Get the Skills to Be a Clinical Massage Therapist

A patient receiving a shoulder blade treatment — Close up of detail of female physiotherapist doing shoulder blade treatment on patient.

9-Month^* Clinical Massage Therapy Training Program in Chicago, Illinois

At Soma, we prepare tomorrow’s professionals in the healing arts. As a Clinical Massage Therapist, you’ll use natural methods to relieve pain, rehabilitate injuries, reduce stress, and support overall well-being.

Our 600-hour Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma Program in Chicago offers hands-on training, real-world experience, and industry support in as little as 9 months* with our full-time program and 11 months* with our evening program. If you’re passionate about health and wellness and want a career helping others, Soma’s clinical training could be the right fit.

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 >>

Become a Skilled Clinical Massage Therapist

The Clinical Massage Therapy program at The Soma Institute is designed to help you build the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed to succeed as a Massage Therapist.

Classes are interactive and led by experienced massage professionals who provide expert guidance and personal attention as you develop your abilities. You’ll practice hands-on techniques and gain confidence working with clients in real-world settings.

During your Clinical Massage Therapy classes, you’ll learn:

Swedish Massage
Trigger Point Therapy
Neuromuscular Techniques
Hydrotherapy
Sports Massage

The Soma Institute is one of the only schools in the U.S. to offer a diploma in Clinical Massage Therapy. With our focus on “massage with a purpose,” you’ll graduate prepared to offer clients more than traditional massage therapy—helping them relieve pain, recover from injuries, and improve overall well-being. Get more info.

Sports Massage Certificate of Achievement

The Soma Institute also offers students the chance to obtain a Sports Massage Certificate of Achievement, in addition to their Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma. The Sports Massage Certificate allows students to diversify their skill sets within the industry and understand how to help address orthopedic and movement issues in athletes.

Flexible Class Schedules

At Soma, we understand that you have many demands on your time. Many of our students are working and/or raising families. That is why we tailor our Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma program in Chicago to fit the needs of busy adult learners.

Choose the schedule that works best for your lifestyle:

Daytime Program: Attend classes two days per week and finish in just 9 months*.
Evening & Saturday Program: Attend two evening classes per week plus every other Saturday or 3 evenings per week completing the program in 11 months*.

For requirements and more information about the Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma program, visit the course catalog here.

Frequently Asked Questions

: What kind of schedules are available?

At Soma, we understand that you have many demands on your time. Many of our students are working and/or raising families. That is why we tailor our Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma program to fit the needs of busy adult learners. Choose the schedule that best fits your lifestyle: Daytime Program: Two days per week. Can be completed in 9 months*. Evening/Saturday Program: Classes are scheduled two evenings per week plus every other Saturday for 11 months*.

: How often do classes meet?

Just 2 or 3 days a week! Our schedule options allow you to go to school and work and keep up with your life!

: Will Soma help me get a Massage Therapy job?

Yes! We have employers who are looking for Soma grads. The Soma Job Board lists many opportunities in Chicago and the suburbs.

: Where can I work as a Massage Therapist?

As a Soma graduate you are in demand as a clinically-trained therapist. Soma grads can be found throughout the Chicagoland area and beyond and work in sports massage, spas, resorts, medical offices, health clubs, chiropractic clinics, and physical therapy offices and yoga studios.

: Do Soma graduates start their own businesses?

Yes, many Soma graduates entered the profession because they wanted to start their own business and be their own boss. Our Career Services team can help you get started with your business plan and help you launch your own business.

: Do I need a license to practice massage therapy in Illinois?

Yes, you do. Soma’s tuition package includes all the fees for the licensing examination, fingerprinting and Illinois State massage therapy license application.

Is a Rewarding Career as a Clinical Massage Therapist Right For You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Clinical Massage Therapy and exploring whether the Soma Institute is right for you, fill out this form for more information.

For immediate questions, call 312-939-2723.

*Program length when completed in normal time.