Turn Your Passion for Helping Others Into a Career in Massage Therapy
Learn the art and science of therapeutic touch through hands-on training at the National University of Natural Medicine. Build the skills and confidence to pursue a rewarding career helping others feel and function their best.
*Tuition is subject to change. Additional fees and supplies may apply.
A Program Designed Around Your Next Step
NUNM’s Massage Therapy Certificate is designed to help you build the knowledge and hands-on skills needed for a career in massage therapy. Over 12 months, you’ll complete 648 instructional hours, combining classroom learning with practical training.
With program starts in January and September, you can choose the time of year that works best for you.
January & September
Questions about class schedules? Our Admissions team can help you learn more about upcoming start dates and program attendance requirements. Connect with Admissions →
A Career That Makes a Difference
Imagine spending your workday helping people manage discomfort, improve mobility, or simply feel better in their bodies. Massage therapy offers opportunities to work with people from different backgrounds and pursue a career that aligns with your interests.
Integrative
Healthcare Clinics
Wellness Centers
and Spas
Sports and
Rehabilitation Settings
Chiropractic or
Physical Therapy Offices
Your Own
Private Practice
What You’ll Learn
Your education will combine hands-on massage techniques with an understanding of the human body and the professional skills needed to work with clients.
Massage Techniques
Develop foundational massage skills, including Swedish massage and tissue manipulation techniques.
Anatomy & Physiology
Study how muscles, joints, and body systems work together to support movement and overall health.
Movement & Pain Science
Explore how movement and common conditions influence treatment approaches.
Hydrotherapy
Learn how temperature-based therapies can be incorporated into bodywork and care.
Client Assessment
Develop the skills to understand client needs and create thoughtful, individualized treatment approaches.
Professional Practice
Build knowledge of ethics, communication, documentation, and business fundamentals.
More Than Massage Training.
An Education Rooted in Whole-Person Health.
At NUNM, massage therapy is more than learning techniques. It’s about understanding how the body works and how therapeutic touch can support health and well-being. As part of a university dedicated to natural medicine, you’ll develop your skills in an environment that values evidence-informed care and a thoughtful approach to working with clients.
Learn by Doing
Build your skills through hands-on practice and supervised clinical experiences. Gain confidence working with clients while learning from experienced instructors.
Understand the Body
Go beyond massage techniques with coursework in anatomy, physiology, movement, and pain science. Learn how to adapt your approach to individual client needs.
Prepare for Your Career
Develop the practical knowledge needed to pursue professional licensure and begin working in a variety of healthcare and wellness settings.
Your Classroom Is Just the Beginning.
Located in the heart of downtown Portland, NUNM offers a welcoming learning environment dedicated to natural medicine and whole-person health. As a massage therapy student, you’ll become part of a university community where education is connected to the broader practice of healthcare.
Want to see what it’s like to study at NUNM? Visit our campus, explore the learning spaces, and connect with our community.
Schedule a Campus Visit →Your Next Chapter Starts Here.
Ready to explore a career in massage therapy? Learn more about the cost of the program and how to take the next step toward becoming an NUNM student.
Program Tuition
Total Program TuitionNUNM’s Massage Therapy Certificate offers career-focused training within a university dedicated to whole-person health.
Tuition does not necessarily include additional expenses such as books, supplies, fees, or licensing-related costs. Confirm current tuition and expenses with Admissions.
Questions About Paying for School?
Our Admissions team can help you understand program costs and connect you with information about available financial resources.
Explore Tuition Information →How to Get Started
Connect With Admissions →
Have questions about the program, admission requirements, or upcoming start dates? Our Admissions team is here to help.
View Admission Requirements →
Learn what you’ll need to apply, including any required application materials and important deadlines.
Submit Your Application →
When you’re ready, complete your application online. Our team can answer questions along the way.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Find answers to common questions about studying massage therapy at NUNM.
How long does it take to complete the Massage Therapy Certificate?
NUNM’s Massage Therapy Certificate is a 12-month, 38-credit program completed over four terms. Students begin hands-on training early in the program and build their skills through coursework and supervised clinical practice.
Learn more about how long it takes to become a massage therapist →
What are the admission requirements?
To apply to NUNM’s Massage Therapy Certificate program, you’ll need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Transcripts from any post-secondary education
Our Admissions team can help you understand the application process and answer questions about submitting your materials.
Do I need previous massage therapy or healthcare experience?
Previous massage therapy or healthcare experience is not listed among the admission requirements provided for the certificate program. NUNM’s curriculum introduces foundational sciences and massage techniques before building toward supervised clinical practice.
Whether you’re exploring your first career or considering a change, Admissions can help you determine whether the program is a good fit.
What will I learn in the Massage Therapy Certificate program?
You’ll develop a foundation in anatomy, kinesiology, pain science, and massage techniques, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy.
The program also emphasizes professional ethics, client communication, and clinical assessment. Through supervised clinical training, you’ll learn to apply your knowledge while working with real clients.
Is the program offered online or in person?
NUNM’s Massage Therapy Certificate uses a hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person instruction and hands-on training in Portland, Oregon.
Because massage therapy is a hands-on profession, students should expect required in-person learning experiences. Contact Admissions for the current class schedule and campus attendance requirements.
Will I be eligible to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Oregon?
Yes. NUNM’s Massage Therapy Certificate is designed to meet Oregon’s massage therapy education requirements and prepare graduates to pursue licensure.
Completing the certificate is an important step, but it does not automatically grant a license. Oregon also requires applicants to pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), complete a background check, pass the Oregon Jurisprudence Examination, and complete the state’s licensing process.
How do I apply to the Massage Therapy Certificate program?
Start by reviewing the admission requirements and gathering your educational transcripts. When you’re ready, you can submit your application online.
Have questions before applying? Our Admissions team is happy to help you understand the process and upcoming start dates.
Still have questions? Connect with our Admissions team →
Ready to Turn Your Passion Into a Profession?
Whether you’re exploring a new career or ready to take the next step, NUNM’s Massage Therapy Certificate can help you build the skills and confidence to get started.