Welcome to the Cortiva Institute - Chicago School of Massage Therapy

Cortiva Institute - Chicago School of Massage Therapy

Welcome to the Cortiva Institute - Chicago School of Massage Therapy!

We're excited you found us, and we'd like to share information about our approach to massage training and how we can help you become a Licensed Massage Practitioner.

After 25 years operating a massage therapy school in Chicago, our mission remains the same: inspire and empower you to become a great massage professional. We provide a complete massage certification program, with review and practice of massage techniques, professional issues and practices. 40 highly skilled and experienced faculty and staff are here to prepare you for a progressive massage therapy career in clinics, spas, hospitals, or your own private practice.

If you're looking for a massage therapy school in Chicago, Cortiva Institute is the place to start. Read more about us online.


Lucien Caillouet, III Since I graduated, I have had the chance to work with some amazing groups of people including: The Women's National Soccer Team, The Joffrey Ballet Company, Broadway Shows like Little Shop of Horrors & The Lion King, and the 2004 Athens Olympic Track and Field Team.

Lucien Caillouet, III
Alumni, Cortiva Institute - Chicago School of Massage Therapy; Licensed Massage Therapist, Athletic Trainer Certified, Certified Neuromuscular Massage Therapist, Certified Event Sports Massage Specialist; Employed by AthletiCo Physical Therapy



Cortiva Institute – Chicago School of Massage Therapy ("Cortiva") is devoted to raising the standards of massage therapy education. We believe science and technique alone aren't enough. Through a comprehensive approach to massage therapy training – incorporating both science and spirit – we prepare our graduates for practice in many different environments. We have over 3,000 graduates, 80 instructors/staff members, and a brand new student clinic in downtown Chicago.

Our curriculum is grounded in the belief that scientific foundations and inspirational, real-life experiences create passionate massage therapy professionals. As a student, you'll benefit from a combination of hands-on classroom instruction, clinic work and community outreach. After graduation, we continue to support you with ongoing learning opportunities through continuing education, lectures and workshops.

Our Chicago Massage Therapy Diploma Program is a holistic and hands-on approach to massage. You'll be challenged and inspired to create your own unique career path, whether that means working in a hospital, clinic, spa, health club, or your own private practice. Training covers three main areas of study:

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
Coursework provides a solid foundation in understanding the structure, function and health of the human body. You'll learn proper medical terminology that is actively reinforced in classroom experiences.

Massage Therapy and Practice
Master fundamental techniques in a classroom setting and practice them in a supervised and supportive environment. We also provide training in body mechanics and self-care so that you can enjoy a long and healthy career. In addition to your Theory and Practice courses, training in the Student Clinic and in our Community Outreach program will further prepare you to interact with clients.

Professional Development
This coursework rounds out your education with business basics necessary to succeed as a professional. With the help of your instructors, you define your goals and target the right markets for a successful practice. With exercises in setting goals, writing a resume, creating a business plan, marketing, advertising and self-management, you'll walk away from our Chicago massage school with the tools necessary to establish your own practice or apply for jobs upon graduation.

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