Get the Skills to Become a Clinical Massage Therapist
Hands-On Massage Therapy School in Chicago, Illinois
Hands-On Clinical Massage Training. Real-World Clinic Experience. Career Support Through Our Job Board. Discover the Soma Difference…
Welcome to the heart of wellness education, right here in Chicago, Illinois. At the Soma Institute, our Clinical Massage Therapy program is designed for those who want more than just a career — they want to make a difference.
At Soma, that difference starts with a clinical-first approach to massage therapy education — one that emphasizes assessment, treatment-based techniques, and real patient interaction from early in your training.
In as little as 9 months*, you’ll gain hands-on experience, expert instruction, and the clinical knowledge needed to treat pain, rehabilitate injuries, and promote health and well-being.
Our program goes beyond relaxation techniques to focus on therapeutic and medical massage, preparing you to work in hospitals, sports clinics, wellness centers, spas, resorts, and private practice.
What Sets Us Apart?
What sets Soma apart isn’t just what you learn — it’s how clinically prepared you are when you graduate.
On-Campus Student Massage Clinic
While you’re enrolled in Soma’s Clinical Massage Therapy program, hands-on clinical experience is built directly into your education — not treated as an afterthought.
There, you’ll receive valuable faculty-supervised field experience that will build up your confidence and skills. This clinical environment allows you to apply assessment-based techniques, work with diverse client needs, and develop the professional judgment required in real healthcare and wellness settings.
Convenient Schedules
With everything on your plate, whether that’s work, family, or personal commitments, you likely don’t have time to put your entire life on hold to train for a new career. We offer Daytime and Evening/Saturday class options so you can achieve your education with ease and flexibility. Classes meet just 2 or 3 days a week! Choose the schedule that best fits your life.
Career Support & Graduate Job Board
Soma supports students beyond graduation through structured career guidance and access to our proprietary job board. Graduates can explore employment opportunities shared by employers seeking trained massage professionals in clinical, wellness, and therapeutic settings. Career services are designed to help you transition confidently from training into the workforce.
Free Tutoring & Academic Support
At the Soma Institute, we believe that learning the art of massage therapy should be empowering – not overwhelming. That’s why we offer free tutoring and academic support to every student, from day one to graduation.
Quality Through Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that the Massage Therapy courses you take meet the highest standards. The Soma Institute is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council of Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) and licensed by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
About Soma
At Soma, we are dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and hands-on training you need to pursue a career in massage therapy.
Financial Aid
We are proud to offer a variety of financial aid opportunities to students who qualify. Learn more about your financial assistance options.
Admissions
If you are ready to take the steps that will lead you to a rewarding career, apply to the Soma Institute quickly, easily, and free of charge.
Sports Massage Certificate of Achievement
Are you interested in becoming a Sports Massage Therapist? In addition to your Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma, you will also have the chance to obtain an additional Sports Massage Certificate of Achievement.
This certificate can give you a competitive edge in the job market, especially in sports medicine, physical therapy clinics, and athletic organizations.
“When I looked at Soma, I could feel the passion in the educators and the staff. MJ showed me a love for kinesiology that I didn’t know I had lol. Best decision I ever made. I’ve been at LifeSpa in LifeTime Fitness doing clinical and sports massage for almost 8 years and couldn’t be happier.”
Are You Massage Career Training Ready? Find Out! Take the Soma Institute "Massage Career Training Readiness Quiz"
This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Massage Career Training Readiness score now
Your Path to Licensure Starts Here
At Soma, we don’t just teach massage – we prepare you to become a licensed professional. As a successful graduate of our Massage Therapy school, you will be prepared and eligible to sit for the MBLEx national exam and to apply for the state massage therapy license.
We will cover the cost of the licensing exam and the professional license.
Is a Rewarding Career in Massage Therapy Right For You? Get More Info…
If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Massage Therapy and exploring whether the Soma Institute is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call 312-939-2723.
*Program length when completed in normal time.