Our 700 hour program goes beyond the basics of massage therapy skills, connecting anatomy and pathology to hands-on techniques in a program of 15 courses that can be taken on a part-time or full-time basis. We focus on teaching the knowledge and wisdom required to customize a therapeutic massage session for the individual needs of the mind and body of every client. Students are thoroughly prepared to pass the MBLEx board exam required for licensure.
Our students graduate with skills in a wide range of technique styles, from flowing, intuitive work that will balance and soothe the nervous system to clinical, targeted interventions that create deep change in muscle tone and connective tissues.
There are no pre-requisite courses; enrollment requires either a high school diploma or GED, and students must be 18 years of age by their date of graduation.
Curriculum Highlights
- Massage techniques include specific protocols for common pain patterns, neuromuscular and trigger point therapies, pre- and post-event sports massage, and Swedish and spa modalities
- Muscular and general anatomy are taught in successive levels of depth across three semesters, ensuring multiple exposures to all important information
- Communication skills for confidence and professionalism
- A semester-long business class to prepare students for all career possibilities
- Built-in exam prep class
- In-house Student Clinic for experience working with clients from the general public right here on campus
We are learning a higher standard of detail and attention to comfort than I have experienced in many professional massages I have received.
COD Massage Therapy Student
First Steps
Students are required to attend an Information Session, or meet with the Program Manager, prior to registering for classes. Topics covered include course logistics, career expectations and an overview of massage therapy curriculum. The information session is free and registration is required. Register and attend the next information session.
Upcoming Information Sessions
- Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 3:30 p.m., Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1125
- Thursday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1125
- Wednesday, Jan. 8, at noon, virtual
*Please specify Massage Therapy when registering.
Register for an information session today!
COD's Massage Therapy Licensure Program has been approved for the federal WIOA grant. You are encouraged to apply with workNet DuPage to see if you qualify for a grant of up to $10,000. The process takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks, so apply early.
Program Overview
The day program can be completed in as little as one calender year (three semesters including summer), with part-time attendance 4-5 days a week. Cohorts begin in September (mornings) and February (afternoons).
Our evenings-and-weekends track can be completed in two years or less, Monday-Thursday 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. with occasional Saturday classes. Cohorts begin in May and September.
You are not limited to these suggested tracks. College of DuPage offers flexible, semester-based scheduling that allows students to customize their own schedules and proceed through the 15 required courses at their own pace in a combination of daytime and evening classes.
Costs per semester based on sample plans:
- Semester 1: 5 classes, 208 hours, $3,120 + $190 books and supplies
- Semester 2: 5 classes, 248 hours, $3,720 + $155 books
- Semester 3: 5 classes, 238 hours, $3,570 + $200 books
- Semester 1: 3 classes, 144 hours, $2,160 + $190 books and supplies
- Semester 2: 4 classes, 144 hours, $2,160 + $75 book
- Semester 3: 4 classes, 208 hours, $3,120 + $120 books
- Semester 4 (second year): 4 classes, 204 hours, $3,060 + $160 books
- Semester 1: 2 classes, 64 hours, $960 + $90 textbooks
- Semester 2: 2 classes, 120 hours, $1,800 +140 books and supplies
- Semester 3: 3 classes, 152 hours, $2,280 + $75 book
- Semester 4: 3 classes, 120 hours, $1,800 + $75 book
- Semester 5: 3 classes, 168 hours, $2,520 + $160 books
- Semester 6: 2 classes, 76 hours, $1,140
Registration Information
Certification
Upon successful completion of the College of DuPage Massage Therapy program, you will be eligible and prepared to take the MBLEx exam for licensure/certification in the state of your choice. COD graduates currently have a pass rate of 89% on the first try.
Options and Flexibility
Day and evening classes. Flexible program sequence and extended course of studies are available upon discussion with program manager. For more information, contact us at (630) 942-2208 or emailce@cod.edu.
Payment Options
These non-credit courses do not qualify for FAFSA loans. Visit our financial options page to learn about payment plans and alternative loans.
The teachers are passionate about passing on their knowledge and skills to future LMTs in a collaborative environment that fosters empathy, learning, curiosity and self-awareness. You'll enter this program looking to change your career and probably leave feeling like it changed your life because of everything you study about human biology and conditions, body mechanics, ethics, wellness and the mindfulness needed to navigate an empathetic field. This is the program that will train the massage therapists that massage therapists want to go to.
COD Massage Therapy Student
Contact Information
Continuing Education
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110
(630) 942-2208
Fax: (630) 942-3785
Email: CE@cod.edu
- Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.