Massage Therapy is a Diploma program offered by Midwest Technical Institute in Springfield, IL. The program takes 27 weeks / 600 clock hours to complete, with a total tuition of $10,858.
Program Overview
The professional massage therapist will be trained in performing therapeutic massage utilizing a variety of techniques. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will receive a diploma and is prepared to sit for the National Certification Examination to become a licensed massage therapist. The program provides the student with an entry-level theory and "hands-on" clinical training in massage techniques and alternative therapies that will assist in the maintenance and promotion of physical health and well-being. Students will learn how to provide hands-on care of clients for the purpose of relieving soft tissue pain and connective tissue trauma. Students will learn to provide massage techniques to assist in relaxation. The professional massage therapist will be well-versed in wellness, medical ethics, trigger points of the body, and business management for the massage therapist. Upon meeting graduation requirements of the Massage Therapy program, the student is entitled to a Massage Therapy Diploma.
State licensure will be required to obtain entry level employment.
Admission Requirements & Process
At Midwest Technical Institute (MTI), most classes start every 5 weeks, which means we’re here for you when you’re ready to get hands-on training to take off towards your new career! Our knowledgeable and passionate Admissions Team at MTI will help you understand the program and support structure available during your time on campus while guiding you through the admissions process.
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or EquivalentMTI requires all applicants to the school to provide proof of a high school diploma, recognized equivalency certificate, or documentation of home school completion. If the…
- Personal InterviewA personal interview with an authorized representative of the school.
- Health Affidavit/ScreeningCompleted Health Affidavit/Screening.
- Valid Photo IDValid driver’s license, state issued ID, or United States passport is required.
- Minimum Age 17Must be 17 to enroll.
- Required ImmunizationsStudents must have the required immunizations. Prior to week 4 of program, proof must be submitted in the student’s file or the student may not be allowed to attend classes until…
- TB Skin TestStudents must provide proof of a 1-step TB test that will be valid through their contracted graduation date. The required TB screening will be determined by the clinical or…
Application Process
- 1Connect With an Admissions RepresentativeThe Admissions Team is always available to chat by phone. Our Appointment Coordinators will help schedule your Admissions interview and campus tour! You are also always welcome to walk-in to an MTI campus to meet an Admissions Representative during our business hours — no appointment required.
- 2Take Your Campus TourYou will explore the inside of MTI’s labs and classrooms, learn about the programs, and see the support structure in place to help students succeed.
- 3Meet With the Financial Aid Team and Complete the FAFSAMTI’s Financial Aid Representatives are dedicated to helping prospective students understand the options available to help pay for school, including Federal Financial Aid, scholarships, grants and more. The Financial Aid Team can also assist you in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and help you decipher the FAFSA results.FAFSA Code for Springfield, IL (Main Campus): 033683Fill Out the FAFSA
- 4Pay the Registration FeePayment of the registration fee, if applicable, must be paid by the first day of class unless otherwise authorized. Payment of the registration fee secures a student’s seat in a class. All other tuition and fees must be paid on the first day of class unless otherwise authorized.
- 5Start Class and Become a Regular StudentStudents may attend for up to three days without incurring a financial obligation (excluding the registration fee, the D.O.T. Physical and Drug Screen for CDL students, and the Background Check for Basic Nursing Assistant students). To be officially accepted as a regular student, a student must satisfy all remaining admissions requirements and complete the financial aid process and submit all of the required documentation.
Program Schedule
27 Weeks/600 Clock Hours. Springfield, IL: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. East Peoria, IL: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The maximum number of students in a typical classroom is 35 and 20 in lab. Any class hours missed will be required to be made up at a later date.
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
Method of Payment
- Option 1: To obtain a personal loan, or pay by cash or check (there is a fee for checks returned for any reason).
- Option 2: Apply for Financial Aid (Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, etc.)
- Option 3: Obtain outside scholarships and/or grants from state and/or local agencies
- Option 4: Pay with a credit card (we accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover)
MTI does not charge interest on self-pay balances payable to the school.
For Students Using VA Benefits
Midwest Technical Institute will not take any of the four following actions toward any student using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Ch. 33) or Veteran Readiness and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while their payment from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is pending to the educational institution:
- Prevent enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee;
- Require they secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
Total program tuition is $10,858 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).
Curriculum
- Introduction to Massage, Movement, Pathology, and Practice (90 lecture / 30 lab): This 5-week module will familiarize students with the history of Massage Therapy, the requirements for entrance into the field, and the ethical standards of the industry. Students will learn proper infection control, safety, effects, benefits, indications, and contraindications. This module includes a brief overview of Anatomy and Physiology and how to break down medical terminology, specifically covering cells and tissues, as well as the integumentary systems and their pathologies. Students will become familiar with body regions, planes of movement, structures, and directional terms, and the anatomy of movement of the shoulder and arms. By the conclusion of the module students will be able to perform techniques related to chair massage.
