AOS Degree in Holistic Healthcare
with a Concentration in Advanced Bodyworker Practitioner
Are you drawn to the healing arts, but feel traditional Massage Therapy isn't exactly your calling? If so, consider the Advanced Bodyworker Practitioner degree program offered here at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA). Or, choose Advanced Bodywork as a concentration within your Holistic Health Care Associate’s Degree.
What Is Bodywork?
The term "Bodywork" refers to a number of specialized hands-on healing and energy work techniques that are not traditional massage. Examples include Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Cranial Unwinding, Reiki, Polarity, Yoga, Tui Na and Zen Shiatsu.
One of the major distinctions between “bodywork” and "massage" is that bodywork is a clothed modality, whereas massage involves the client disrobing to the level of their comfort. Another important difference is that in the state of Arizona, Bodyworkers who do not practice traditional massage do not have to be licensed as Massage Therapists.
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Why Choose SWIHA’s Advanced Bodyworker Program?
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) and licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education (AZPPSE). In addition, SWIHA is approved as a continuing education provider by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The full list of our professional memberships and licensing agencies can be found in our policy catalog.
At SWIHA, our Advanced Bodyworker degree includes all the required core classes, along with your choice of 600 hours of additional training in the specialty areas that interest you most. You can earn Certificates of Excellence in three or more of the following specialties:*
Certificates of Excellence:
- Aromatherapy
- Cranial Unwinding
- Polarity APP
- Reflexology
- Reiki Traditional
- Reiki Transformational
- Yoga Teacher Training
* NOTE: Certificates of Excellence are not necessarily designed to serve as stand-alone vocational training and may not prepare you for gainful employment if taken independently of a diploma or degree program. To complete the requirements of the Advanced Bodywork Practitioner diploma program, students must choose at least one specialty that includes bodywork clinic hours.
Of course, becoming a successful Bodywork Practitioner involves more than just completing a training program... That’s why SWIHA offers a full-service Success Center, where all graduates receive our life-long commitment of job placement assistance, entrepreneurial and career coaching and resume assistance.
In addition, check out GreatTherapists.com, where we will be featuring you as one of our future graduates. While you’re there, feel free to contact some of our alumni to ask about their experiences here at SWIHA. Next, stop by our alumni networking site, SWIHA Connections, where you can blog and converse with your fellow students and grads. More questions? Call 480-994-9244 and speak with an advisor today!
Need tuition assistance? Since SWIHA is a nationally-accredited college approved by the US Department of Education, students enrolled in programs of 600 hours or more may qualify for Federal Student Aid in the form of Pell grants and student loans. In addition, we offer a 10% cash concession on tuition for programs paid in full at the time of enrollment.
Bring Your Dream Into Focus
Going back to school is a huge commitment, and we understand your time and money are valuable. Taking a campus tour and meeting with an advisor are great ways to experience our conscious college community. In addition, please be our guest to a special evening hosted the first Friday of every month called Gifts & Graces – a great way to experience practitioners trained by SWIHA. Enjoy a themed presentation followed by complimentary mini sessions with our life coaches, energy workers (Reiki, polarity, etc.) and toe readers!
Maybe you are undecided on whether to study massage therapy or bodywork, hypnotherapy or life coaching, aesthetics or nutrition. When it comes to college classes, ever wish you could "try before you buy?" At SWIHA, you can! We are so committed to helping you find your bliss, we invite you to sit in on the first 4 hours of almost any introductory class at no charge! We’re sure you’ll love our school, our staff, and our programs. Just call 480-994-9244 and ask to speak with Student Services today!
