Starting a career in massage therapy can be exciting, rewarding, and—yes—a little nerve-wracking. At River North Massage Therapy Center, we get tons of questions from people interested in the field. If you're thinking about signing up for massage therapy classes Chicago offers, let us walk you through a few things we wish every student knew first.

Massage School is More Than Just Back Rubs

If you think massage school is all dim lighting and zen music, think again. Classes involve anatomy textbooks, hands-on practice, quizzes, and sometimes sore thumbs. You’ll learn how to work with different body types, conditions, and client needs. And yes, you’ll practice giving massages—but you'll also be on the receiving end. (Trust us, that part isn’t so bad.)

According to a  most massage therapy programs require between 500 and 1000 hours of training. That’s no joke—it’s a real education, and it pays off.

You’ll Need to Learn the Science Too

Massage isn’t just about feel-good pressure. You’ll dive deep into how the human body works. Expect to study subjects like:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Pathology (how illness and injury affect the body)
• Kinesiology (how we move)

Getting this foundation right means you can safely and effectively treat clients. And if you ever want to specialize—say in myofascial massage Chicago athletes rely on—you’ll need to know how muscles, connective tissues, and trigger points work together.

Picking the Right School Matters

Not all massage schools are created equal. Some offer quick weekend courses (not ideal), while others provide structured programs that meet Illinois state licensing requirements.

Before enrolling, check:

• Is the school accredited?
• Does it offer hands-on training hours?
• Are the instructors licensed professionals?
• Does the curriculum cover licensing exam prep?

Many schools also offer student clinics, where you’ll practice on real clients. That experience is gold—you’ll make mistakes, learn from them, and come out more confident.

Not All Techniques Are the Same

You might start out thinking all massage is the same, but pretty soon you’ll realize just how many types exist:

• Swedish (relaxation)
• Deep tissue
• Sports massage
• Trigger point therapy
• Prenatal
• Myofascial release

You’ll probably try your hand at all of them before finding your niche. Some students fall in love with clinical work. Others enjoy spa settings. And yes, some of our grads go on to specialize in myofascial massage athletes swear by. There’s something for everyone.

Time and Cost: Be Ready to Commit

Massage school isn’t a small side hobby. Most programs take 6 months to 1 year to complete, depending on whether you go part-time or full-time. Tuition in Chicago can range from $6,000 to $12,000, depending on the school.

Many schools offer payment plans or financial aid. It’s an investment, but one that opens up a flexible and rewarding career path.

Quick Table: What You’ll Need to Start

Final Thoughts

Massage therapy is a hands-on, people-first career. It is one of the fastest-growing career paths—job opportunities are expected to grow by 21% between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a lot faster than most other professions. ( source)

It takes commitment, effort, and a desire to keep learning. But if you're passionate about helping others feel better—whether it's easing stress or loosening stiff shoulders—massage therapy might be the perfect fit.

At River North Massage Therapy Center, we support aspiring therapists through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on clinic experience. We love seeing students grow into confident professionals. If you're thinking about signing up for massage therapy classes in Chicago, we’d be happy to help guide you on that journey.

People Also Ask (FAQ)

Q1: How long does it take to complete massage therapy classes in Chicago?
Most programs take 6 to 12 months, depending on full-time or part-time study.

Q2: Do I need a license to practice massage therapy in Chicago?
Yes. Illinois requires passing an approved licensing exam after completing a certified program.

Q3: Are night or weekend classes available for massage therapy?
Many schools offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working adults.

Q4: Can I specialize in something like myofascial or sports massage?
Absolutely. Many programs introduce various techniques so you can choose a specialty.

Q5: What’s the job outlook for massage therapists in Chicago?
According to the BLS, massage therapy employment is expected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032.

Q6: Will I be massaging real people during school?
Yes! Most programs include student clinics where you'll practice on real clients with supervision.