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The New School For Massage Bodyworks & Healing Interested in Becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist? Let us help you. We have been training massage therapists since 2002. Our state-approved, COMTA-Endorsed Massage & Bodywork Diploma Program will provide you with the coursework and hands-on experience to pass the licensing exam, pursue your state license, and get employment as a licensed massage therapist.
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Our comprehensive, integrated Diploma curriculum has been our flagship program since 2002. The program is organized in three units: Human Sciences for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers, Massage and Bodywork, and Professional Development. The material is presented in an innovative, integrated fashion intended to maximize students' retention of knowledge and technique.
Completion of an online Application for Admission including a short essay explaining why the applicant wants to pursue a career in massage therapy. Good physical and mental health, ensuring the candidate is capable of meeting the physical and emotional demands of performing therapeutic massage. In determining "good moral character", we consider conviction of any crime, whether felony or misdemeanor, or any crime that is directly related to the practice of the profession.
If you are considering a career in massage therapy you cannot afford to miss this event. We talk about everything that you need to know in your pursuit of massage therapy: from schooling and licensing requirements to career options and some of the pitfalls too! An honest talk that can save you lots of money and propel your future in the right direction! We hope you can attend!
This is a 72 hour, standalone course integrating 4 segments of our licensing track program. The course is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and is intended for those who are interested in massage therapy but do not wish to pursue a career as licensed massage therapists. The course teaches the fundamentals of massage therapy, ethics, and plenty of hands-on practice.
Reviews (13)
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Rebekah Lomahan
Jun 13, 2022
If you are looking for educated teachers who are passionate in massaging and caring for your academic needs, then you have come to the right place. I was one of the students at New School for Massage and am completely satisfied with my journey there. I first came about this program because the price met my budget. But I realized the school was a gem in and of itself.

Nothing can beat the value of a good school community. The moment I talked with the director Emmanuel, I realized this school was honest, open, and transparent. All the details were laid out perfectly. Academically wise, some classes were very difficult. There were online materials to review over and over again. Everything is truly at your finger tips.

I struggled in the Anatomy class, but my teacher Carrie, helped guide us through every muscle, action, and so on. In person, she really cared about how you could remember each muscle creatively. She also gave scenarios on how you may address a client with this particular issue. I really enjoyed the Massage Bodywork Class 2 and Specialized Massages.

I use a lot of techniques in my massages currently. You can really see how a person's mobility increases too. These classes literally showed me massages has an important role in injury rehabilitation. Another important class, is the business class to show the reality of what happens when you work as a self-employed contractor, own a business, and more marketing strategies.

This prepared me for my current job. One of the benefits are the clinicals. A supervisor is available if you have any questions about clients and how to massage better. It really trains you to write proper SOAP notes or post-assessments and plans. The clients gave me great feedback and my fellow classmates did too. You will gain strength and endurance, knowledge of medical terminology, and compassion for others.

You are probably wondering if I passed the MBLEX. I did, on my first try! I was prepared for the MBLEX because the New School for Massage class exams and quizzes model after it and are sometimes just as hard. Coming out of the program, it was simple to get a job. Don't worry, you found a great place.
Sara Snow
May 24, 2022
I graduated from the New School for Massage in 2015 and can confidently say that the instructors, facility, and program set me up for the utmost success in my career. I continue to practice using the multitude of skills and knowledge I gained during my time there and recommend looking no further for the gold standard in massage education.
Amber Gibson
May 17, 2022
I can not explain how grateful I am to have attended The New School for Massage. My journey through the program was a long one. It was only supposed to take about a year and ended up being a little over 2 years. I looked at different massage schools endlessly. I do not live in the city but decided to give it a try and went to the orientation to learn more about the program and decided that week I was willing to do the travel time to attend this program.

I began at the end of 2019. By March the pandemic began and by April I found out I was pregnant. Although I would have preferred to go to all of my classes in person, the instructors did a fantastic job teaching through zoom since we had no other choice. I did about half of my anatomy and pathology classes online and there was never a time where I felt I wasn't getting a quality education.

All of the instructors are so helpful. Every one has their own style and does things a little different but I was able to learn something new from every single one. They were very patient with me and let me do things at my own pace since I had a baby in the middle of everything. The clinic hours I did truly prepared me for starting a job in the field.

I took my Mblex exam about a month before graduating and passed on the first try. I graduated in February and started my first massage job this month. I recommend this program for anyone interested in becoming a massage therapist. 5/5 for my experience here. I will never forget it.
Tony Morse
Apr 21, 2022
I just finished my massage therapy program at New School of Massage, the downtown La Salle location (2022). The program is excellent. The teachers were excellent. I enjoyed my experience thoroughly. I passed the MBLEX before graduating. The program highly prepares you for the licensing exam and for the field. The program is very science heavy, which can be difficult and unexpected for those without a college background.

