Ridgewater College Massage Therapy Program

Ridgewater College Massage Therapy Program Ridgewater massage therapy offers a variety of options for students interested in massage therapy

The Massage Therapy Program at Ridgewater College offers a variety of options for students interested in pursuing a career as a massage therapist. Options include a 60-credit AAS degree as well as a 32-credit diploma in Massage Therapy. The program is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage (NCBTMB).　The benefit for students to obtain this certification is significant

, especially if they plan to practice outside of Minnesota. In both the diploma and AAS programs, students learn massage techniques used for full body, partial body, and seated-chair massage. Students study specialized massage techniques such as Swedish massage, Reflexology, Myofascial Release, and Sports massage, as well as Ancillary Treatments. Students will complete their field experience in the Student Massage Center on both campuses. The program also includes courses in the related areas of anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology for massage, business operations, client communications and marketing, clinical field experience, and First Aid/CPR. Students should note that the program schedule is a full-time student load, meeting two late afternoons/evenings per week, plus Saturdays on the Willmar campus or one late afternoon/evening and two traditional daytimes per week on the Hutchinson campus.

Massage Must-Haves 💆‍♀️✨Let’s talk about the little things that can make a massage experience even better! 👇Whether you’...
08/26/2026

Massage Must-Haves 💆‍♀️✨

Let’s talk about the little things that can make a massage experience even better! 👇

Whether you’re on the massage table or the one providing the massage, what’s your must-have?

💬 Tell us your favorite:
🔹 Lotion or massage oil
🔹 Warm, cozy towels
🔹 Relaxing music
🔹 Essential oils
🔹 A warm massage table
🔹 Soft lighting & a quiet room
🔹 Something else? We want to hear it!

What helps you truly relax and enjoy the experience? 😌💆‍♂️

Drop your favorite in the comments! 👇

We love hearing what makes your massage experience amazing!
✨ Bonus: Tag a future massage therapist who should see this!

💼 Learn more about our hands-on massage therapy program:
https://ridgewater.edu/academics/areas-of-study/health-care/massage-therapy/

💬 Get to Know Our Massage Therapy Instructors!Ever wonder who's behind the massage table and the classroom? We’re spotli...
08/26/2026

💬 Get to Know Our Massage Therapy Instructors!
Ever wonder who's behind the massage table and the classroom? We’re spotlighting our amazing instructors and lab assistants and letting you in on the fun with some behind-the-scenes Q&A! 🙌✨

Kirstin Bergman
Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology and Kinesiology Instructor in the Massage Therapy Program

👐 What inspired you to become a massage therapist? Since I was little, people have always told me I have “magic hands” and hands on bodywork has always just felt like something I was supposed to do!

🧠 What’s one surprising fact about the human body you love to share? Your skin and your brain come from the same embryologic cells, so touching the skin is like touching the brain!

💆‍♀️ What’s your favorite massage technique to teach—and why?
How to talk to the nervous system to get it to calm down and allow the body to relax

Now for the fun stuff…
☕ Favorite drink? Passionfruit-Tangerine Kombucha or an ice cold Diet Coke
🎶 What’s your go-to playlist for relaxing? Any type of nature sounds
🐾 Any pets? No
😄 Fun Fact: In addition to being a CMT, I am a physical therapist and I love teaching yoga and movement classes!

Got a question you’d love to ask our instructors? Drop it in the comments! 👇

🎉 Welcome, 2026-2027 Massage Therapy Students!Willmar & Hutchinson Campuses ❤️“Twenty years from now you will be more di...
08/24/2026

🎉 Welcome, 2026-2027 Massage Therapy Students!
Willmar & Hutchinson Campuses ❤️

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

We are beyond excited to kick off a new year of massage therapy education and to welcome all of the incredible individuals who make up the this class! 💆‍♀️✨ Whether you're just starting this journey or continuing to grow, we’re here to support, challenge, and celebrate you every step of the way.

