Program Overview

MASSAGE THERAPY

Biological and Health Sciences Division, Room B213, (847) 543-2042

https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/biodv/massage-therapy
Degree: Certificate
Plan 21MS

This certificate program prepares students to achieve entry level competencies as massage therapists in sports clinics, salons, spas, hospitals, private practice, nursing homes, hospices, wellness centers, and other health care and recreational settings.

Successful completion of 3 prerequisite courses plus two semesters (9 month program is 2 semesters; 12 month program is 2 semesters plus summer session) in the CLC massage therapy program prepares students to complete the federal licensing exam (MBLEx). Students are then eligible to apply for licensure in Illinois and most other states. All courses comprise the Massage Therapy Program: individual courses may not be taken.

Students who are selected for the program are required to undergo a health physical, a background check and a urine drug screen prior to beginning the program. The results of the background check and drug screen may result in the student losing their seat in the program. The costs are borne by the student.

Students must maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all MAS courses to continue in and graduate from the program. In addition, students must maintain a CLC GPA of 2.0 or higher to graduate.

Once prerequisites are successfully completed, a student may join the full-time 9 month program in the FALL (August) or the 12 month program in the SPRING (January) semester.

An option to earn an A.A.S. in Health and Wellness Promotion with a specialty option in Massage Therapy is also available.

The below sequence of classes is for the 9-month program. For the 12-month program sequence of courses, please visit the Massage Therapy FAQ webpage. The 12-month program includes all of the same courses but the sequence is adjusted to include required summer courses.

Note: The program is based at the Southlake Campus (Vernon Hills). However, non-MAS prerequisite courses may be offered at the Grayslake or Southlake Campus.

^ CLC 120 is an institutional requirement for graduation.

* These courses are preferred courses for students planning to transfer to a 4-year institution. Both BIO 244 and BIO 245 must be completed if using them in place of BIO 111. BIO 244 has a prerequisite of BIO 123 or BIO 161.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

The following entrance requirements are required of all students:

• Attend a CLC Massage Therapy information session

• 18 years of age or older

• High school graduate or earned GED

• College Reading and Writing Readiness

• Must provide a CLC Health Physical form completed by a professional healthcare provider

• Must pass a fingerprint background check and urine drug screening

NON-ACADEMIC PROGRAM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Because of the inherent requirements of the profession, the following minimum abilities or essential technical functions are expected of the student:

• Lifting, stretching, and standing over the course of one or two hours

• Use of a full range of motion of the joints and the ability to perform fine motor movements with the hands

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks such as stooping, bending, twisting, reaching and occasionally kneeling and squatting

• Good physical health and the ability to safely give and receive massages without risk of physical injury; students should consult a physician to determine whether giving or receiving massages might be harmful to their health in any way

• Ability to respond in an emotionally controlled, professional, and ethical manner at all times and in varied patient care and educational situations

• Major medical health insurance is recommended for the length of the program; student insurance information is available through the CLC Health Center

• Willingness to give massages to (and receive massages from) people of different ages, body types, genders, sexual orientations, and personalities

• Prospective students are strongly encouraged to receive at least one massage from a licensed massage therapist; they are also strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the CLC Student Therapeutic Massage Clinic

For more information on recommended courses and/or program specific advising, please contact the Department Chair, Joana Pabedinskas, at jpabedinskas@clcillinois.edu (or 847-543-2029) or the Biological and Health Sciences Division at (847) 543-2042.