National Holistic Institute

Highlights

• Exclusively focused on massage therapy training since 1979
• First massage school in California to be nationally accredited
• Institute has preferred partnerships with employers that hire graduates
• Offers lifetime career assistance to alumni
• Teaching clinic has more than 1,000 client appointments per month
• Off-campus externships provide experience and networking opportunities
• Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training

About the School

National Holistic Institute (NHI) focuses on providing massage therapy education. Founded in 1979 in California by Carol Carpenter, the school immediately took an integrated training approach that combined multiple elements of massage therapy, including various forms of therapy, anatomy and kinesiology, and marketing and business. NHI became the first massage school to be nationally accredited and the first to offer federal financial aid through the US Department of Education.

The curriculum provides 720 hours of training and includes various modalities from the Western and Eastern styles of massage. Hands-on training is a major part of the program. Business and science courses are also included. According to NHI, statistics indicate that students that have received 720 hours of training are more successful and are better prepared to meet the changing needs of clients.

Continuing education classes are also provided for massage therapists. The institute reports their staff has relationships with numerous employers in the massage therapy business. In addition, externships are available at hundreds of settings. The facilities of the National Holistic Institute were designed exclusively for massage therapy.

Academic Programs

NHI's Massage Therapy program includes 720 hours of learning. The program prepares students for national certification. The curriculum includes comprehensive training in various forms of massage, including sports, Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue, energy, lymphatic and Thai massage. The program also offers a broad review of anatomy, aromatherapy, acupressure, foot reflexology, pathology and physiology.

The curriculum includes a strong foundation in postural analysis, range of motion, myofacial therapies, Shiatsu and traditional Chinese Medicine. Also, students gain experience by providing massage to clients at the student clinic. Externships are available at various settings such as hotels and spas. The business aspects of massage therapy are also taught.

Learning Options

• Day, evening and weekend training is available
• Offers continuing education classes for massage therapists

Faculty

The institute notes that it provides a knowledgeable, experienced staff. The school reports that their faculty is often consulted by leaders in the massage therapy field.

Student Life

The campuses include student lounges, student libraries, computers and career development offices. The Federal Work Study program is available to qualified students. Also, school representatives assist students in finding housing.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admissions representatives are available to guide applicants through the admissions process. The school offers training for clients of vocational rehabilitation. Regarding financial assistance, federal grants and loans are available to qualified students. Discount payments, career loans and monthly payment plans are also available.