Let’s make this year one to remember—full of learning, connection, and amazing transformation! 🌟

With excitement,
Jackie, Kiley, Kirstin, and Amber

https://ridgewater.edu/academics/areas-of-study/health-care/massage-therapy/

🪑 Massage Tip: Your Posture Matters! Sore neck? Achy back?It might not just be stress—it could be your posture! 😬Here’s ...
08/21/2026

🪑 Massage Tip: Your Posture Matters!
Sore neck? Achy back?
It might not just be stress—it could be your posture! 😬

Here’s a quick reminder from our massage therapy students:
📌 Sit with your shoulders relaxed
📌 Keep your feet flat on the floor
📌 Take stretch breaks every 30–60 minutes

Good posture supports muscle health between massages — and helps your therapist help you more! 🙌

💬 What’s your worst posture habit? (We won’t judge... 😅)

💬 Get to Know Our Massage Therapy Instructors!Ever wonder who's behind the massage table and the classroom? We’re spotli...
08/20/2026

💬 Get to Know Our Massage Therapy Instructors!
Ever wonder who's behind the massage table and the classroom? We’re spotlighting our amazing instructors and lab assistants and letting you in on the fun with some behind-the-scenes Q&A! 🙌✨

Kiley Kruggel
Massage Therapy Instructor: Hutchinson Campus

👐 What inspired you to become a massage therapist? Benefiting from massage myself, I wanted to be able to help people alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance their overall well-being

🧠 What’s one surprising fact about the human body you love to share? Your skin is the largest organ

💆‍♀️ What’s your favorite massage technique to teach—and why? Using elbows & forearms because you can really get deep into the muscle and it saves my thumbs😉

Now for the fun stuff…
☕ Favorite drink? McDonald’s Diet Coke or an Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso from Starbucks
🎶 What’s your go-to playlist for relaxing? Acoustic new age
🐾 Any pets? Nope
😄 Fun Fact: I have a “sneaker room” with over 100 pairs of sneakers

Got a question you’d love to ask our instructors? Drop it in the comments! 👇

⏳ ONE WEEK TO GO! 🎉💆‍♀️💆‍♂️Can you believe it?! Classes start in just ONE WEEK, and we couldn’t be more excited to welco...
08/18/2026

⏳ ONE WEEK TO GO! 🎉💆‍♀️💆‍♂️
Can you believe it?! Classes start in just ONE WEEK, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome our new and returning Massage Therapy students on the Willmar and Hutchinson campuses! 🥳✨

Get ready to dive into anatomy, massage techniques, and start the journey toward a hands-on, healing career. 💪🙌

📅 First day: Monday, August 24
📍 Location: Ridgewater College – Massage Therapy Program Willmar and Hutchinson
🎓 Future massage therapists… it’s GO TIME!

Let’s make this year unforgettable. 💙
Still thinking about applying? There's a tiny bit of time left... but don't wait, apply now!
👉 https://ridgewater.edu/admission-aid/apply/

😌 Happy National Relaxation Day! 💆‍♀️💆‍♂️Today is all about slowing down, letting go of stress, and giving your body and...
08/15/2026

😌 Happy National Relaxation Day! 💆‍♀️💆‍♂️
Today is all about slowing down, letting go of stress, and giving your body and mind a well-deserved break. 🧘‍♀️💤

At Ridgewater College’s Massage Therapy program, we believe relaxation isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our students are learning how to help others heal, recharge, and feel their best through the power of touch. 🙌

✨ Whether it’s a full-body massage or five deep breaths between classes—make time to relax today.

Want to help others feel this good every day?
👉 Explore Our Massage Therapy Program
https://ridgewater.edu/academics/areas-of-study/health-care/massage-therapy/

👉 Or apply now
https://ridgewater.edu/admission-aid/apply/

We want YOU! 🫵🤭Have you been dreaming about a career in massage therapy? Now’s your time to turn that dream into reality...
08/13/2026

We want YOU! 🫵🤭
Have you been dreaming about a career in massage therapy? Now’s your time to turn that dream into reality!

