Massage Therapy
A fast-growing career field that's an important part of overall good health in today's stressful world, massage therapy is a licensed profession in the State of Illinois. Instruction prepares students to sit for a national certification exam which, upon successful completion, allows students to apply for their Illinois licensure. Requirements in other states may differ.
Massage Therapy Program
The massage therapy program is a three-semester, 750 hour program. Courses are firmly based in the sciences, massage theory and bodywork techniques, including a strong hands-on clinical learning experience in all three semesters. A career in massage therapy can be very self-directed, is flexible and offers opportunities in both full- and part- time work. Students follow the course of study in a sequential order. Elgin Community College provides students with a multidimensional education that prepares them for national certification, Illinois licensure, and a holistic career that addresses body, mind, and spirit.
Application & Admission Procedures
Criminal background checks and drug testing are required for all health professions programs. Students demonstrating a positive background check or drug test will be denied admission. Students demonstrating a positive background check or drug test while enrolled in the program will be dismissed from this health professions program. Information on these requirements is given to students upon acceptance to the program.
All candidates seeking admission to this program must submit the following items to the ECC Records Department:
- Completed ECC application - how to apply»
- Official high school transcripts or GED score or equivalent from country of origin
- Official college transcripts from other colleges attended. More»
- Compass reading assessment score of 84 or better
- Completed Health professions application and fee payment.
Students must successfully complete MAS 100 before submitting the health professions application and before taking any additional massage therapy classes. The massage therapy program application is given to students at the final class meeting of MAS 100.
Special Admissions Requirements
- Students must score 75 percent or greater in MAS 100, with the final written exam grade no lower than 65 percent.
Return to Massage Therapy Department:
- Completion of massage therapy program application
- Two receipts from professional massages received within the previous six months of application to the program
- A written critique of one of the professional massages
- Two reference letters
- Application essay and responses to specific health questions in the application
- Proof of personal health insurance coverage.
Once all application materials have been delivered to the ECC Records Department and the Massage Therapy Department, the student is contacted regarding their acceptance to the program. All admissions are subject to approval of program administration. An interview may be scheduled if requested. If the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of seats available (20 per program), admission to the program will be competitive and selective.
topFinancial Information
For current tuition and fees information, call the massage therapy program office at 847-214-7773. Included in the fees for your courses are student membership and insurance in a professional massage therapy organization, your student name tag, and payment for your national exam for state licensing. Books, supplies and uniforms cost approximately $1,000 over and above program tuition and fees. Unless other arrangements are made through Student Accounts, each semester must be paid for before registering for the next semester. Learn more about sources of funding your education»
Massage Clinics
topStudent Clinics
Community members are invited to be clients in our practice and learning clinics as ECC student-therapists bring together their classroom academics with technique and practice. Clinics are a student-centered learning experience. Instructors direct the students on technique and area of focus. Clients are participants in an educational process, not a professional clinic. Download clinic policies
Student clinics are announced via email. If you wish to receive a “request for appointment” email, sign up online:
Sign up for the Student Clinics»
Clinics Schedule
- Fall semester clinic announcements are sent out mid August and mid September
- Spring semester clinic announcements are sent out mid December and mid February
- Summer semester clinic announcement is sent out mid May
Administrative Fees
- Clinic I - 30-40 minutes | $10- Specific area of focus assigned by instructor
- Clinic II - 1 hour | $20- Students perfect their one hour Swedish massage
- Clinic III - 1 hour | $30- Students run their own clinic, office managers and therapists
Discounts available for Seniors and Vets with ID for Clinic III
Professional Scholarship Clinics
ECC massage therapy program faculty and graduates make themselves available for appointments in our Professional Scholarship Clinic. Appointments with a licensed therapist are accepted throughout the week for one-hour or 90-minute sessions. The professional clinic therapists see clients in our campus clinic. Call the clinic phone number for more information or to make an appointment, 847-214-7323. A portion of the service fee is tax deductible as a donation to the ECC massage therapy scholarship fund*.
Sign up for Professional Scholarship Clinics»
Service Fees
1 hour - $65/$25 donation
1.5 hours - $90/$35 donation
*A receipt is sent to you from the ECC Foundation for your tax records.
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