Massage Therapy

Universal College of Healing Arts (UCHA) offers a 1,000-hour pre-licensing Massage Therapy Diploma Program, fully approved and licensed (License #21) by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. In this immersive 12-month program, students complete 1,000 clock hours across three 15-week semesters, supported by a blend of on-site intensives and online coursework. Students attend 15 onsite learning weekends while completing flexible online learning between sessions, and build hands-on experience, complete internships, and develop mastery in therapeutic bodywork.

The semesters are the Foundation Semester, the Practice Semester and the Implementation Semester. Training begins with UCHA's Universal Technique, developed and refined over 30 years, and moves from traditional massage into collaborative bodywork through Applied Kinesiology with Structural Integration. The final semester prepares students directly for professional licensure and clinical practice, ending with a final practical examination demonstrating mastery of the five Swedish massage strokes.

Founded in 1995, UCHA has over 30 years of experience training massage therapists and is a community-minded, nonprofit-rooted institution that reinvests all profits into improving its programs.

• Hybrid learning: 24/7 online access to the academic side of the program, with hands-on weekend training in a clinic-style setting.
• Small classes: class sizes are kept small so students receive true mentorship, an apprenticeship-style experience.
• Exam results: UCHA shows up to a 100% pass rate on the national licensing exam, against a Nebraska average of 75% and a national average around 67%.
• Community-based education: expert guest instructors, visits to real-world healing environments, and a business course that pairs students with successful massage therapists in the community.
• Historic campus: a 12,500 sq. ft. 1920s brick building in Omaha's Florence District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with private treatment rooms, a gymnasium, library, commercial kitchen and an organic community garden.
• Portable training: the curriculum is recognized by most other licensing states, including Iowa, and UCHA is a member in good standing of ABMP.

UCHA admits only persons with a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) or a home-school diploma; proof of the original home-school state approval letter must be provided with the diploma or transcript. The age limit is beyond the compulsory school age of 16, and a student must be 19 to secure licensure in Nebraska. Applicants submit a copy of their diploma and a photo ID, and pay a $50 application fee. Two references may be requested.

Students must be able to read, write and speak English, work in a cooperative group environment, give and receive feedback, respect diversity and keep an open mind toward holistic health. Students who have not received a professional massage are required to do so. Students must be conversant with word processing and e-mail, have Internet access, and be able to attend the onsite learning weekends. A student must receive written medical clearance from their primary health care provider before participating. UCHA may request a background report, and reserves the right to deny acceptance based on certain convictions.

The program runs three 15-week semesters (48 weeks, less than one year to completion). Students attend 15 onsite learning weekends at the Omaha campus and complete online coursework between sessions; plan for approximately 20+ hours per week, including internship hours. The next class starts March 4, 2027.

For the cohort that began March 21, 2026, the handbook schedule shows the second semester ending October 22, 2026 and the third semester running to February 21, 2027, with holiday breaks November 23-29, 2026 and December 24, 2026 to January 3, 2027.

The full tuition for the program is $9,000. UCHA is not eligible for Title IV funding such as Pell Grants and Stafford loans; it offers a self-pay and employer-paid program. Textbooks, massage tables and clinical supplies are not included in tuition; approximate textbook costs are $150 for the first semester, $200 for the second and $60 for the third.

• Paid in full: pay $9,000 thirty days before the first semester starts, with no processing fees.
• Monthly option: 12 monthly payments of $850, each including $750 toward tuition and a $100 processing fee.
• Three-payment and personalized options: installments due before each semester, or a proposed personalized plan, each payment carrying a $100 processing fee.
• Veterans: UCHA accepts VA GI Bill education benefits and will not penalize students for delayed Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 payments. Contact the School Certifying Officer at 402-556-4456 ext. 21.

Completing UCHA's training meets Nebraska's educational standard for becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT); Nebraska also requires being 19 or older, good moral character, a high school diploma or GED, and passing the MBLEx. Most states accept UCHA's curriculum (New York requires additional neurology study), and UCHA has helped graduates gain licensure in states including Alaska, California, Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Arkansas, Florida and Hawaii.

Through site visits, guest presenters, mentoring and externships, students network with practitioners before they graduate. Many learners keep their community externship position after graduation, and students have created opportunities at spas, chiropractic offices, hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes and massage therapy clinics. Job openings are posted online for UCHA graduates, and alumni can take continuing education workshops. The College does not guarantee employment.

During onsite learning weekends, students connect, collaborate and practice real techniques in a clinic-style setting with guidance from experienced instructors; online study can be done when and where students want. The program follows an apprenticeship-style model with internships, lab work, inquiry projects and mentorship, using collaborative learning, reflection activities, research projects and hands-on practice to suit adult learning styles.

Internships can take place in UCHA's own student clinic or approved external sites such as hospitals, chiropractic offices, spas, rehabilitation centers and physical therapy clinics. To graduate, students pass the comprehensive cumulative examination and the College's practical examination, meet academic standards and fulfil all financial obligations. Students are expected to arrive prepared, follow dress and hygiene guidelines and uphold the Code of Conduct.