Some classes were larger class size than I would have preferred, but my education was never affected. There is a lot of one-on-one hands-on attention with the teachers. I can't recommend this program enough.
Morgana Kemper
Feb 10, 2021
I had a great experience at New School for Massage. Good environment, affordable tuition and the value was well worth the price. Capable instructors, amazing hands on clinic opportunity to grow and develop skills. Nice environment and convenient location. As an foreign student, I felt very comfortable with the way the classes were run. I took the 7 months fast track and time flew.

Less than one year later, I finished the school and got my license. The instructors are very patient and comprehensive. Great material and preparation for MBLEx. I passed the MBLEx on the first try and I'm very thankful for learning at this school.
Michele Delmonte
Jan 27, 2021
Amazing school, very prepared teachers, friendly and warm atmosphere, the clinic is connected to the school for your mandatory hours of training "hands on". The preparation for the final state exams for your license it's impeccable (I don't know any of my class mates that failed the state exams). Possibility to follow 2 different class track: the evening class and the fast track in the morning if you want to get licensed in less than a year. Tuition is affordable and definitely worth it.
Moni G.
Dec 30, 2020
I truly adored my experience attending the New School for Massage! The faculty & staff is so genuinely kind & caring of their students, their learning & life journeys! Especially as a queer, neurodiverse person with various learning differences & chronic health concerns, it was amazing to be welcomed & accommodated in such a loving environment! Attending the New School for Massage was one of the best decisions I made for myself in my professional career as well as my own life journey. I look back fondly & genuinely miss the classes, teachers & students! Highly recommended!
Kathryn Orloff
Dec 12, 2020
After researching the massage therapy school options in the Chicagoland area, I decided this was the one for me. And I was not disappointed! Great leadership and instructors within a welcoming and supportive environment. Academically powerful and hands-on classes that reinforce the material. The school is connected to a professional massage studio where student clinic is completed. I highly recommend New School for Massage.
Sarah Lex
Nov 22, 2020
I graduated from the New School for Massage in February and passed the IL state licensing exam in March. I had a really great experience here and would highly recommend it. The entire staff were knowledgeable and created a welcoming & engaging learning environment. It is obvious that they really care about the students and are passionate about massage & bodywork.

I truly enjoyed going to class and found the workload manageable. I learned a lot from the teachers as well as the other students and really appreciate the active community of bodywork professionals & fellow alumni. Thanks NSM!
Dominika Hertsberg
Jul 25, 2020
I had a phenomenal experience as a student at the New School for Massage. This is the only massage school that offers such extensive education and provides individual attention to every student. Years later, when recruiting massage therapists to work with me, I welcome a NSM graduate with open arms. Their knowledge and skillset are far superior to an alumni from another school.
Corey Murtha
Jul 10, 2020
I recently graduated from this school. My experience here was great. The admin team really works with your schedule and are very helpful. The instructors are knowledgeable, entertaining, and encourage you to take the information you already have along with what you learn and make it your own. Everybody there seems to genuinely enjoy their job and enjoy helping people. Great atmosphere all around. Definitely worth a look if you are getting into the massage/bodywork field.
Oribi Kontein
May 19, 2020
If you are seeking a budget friendly, family oriented, in-depth insight into weighted educational resources that will assist you in realizing fully your passion, the New School for Massage is your go to. Coming from the fitness industry as a personal trainer, I was lucky to finish right before covid and with immerse help from Emmanuel and supporting staff, I was able to take my Mblex and passed a couple weeks early before graduation.

With the knowledge, confidence, and support for continous learning, I can say I have been able to skyrocket my skillset, technique and business wise (a key aspect that is not easily available in our industry) For the first time in my life, I was excited to go to school and be in a class each day. I was excited to improve my knowledge and massage technique easily with the comprehensive courses and super helpful tutors.

And the best part, you can free bodywork done on you by other students when practicing during technique class. I never officially got to say thank you. Thank you, for helping realizing my passion. Thank you, for the support and assistance. Thank you, for the counsel and guidance. Thank you, for the tutoring and confidence boost. Thank you, for teaching me a skill to help sustain myself and family. In health,
Rob Dorton
Nov 18, 2019
If you want to study massage therapy, this is the place! Excellent instructors, great facilities, fantastic clinical experience. A nurturing, fun, safe place where you feel like a cared-for individual. Definitely not a degree mill. Class sizes are small, and the curriculum is interesting, relevant, and prepares you very well for the licensing exam. The tuition is a great deal, too! I'm so glad I studied at the New School. I don't think there is a higher quality massage therapy school out there.