Joe Bonham

Joe Bonham previously worked in sales and was a head swim coach for the University of Illinois at Chicago. Currently, he owns his own home repair and remodeling business — and is a first tri student in National’s Massage Therapy Certification Program.

“I got into massage because I’ve always been into fitness and health, and I also like to help people,” says Joe. “My grandfather was a doctor of osteopathic medicine, so I’ve always known a little about massage. Also, being a swimming coach, you do a lot of massage before and after events.”

“Massage therapy seemed like a great way for me to change careers fairly quickly,” says Joe, who is 41 years old and has a bachelor’s degree in business from Bradley University. “I have two kids, ages five and eight, and the massage program at National allows me to run my home repair business during the day while I go to school at night.”

Joe did look at other massage schools, “but the quality of NUHS, its proximity to where I live, and how it worked with my schedule, made it my choice.”

“The admissions process was very easy,” he says. “I decided I wanted to apply in December, and I was able to start in January. The advisors walked me through everything. Even getting financial aid for student loans was quick and easy.”

What about National impresses Joe most after his first trimester in the MT program? “I’m impressed with the teachers, because of their true passion for their work. The professionalism of the program is far and above what I ever expected. For example, the anatomy class is held in a full cadaver lab, and is unmatched by other schools I investigated.”

“I’m getting ready to start my clinic internship in a couple weeks and I’m excited. They ask us to practice with friends and relatives before we get to clinic, and I probably have close to 10 people that want to see me weekly now, so that’s been great practice,” says Joe. “Every person that you massage is different. They have different needs, wants, expectations, and different positive feedback about your treatment.”

What are Joe’s goals when he graduates? “I’m also getting my certification in personal training through another institution. Since I’m a little older, with my background in coaching and sports science, I want to combine personal training and massage therapy and start a career geared toward working with an older population. I want to help them enjoy their life during their older years and stay fit. People are living a lot longer now. There are so many people that are not happy with their physical condition and I want to reach out to them and help them enjoy life more.”

“I’m encouraged by how massage therapy is becoming more professional. More and more states are requiring licensing and requiring continuing education, which is increasing the professionalism of the industry. I’m encouraged by that,” he says.

“Right now, I realize how little I actually do know about massage therapy. There is so much knowledge that’s been gained over the last several years, I’ll never learn it all!”

Joe’s advice to other career changers who may be over 40? “Don’t wait too long. I’m sorry that I waited so long. If you have true passion for health and fitness, go for it! Seek out a program and get your questions answered right away.”