Business Details
24 Years
experience
Massage Therapy School in Chicago
Founded in 2002, The New School for Massage has established itself as a premier institution for massage therapy education. Our COMTA-accredited programs combine rigorous academic instruction with hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for successful careers. We emphasize a science-based curriculum covering anatomy, physiology, and pathology, ensuring graduates possess both technical expertise and professional ethics. Our faculty comprises industry professionals dedicated to mentoring students through 300 hours of training, including 125 hours in our public student clinic. As an Illinois Board of Higher Education-approved institution, we maintain strict educational standards while offering flexible scheduling options for daytime and evening learners.Our graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on licensing exams, reflecting our commitment to excellence in massage therapy education. Through partnerships with local employers and our job board, we actively support career placement for our alumni. Our River North campus provides state-of-the-art facilities in a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, fostering both professional development and community engagement.
Services
Massage Therapy Diploma
Introductory Massage Course
Continuing Education Workshops
Student Clinic Services
Career Placement Assistance
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- COMTA-accredited programs since 2002
- 300-hour training with 125 clinical hours
- Science-based curriculum with anatomy focus
- 95%+ graduate employment rate
- Flexible monthly start dates
Associations and certifications
- COMTA
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
Services
Massage Therapy Diploma
Our COMTA-accredited diploma program prepares students for massage therapy licensure through 300 hours of comprehensive training. The curriculum combines anatomy, physiology, and pathology studies with 125 hours of hands-on clinical experience in our public student clinic. Graduates receive career placement support and qualify for state licensing exams.
Introductory Massage Course
This state-approved introductory program provides foundational massage therapy skills through 100 hours of instruction. Students learn basic techniques and receive AMTA membership benefits. Course completion applies toward our diploma program with tuition credit.
Continuing Education Workshops
We offer specialized workshops for licensed therapists covering advanced techniques and industry developments. Classes held at our Chicago and Tinley Park locations include topics like deep tissue therapy and condition-specific treatments. Continuing education hours meet professional licensing requirements.
Student Clinic Services
Our supervised student clinic provides affordable massage therapy while training future professionals. Clients receive treatments from diploma program students under instructor supervision. Sessions focus on relaxation techniques and basic therapeutic applications during training periods.
Career Placement Assistance
We connect graduates with employment opportunities through our employer partnerships and online job board. Our career services include resume preparation, interview coaching, and networking with local massage therapy businesses seeking qualified professionals.
Questions
What massage therapy programs do you offer?
We offer a COMTA-accredited Diploma Program (300 hours) and an Introductory Massage Course (100 hours) with flexible scheduling options.
Are your programs state-approved?
Yes, our programs are approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and meet all state licensing requirements for massage therapists.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We provide multiple payment options including monthly plans, employer partnerships, and grants that reduce tuition by up to $3,500.
How much hands-on training is included?
Our diploma program includes 125 hours of supervised clinical practice in our student clinic as part of 300 total training hours.
Do you help with job placement after graduation?
Yes, we maintain an employer job board and provide career services including resume preparation and networking opportunities with local businesses.
What are the licensing exam pass rates?
Our graduates consistently achieve pass rates above 90% on the FSMTB licensing exam, exceeding national and state averages.
Reviews (5)
Sara Snow
May 24, 2022
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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.
Tony Morse
Apr 21, 2022
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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!
