About: First Accredited Massage School in California.

Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training

The U.S. government’s federal register states that “The essential purpose of the accreditation process is to provide a professional judgment as to the quality of the institution or program(s) offered, and to encourage continual improvement.”  We are periodically reviewed by our accrediting agency, both via scheduled and unscheduled visits, to ensure that we maintain high standards.
National Holistic Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).  ACCET is listed by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. In support of ACCET’s standards, NHI upholds the following principles of professional ethics:

• To provide programs of study that are educationally sound, up-to-date, of high quality and are demonstrably effective.
• To maintain fair, ethical and clearly stated advertising, admission, and enrollment practices by accurately and fairly representing our institution and its services to all people.
• To provide effective student counseling and motivational programs that recognize individual differences and ensure successful student retention, graduation and employability where applicable.
• To demonstrate the ultimate benefit of private educational training programs through satisfied participants.
• To maintain an effective peer review system that ensures proper and ethical administration of all financial aspects of the institution.
• To promote the concept of voluntary self-regulation inherent in the accreditation process.
• To demonstrate a commitment to the people we serve through local community involvement and participation.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of private educational training, thereby providing essential skills to support a productive American workforce.
• To promote continuing education and training programs of the highest quality and integrity.

State of California — Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education

TEMPORARY NOTE: The law governing private postsecondary schools in California expired in July 2007.  While the Governor and State Legislature are working to pass and implement new laws and regulations, the National Holistic Institute has signed a Voluntary Agreement to follow the previous laws and regulations until new laws and regulations are implemented.

In June 2007, the National Holistic Institute was licensed to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) – part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Approval to operate means compliance with minimum state standards and does not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the state.

The Bureau establishes educational standards that are intended to serve as the minimum standard for instructional quality and institutional stability for private postsecondary schools in California. The Bureau responds to student complaints and oversees a fund designed to help reimburse a student's tuition if a school closes unexpectedly. The Bureau is also responsible for approving education and training programs for veterans.

United States Department of Education

The National Holistic Institute is an eligible institution approved by the United States Department of Education to participate in the following programs:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
• Federal Family Education Loan Program
• Federal Work Study Program

American Massage Therapy Association

NHI adheres to the national standards for Massage Therapists established by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).  The Association was established in 1943 to promote the practice of professional Massage Therapy.  AMTA is the largest and most influential organization in the field.  NHI has been affiliated with the AMTA for over 25 years and is a member of the AMTA’s Council of Schools (COS).

Foreign Student Eligibility

NHI welcomes students from other countries.  We enroll foreign students under the regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Visit our International Students Page

Vocational Rehabilitation & Veterans’ Benefits

Many vocational rehabilitation counselors have found NHI’s Massage Therapy training appropriate for the retraining of their clients.  Along with technical skill and support, our program instills the confidence to succeed.

NHI is approved by the State of California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) based on the Veterans’ Information Bulletin.  Students who wish to receive veteran benefits need to notify the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA).  The NHI program is approved as accredited under Section 3675, Chapter 36, Title 38, U.S. Code. 

Nurses’ Continuing Education

Many nurses find Massage Therapy training valuable both for themselves and their patients, and incorporate it into their nursing work.  Others develop an independent practice that allows them to help others outside a hospital setting. The Board of Registered Nursing approved NHI to offer continuing education for nurses.

National Certification Exam

Upon successful completion of NHI’s Massage Therapist and Health Education training, many of our graduates take the National Certification Examination. This voluntary test has been established to measure entry level competence in the field. NHI’s comprehensive training prepares our graduates for this test.