• Therapeutic Massage

• We'll prepare you for a career as a licensed massage therapist. 
• The National Career Clusters Framework created a tool to help you find a career that suits your interests and skills. Our therapeutic massage program is part of the Health Science career cluster.

• Modern classrooms and a fully equipped spa provide an environment for excellence in massage education. 
• Clinicals are held on-campus in a peaceful, modern spa that is open to the public and at Oak Crest in DeKalb.

• Our curriculum meets the standards set by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDFPR), and we stay informed of the Illinois Massage Licensing Act to ensure our graduates remain eligible for professional licensure in the State of Illinois. 
• Graduates are eligible to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensure Exam (MBLEx). 
• Once successfully passing MBLEx, graduates can apply for licensure in Illinois to begin practicing. 
• Classes are scheduled at convenient times so busy adults can maintain their schedules while completing the program.

• Along with applying to Kish, students seeking admission into this program must meet special program requirements.
• A variable tuition rate applies to this program.
• To learn more about the program, tour our state-of-the-art facility, meet the coordinator, and have all your questions answered, please call program coordinator.

• Therapeutic Massage Program Costs 2026–2027
• Therapeutic Massage Program Costs 2025–2026

 

Post-Graduation Expenses: Students should take the MBLEx exam upon graduation. The examination cost is approximately $265. This is not a graduation requirement but is required to apply for an Illinois massage therapist license. After passing an approved exam, Illinois massage therapists must apply for licensure through the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation to practice massage therapy in Illinois. Graduates should plan to spend $250 total for the initial licensure, including $175 to apply for the license and approximately $75 for fingerprinting.

• Therapeutic Massage Program Schedule 2026–2027
• Therapeutic Massage Program Schedule 2025–2026

Kishwaukee College Continuing Education offers Therapeutic Massage Continuing Education Units (CEUs). All classes are taught by Julie Kimpan-Freeman. Three-hours classes are $75, four-hour classes are $100, and six-hour classes are $150. 

2026 Schedule

• Thursday, Jan. 29, 9 am–4 pm — Cupping/Decompression — Register
• Thursday, Feb. 19, 9 am–4 pm — Stretching/Sports Massage — Register
• Thursday, Mar. 26, 9 am–4 pm — Clinical Decision Making — Register
• Thursday, April 23, 9 am–4 pm — Pregnancy Massage — Register
• Thursday, June 25, 9 am–4 pm — Cupping/Decompression — Register
• Thursday, July 23, 9 am–4 pm — Stretching/Sports Massage — Register
• Thursday, Aug. 20, 9 am–4 pm — Clinical Decision Making — Register
• Thursday, Oct. 22, 9 am–4 pm — Pregnancy Massage — Register

For additional questions about the classes, contact Melissa Gallagher at mgallagher1@kish.edu or 815-825-9466.

Students in Kish's Therapeutic Massage and Esthetics Programs practice massage, skin care and esthetics treatments. Book an appointment. 

Student Clinic

The Therapeutic Massage program is designed to prepare students to apply for licensure or certification in Illinois. Program completion may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in a state other than Illinois.

Learn more about Professional Licensure