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.

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.

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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 is the Clinical Massage Therapy Training Program at The Soma Institute?
The Clinical Massage Therapy Training Program at The Soma Institute is a 600-hour diploma program in Chicago that prepares students for careers as clinical massage therapists through hands-on training and supervised practice. Students learn therapeutic techniques such as Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular methods, hydrotherapy, and sports massage to help relieve pain, support recovery, and promote overall well-being.

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: How long does the Clinical Massage Therapy program take to complete?
The Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma can be completed in as little as 9 months* with the daytime track or in about 11 months* with the evening and Saturday track designed for working adults and career changers. Schedules generally consist of classes meeting 2–3 days per week to help students balance training with other commitments.

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: What class schedules are available for working adults?
To accommodate busy schedules, Soma offers flexible class formats for the Clinical Massage Therapy program. The daytime program meets two days per week and can be completed in about 9 months*. The evening and Saturday program meets on two evenings per week plus every other Saturday or three evenings per week and can be completed in about 11 months*. These options help working adults and career changers balance education with personal and work responsibilities.

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: What are the admissions requirements for the Clinical Massage Therapy program?
To apply to the Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma, candidates must be at least 18 years old and provide documented proof of high school graduation or equivalency such as a diploma, transcript, or GED. Applicants should demonstrate good communication skills, physical stamina, and professionalism. Some clinical externship sites may require a background check and drug screening as part of their placement process.

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: What’s the difference between clinical massage training and spa or wellness massage?
Clinical massage training at Soma emphasizes evaluation and treatment-based massage techniques to address specific pain, injury, and functional limitations. This differs from general spa or relaxation massage by teaching students how to assess client needs, apply therapeutic techniques, and understand when massage is an appropriate approach for health and recovery goals.

Find Out If This Program Is Right for You

: Does the program include hands-on clinical experience?
Yes. Hands-on clinical experience is built into the training through supervised practice in Soma’s clinic setting. Students work with a variety of clients under faculty guidance, allowing them to apply skills and build confidence working in real-world clinical scenarios as part of their education.

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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.