New School for Massage - Chicago and Tinley Park
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Learn Massage Therapy Differently

Massage Therapy Program Structure
Our Diploma Program is intentionally structured to help students develop professional touch, clinical confidence, scientific understanding, and extensive hands-on experience.
Massage therapy students learning hands-on techniques during instructor-led classroom training at The New School for Massage in Chicago.

Why Our Program Is Different

We believe exceptional massage therapists are developed through guided hands-on practice, thoughtful instruction, scientific understanding, and supervised clinical experience — not by memorizing textbooks alone.

Rather than overwhelming students with anatomy, pathology, and advanced concepts from the very beginning, the first phase of the program focuses on developing the student's most important tool: their hands.

Students build body mechanics, palpation skills, touch awareness, communication skills, and fundamental massage techniques before progressing into the sciences, assessment, advanced bodywork, and clinical practice.

The First Nine Weeks

The first 9 weeks of the Diploma Program focus on foundational hands-on work. These classes meet only two days or evenings per week, allowing students time to absorb and practice what they are learning between classes.

These classes are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 14 students, although most groups average 6–8 students.

The first nine weeks may be completed either as the beginning of the Massage Therapy Diploma Program or as a standalone, State-approved Introductory Massage Therapy Program. Students who continue into the full Diploma Program simply continue where they left off.

Massage therapy student learning lower leg anatomy and palpation during hands-on training.

Building the Foundation First

During the introductory phase, students begin learning how to feel, identify, and work with the structures of the body. This early focus on palpation and touch helps students become more confident before moving into more advanced coursework.

After the first nine weeks, Diploma students continue into the sciences and advanced bodywork classes, including anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, assessment, ethics, business development, and supervised Student Clinic practice.

Scheduling Options

Introductory Program

The Introductory Program consists of the first 9 weeks of the Diploma Program and is available in two formats:

Day Option

  • Two morning classes per week
  • Approximately 4 hours per class
  • Small-group hands-on instruction

Evening Option

  • Two evening classes per week
  • Approximately 4 hours per class
  • Small-group hands-on instruction

Massage Therapy Diploma Program

After completing the introductory portion, students continue in one of the following Licensing Track formats:

Fast-Track Day

  • Typically two daytime classes per week
  • Student Clinic rotations
  • Complete in approximately 8.5–9 months

Extended-Track Evening

  • Typically three evenings per week
  • Student Clinic rotations
  • Complete in approximately 11.5–12 months

Extended-Track Evening/Weekend

  • Typically two evenings per week
  • Saturday classes
  • Student Clinic rotations
  • Complete in approximately 11.5–12 months
Specific class days and meeting times vary depending on your starting group. Your Admissions Representative will review the current schedule with you.
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