Procedure for Entering the Massage Therapy Program

Students new to Waubonsee:

All students:

  • Review and complete the one-page Massage Therapy Application Packet (PDF) and meet with Academic and Career Advising to for questions about admissions and scheduling. The program is offered in a nine-month (two semester) cohort format that runs annually from August through May.
    • Students who have completed or are currently completing BIO260 or equivalency will receive substitution credit for TMS160 pending final grade check or transcript evaluation. Students who have completed BIO260 or equivalent courses not at Waubonsee must submit Official Transcripts  Registration and Records to be evaluated for transfer credit.
    • Notice of application review and selection status will be emailed to students within two weeks of the date application is received.
    • Students must confirm acceptance offer in writing via email to reserve a seat in the program.
    • In-district students will receive priority among applications. Contact Registration and Records with questions.

Are you a veteran or military service member that has current eligibility for either federal VA Education benefits for Illinois military grants? Federal VA Education programs include:
Chapter 30, 31, 33, 1606 and REAP. State grants are the Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) or Illinois National Guard (ING). If "yes," please attach a copy of your benefits Certificate of Eligibility to your application. Our office will confirm your benefit eligibility by contacting the Waubonsee Financial Aid Offices' VA School Certifying Official.

Completing the Massage Therapy Certificate of Achievement

Once accepted into the program, the student must:

  • Follow prescribed course progression below and successfully complete each course, with a grade of C or better, to continue in the program progression.  
  • Maintain proper attendance in lecture and clinicals.
  • Understand and follow requirements and guidelines detailed in the Massage Therapy Student Handbook and course syllabi.
  • Understand that any student who does not successfully complete a course will not be able to continue in the program and must submit a Re-Entry Request to re-enter the program.
  • Understand that up-to-date immunizations, including COVID-19, are highly recommended for the safety of peers and instructors.

Required Course Pathway*

Fall (part of term/duration) – total 17 credit hours Contact Hours
TMS 110 - Professional Foundations of Massage Therapy (full term, 16wks) 32
TMS 162 - Neuromusculoskeletal Foundations (full term, 16wks) 64
TMS 120 - Massage Techniques I (half term, first 8wks) 80
TMS 125 - Massage Techniques II (half term, second 8wks) 80
TMS 136 - Clinical Preparation (half term, second 8wks) 32
TMS 160 – Anatomy and Physiology for the Massage Therapist (16wks) 80
Spring (part of term/duration) – total 15 credit hours Contact Hours
TMS 130 - Massage Techniques III (half term, first 8wks) 112
TMS 164 - Pathology for the Massage Therapist (full term, 16wks) 64
TMS 150 - Business Practices for Massage Therapists (full term, 16wks) 48
TMS 140 - Massage Clinical I (half term, first 8wks) 48
TMS 146 - Massage Clinical II I (half term, second 8wks) 48

*Semester courses are taken concurrently. Students must register for all noted courses at the same time. All courses must be completed successfully to progress in the program.

Program Costs

In addition to tuition and regular fees, the massage therapy student has the following minimum fees and expenses.

Textbooks for TMS classes
(does NOT include general ed courses)
$550
Uniform/shoes $80
Massage table $450
Massage supplies $100
Three professional massages $240
Physical exam, immunizations,
TB testing
Per health care
provider
Total Estimated Costs
(excluding medical requirements)
$1314-$1474

Note: These fees and expenses are approximate costs and are subject to change without prior notice to the student.

Becoming Licensed

After successful completion of the Massage Therapy Certificate of Achievement Program, students are eligible to proceed with the following steps for state examination and licensing:

See State of Illinois Massage Licensing Act, 225 ILCS 57, particularly Section 15, which describes licensure requirements, for more information.

Contacts and Questions

Information Symbol

General questions not addressed here or by an advisor can be directed to the Office of Health Professions and Public Service via: HPPS@waubonsee.edu or (630) 870-3900.

Course specific questions or questions related program acceptance should be directed to:
Denise Nakaji, Professor of Therapeutic Massage at dnakaji@waubonsee.edu or (630) 466-2597