- Upper Body Massage, Movement, Pathology and Practice (90 lecture / 30 lab): In this 5-week module, students will learn to classify massage movements, and learn the basics of self-care, ergonomics, and body mechanics. They will become familiar with draping, positioning, and sequencing techniques. The skeletal, muscular, and circulatory systems will be studied, along with the pathologies and medical terms. Students will learn the anatomy of movement and kinesiology of the forearm and hand and the range of motion and techniques of massage on the back, neck, and face. By the conclusion students should be able to perform a full upper body massage.
- Lower Body Massage, Movement, Pathology and Practice (90 lecture / 30 lab): In this 5-week module, students will learn about heat and cold applications and spa massage, as well as special modalities like lymph, sports, prenatal, infant/child, elderly, disabilities, and critically ill massage. The lymph, immune, and digestive systems will be covered along with associated medical terminology and pathologies. The range of motion and massage techniques for the spine, thorax, head, neck, and face will be covered. Students will also practice massaging the glutes, legs, and feet. By the conclusion, students should be able to complete a full lower body massage.
- Full Body Massage, Movement, Pathology and Practice (90 lecture / 30 lab): This 5-week module will cover clinical massage, as well as stone, reflexology, and eastern methodologies. Students will learn the basics of consultation, documentation, and intake assessments. The urinary, reproductive, endocrine, respiratory, and digestive systems will be covered along with associated medical terminology and pathologies. Range of motion and massage techniques for the pelvis, thigh, leg, and foot will be covered. By the conclusion students should be able to complete a full body massage.
- Clinical Massage, Business Practices, & MBLEX Review (30 lecture / 90 lab): In this 5-week module students will learn about the various equipment, products, and environment of a massage clinic. Medical massage and insurance claims will be covered, as well as standard business practices. Students will participate in our practicum clinic and perform massage on volunteers from the school and the surrounding community, and will be evaluated on their application of techniques, participation, professionalism, bookkeeping, and self-assessment. This module will also include review of all relevant material to prepare them for the MBLEX exam.
- Practicum: This 2 week module is scheduled on an as-needed basis dependent on any holidays or schedule changes, such as snow days, through the first 25 weeks of the program. Students will receive additional time for hands-on training in the practicum setting as well as additional MBLEX review opportunities.
The required courses below are from Midwest Technical Institute's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Name |
|---|
| Introduction to Massage, Movement, Pathology, and Practice |
| Upper Body Massage, Movement, Pathology and Practice |
| Lower Body Massage, Movement, Pathology and Practice |
| Full Body Massage, Movement, Pathology and Practice |
| Clinical Massage, Business Practices, & MBLEX Review |
| Practicum |
| Totals |
Career Outcomes
Career Placement
The respective Program Director at MTI can provide assistance to currently enrolled students and graduates. Services include job placement assistance and guidance to students and graduates as they seek employment. If the student/graduate is planning to work in another state, the student/graduate is advised that each state has its own requirements. MTI cannot and does not guarantee a student can or will be licensed or registered for employment in any specific state and cannot and does not guarantee a student will obtain employment or will obtain a minimum starting wage. No one at MTI is authorized by the school to make any such guarantees. Students attending and graduating from MTI are responsible themselves to prepare and submit employment applications to prospective employers.
As a vocational school, general development is appropriate to the level of education MTI provides. Each program teaches life skills such as resume writing, professionalism, interview skills, etc., which will prepare the students for successful employment. Students are assisted with life skills, career development, budget, and personal financial planning skills as needed.
What to Expect as a Student at Midwest Technical Institute
Student Services
As a vocational school, general development is appropriate to the level of education MTI provides. Students are assisted with life skills, career development, budget, and personal financial planning skills as needed.
Advising
Advice is available to students through academic and administrative personnel. The faculty and staff at MTI are professional men and women who are willing to devote the necessary time to students who seek individualized assistance. Each instructor is available to help a student resolve academic problems which may prohibit satisfactory progress. The respective Program Director may be consulted with any questions or concerns pertaining to a student's education.
Learning Resource Center
The Learning Resource Center facilities are available to students during regularly scheduled class hours under the supervision of an instructor. Books, periodicals, and reference material are to be used on school property only.
Housing
MTI will assist any student desiring to find housing while attending our school. Our student services department has a list of realtors and landlords.
Student Success Specialist (SSS)
The Student Success Specialist will have current listings for daycare listings, local housing, food banks, health and wellness, mental health resources, and transportation help.
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
All MTI/DTC campuses have achieved stand-alone ACCSC accreditation. Certificate of Accreditation issued through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22201 (Springfield, East Peoria, Moline, IL).
Midwest Technical Institute is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools, Illinois Board of Higher Education, 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701.
MTI's Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) at the Springfield, IL, East Peoria, IL, and Moline, IL campuses.
The school is also approved by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation, Springfield, IL. Springfield, IL and East Peoria, IL Campuses are members in good standing with Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU) and American Welding Society (AWS). The Springfield, IL HVAC/R program is HVAC Excellence Accredited.
The CDL Refresher Training Course is not part of the institutional scope of accreditation through the ACCSC.
