School of Massage Therapy at Northwestern Health Sciences University

Health Care University Setting

Where you go to school matters -- we're a health sciences university. When you graduate, you'll be more than a massage therapist, you'll be a health care provider. Northwestern focuses exclusively on natural health care programs and sets the stage for an educational experience far beyond what you expect.

Our focus is to train you to be a health care provider -- confident and excited to practice your new profession.

You will be fully prepared for the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

We provide you essential tools:

• Faculty -- with extensive practice experience
• Clinical experiences -- diverse real-world health care settings
• Cadaver lab -- learn anatomy through direct observation
• Dynamic student body -- interact and network with students from other disciplines
• Health sciences library -- professional librarians, comprehensive health care resources
• University bookstore -- a wide range of health care books, supplies and products

School of Massage Therapy Curriculum

• Anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology and nutrition courses provide you with a thorough overview of the human body and how it works.
• Hands-on clinical experience in the University's public clinics and other community sites prepares you for practice.
• Assessment and treatment technique courses prepare you to tailor each massage session to meet the unique needs of your clients.
• Communication, ethics, legal issues, practice management courses prepare you for professional practice.

School of Massage Therapy Certificate Program

• 907.5 Clock Hours
• 41.5 Credits
• 11 months to completion

Pursuing a Certification in Massage Therapy will train you in basic relaxation massage in preparation for more specific therapeutic and rehabilitative techniques. The School of Massage Therapy prepares you to work with health care providers in a variety of settings.

Wherever you choose to practice -- hospital, sports facility, or spa -- our program prepares you to respond to a broader range of patients' needs.

The Certificate Program offered through the School of Massage Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).

School of Massage Therapy
Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Massage Therapy

• 1,192.5 Clock Hours
• 60 Credits
• 22 months to completion

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Massage Therapy is designed for students who wish to earn a degree in massage therapy. Some employers prefer or require the degree.

The AAS program can be completed by adding the following requirements to the certificate program:

• 15 credits of general education courses
• 3 credits of electives
• Half-credit hydrotherapy course

Our Educational Approach

You experience the massage therapy program in environments where you can thrive. You develop clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills for a successful career in health care.

Hands-on training that builds confidence

• Foundational hands-on techniques
• Full-body relaxation massage
• Rehabilitative massage

Real-world clinical experience

You apply your massage therapy education in real world settings. Experiencing a variety of clinical settings provides a great way to develop as a competent massage therapist.

Your clinical experience can include training in the University's public clinics, in hospitals, and community health clinics.

Science-based education for competent practice

• Strong base in anatomy and physiology
• Three dimensional models in the anatomy lab and cadaver observation
• Scientific principles and vocabulary to collaborate with other health care providers

Our Graduates have the skill sets necessary to be successful in a wide variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals and medical clinics
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Natural care centers
• Health clubs
• Fitness centers and sports facilities
• Health spas and salons
• Private practice

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please Request Information.