Program Overview
The demand for qualified massage therapists is ever increasing. With the comprehensive preparation that the National University massage therapy programs provide, you will benefit from a wide range of professional opportunities.
Admission Requirements
All students wishing to enroll in the massage therapy certification or AAS programs must have taken and passed the Introduction to Massage Therapy course as a requirement for admission. Certain other requirements must also be satisified for admission to the program. Learn more »
Massage Therapy Certification Program
We offer a one-year evening program leading to certification as a massage therapist. Upon completion of the program, you'll be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. National University massage therapy grads perform well on their national board exams.
National University's massage therapy certification program is accredited by the Commission of Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges, the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association Council of Schools.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Massage Therapy
Designed for those students who have already finished general education courses toward a two-year degree, the AAS degree offers virtually the same curriculum as our massage therapy certification. This new program is fully accredited by the Commission of Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges.
Chiropractic Assistant Certification Program
The Chiropractic Assistant program is available at our Lombard campus only.
National University's Chiropractic Assistant certification program develops a competent, confident, self-motivated chiropractic assistant with the ability to think critically and provide assistance effectively in a variety of situations. Each student becomes fully prepared to enter the profession with a good foundation in knowledge and skills. Chiropractic assistants develop an attitude of caring, as well as self-confidence in interacting with patients and health care professionals.
This one-year program is comprised of evening courses shared with the massage therapy program, two Sunday seminars (12 Sundays total) and a clinical practicum. A total of 310 hours of classroom, lab and clinical instruction includes:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Chiropractic history and theory
- Clinical massage
- Medical terminology
- Business practices
- Interpersonal communication and wellness
- Principles in X-ray imaging and proper darkroom procedures
- Introduction to procedures and equipment used in making a diagnosis
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Experience as a Chiropractic Assistant in our university clinic system