🎓 Classes start Monday, August 24 — and YES, there’s still time to apply!

🖱️ Apply today:
https://ridgewater.edu/admission-aid/apply/

🔍 Explore our Massage Therapy program:
https://ridgewater.edu/academics/areas-of-study/health-care/massage-therapy/

Questions? We’re here to help! Reach out anytime — we’re so excited to kick off a new semester with future massage therapists like you. ❤️

💬 Get to Know Our Massage Therapy Instructors!Ever wonder who's behind the massage table and the classroom? We’re spotli...
08/11/2026

💬 Get to Know Our Massage Therapy Instructors!
Ever wonder who's behind the massage table and the classroom? We’re spotlighting our amazing instructors and lab assistants and letting you in on the fun with some behind-the-scenes Q&A! 🙌✨

Jackie Smith
Massage Therapy Instructor and Program Director

👐 What inspired you to become a massage therapist? I’ve always felt drawn to helping others slow down and take time for themselves—something we don’t do often enough. What really intrigued me about massage therapy was the mystery behind it. I was fascinated by how tension and stress can hide in the body in ways we don’t even realize, and I wanted to learn how to find and release that tension. Helping someone walk away feeling lighter, more relaxed, and more connected to their body is what continues to inspire me every day.

🧠 What’s one surprising fact about the human body you love to share? Human touch isn’t just comforting—it’s scientifically essential. Studies show that just 20 seconds of caring touch can trigger the release of oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and promotes emotional connection.

💆‍♀️ What’s your favorite massage technique to teach—and why?
Elbow work in the trapezius and rhomboids: These muscles are key players in supporting your neck, shoulders, and upper back. They often hold a lot of tension from daily stress, poor posture, or repetitive movements. Using the elbow allows a therapist to apply deeper, focused pressure directly into these tight areas, which helps to release stubborn knots and muscle adhesions.

Now for the fun stuff…
☕ Favorite drink? Sugar free irish cream latte
🎶 What’s your go-to playlist for relaxing? The Piano Guys
🐾 Any pets? 🐶Peanut, 🐱Mochi and 🐱Miso
😄 Fun Fact: Has won Best Massage 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025 and runner up in 2023 and 2026 by West Central Tribune’s Best of the Best.

Got a question you’d love to ask our instructors? Drop it in the comments! 👇

💆‍♀️ **Moms… what if your side hustle actually worked around YOUR schedule?**Between kids, school, activities, appointme...
08/08/2026

💆‍♀️ **Moms… what if your side hustle actually worked around YOUR schedule?**

Between kids, school, activities, appointments, and everything else life throws at you, finding a job that fits your life can be tough.

**Massage therapy can be a flexible way to earn extra income—without committing to a traditional 9–5 schedule.** 💰

Imagine being able to:
✨ Set your own hours
✨ Build your own client schedule
✨ Work around your family’s needs
✨ Create a business that can grow with you
✨ Potentially earn **$60+ per hour** providing massage services

And you don't have to spend years in school to get started!

🎓 **Ridgewater College’s Massage Therapy Program** meets just **2–3 days per week**, making it a great option for busy adults and moms looking to build a new skill or create a flexible side income.

📍 **Willmar:** Evening classes + Saturdays
📍 **Hutchinson:** Traditional daytime classes

Whether you’re looking for a little extra spending money, a career change, or eventually want to build your own massage business, **massage therapy can give you the flexibility to make your career fit your life—not the other way around.**

💗 Your family is important. Your goals are important, too.

**Why not start building something that works for both?**

📚 **Fall classes start August 24!**

👉 **APPLY NOW:** https://ridgewater.edu/admission-aid/apply/

Take the first step toward creating a career that works around YOUR life! 💆‍♀️✨

Address

2101 15th Avenue NW
Willmar, MN
56201

Opening Hours

Monday 3:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday 3:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

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