Begin a New Career as a Massage Therapist

Those looking for a new career or extra income can become a massage therapist at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA). Start dates for their next massage therapy programs are May 22 and July 24, with morning and afternoon options.

At SWIHA, some students choose the traditional therapeutic track, while others are drawn more to energy work, which includes reiki, reflexology, medical massage, polarity or cranial unwinding. As with all diploma and degree programs, those drawn to study have a destined calling, and so the school does not dictate exactly which classes to take. There are 13 certificate of excellence programs or areas of specialization to choose from.

All programs exceed the 700-hour requirement for massage therapy training in Arizona to be eligible to apply for a massage therapy license and national certification. Graduates can get a job as a professional massage practitioner or open their own practice.

Diploma programs include Professional Massage Practitioner (750 hours), Master Massage Practitioner (1,000 hours), Master Massage with a specialty in Natural Aesthetics (1,000 hours) and Massage and Yoga.

Location: 1100 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe. For more information, call 480-994-9244 or visit swiha.edu.