sure if massage therapy is the right fit? Try our new six-week non-credit course for just $119—supplies included! Learn the basics, get a feel for the profession, and if you decide to continue, your course credits transfer seamlessly into the full program.
Real stories of success.
Moraine Valley’s Therapeutic Massage program will prepare students to use hands-on techniques as a licensed massage therapist. Learn more about how to enter this growing field.
Kathleen Wellman
Program Coordinator
After transitioning from a career as a CPA to massage therapy in 2001, I discovered a calling rooted in healing, connection, and purpose. Our massage therapy program honors the individuality of each student, welcoming their unique stories and diverse life experiences as essential parts of the learning journey. Together, we are shaping the future of massage therapy—elevating the profession and bringing the healing power of touch to every body.
Faculty with real-world experience.
Your instructors don’t just teach the material, they’ve worked in the field. With experience in massage therapy, client care, and wellness practices, they bring real examples and hands-on knowledge into every class. You’ll learn what to expect and how to prepare for your first role as a massage therapist.
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Program Details
View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.
| Program | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic Massage | Certificate | 1249 | Health Sciences |
Faculty Spotlight
Celebrating the passionate instructors who inspire, support, and engage our students every day inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
“Lisa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.”
— Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
“Lisa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.”
— Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
“Lisa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.”
— Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
“Lisa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.”
— Colleague, Communications Department
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