Massage Therapy (Certificate)
Program Overview
This 24 credit-hour program prepares the graduate to be a massage therapist and sit for the required Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and apply for state licensure as a Massage Therapist. Graduates also have the option to take the exam to become Board Certified for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. A massage therapist manipulates soft tissue to promote wellness as well as restore and improve function. Massage therapists are employed in diverse environments from chiropractic and rehabilitation settings to beauty and health spas. Many massage therapists own their own businesses as well as travel to on-site locations. Massage therapy can be a full-time career or part-time supplemental employment. This program combines clinical and didactic educational experiences to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality massage therapy care to clients with diverse background and clinical presentations. The Massage Therapy Program is programmatically accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (900 Commonwealth Place, Suite 200-331, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, Phone: 202.888.6790, Email: info@comta.org, Website: www.comta.org). To work in the massage therapy profession, graduates must meet the requirements set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR): 18 years of age, high school graduate or equivalent (GED) and successfully pass a criminal background check. Graduates must pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and apply for licensure with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Prospective students must meet the current program admissions requirements including a program orientation with the program coordinator.