Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
General Information — Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
About (Overview)
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (commonly known as SWIHA) is a specialized institution devoted to holistic health, wellness, and integrative healing education. It began as a massage school and over the years has expanded its offerings to include diploma, certificate, and degree-level programs in holistic nutrition, health coaching, herbalism, mind-body wellness, hypnotherapy, yoga therapy, cosmetic laser technology, skin care, and other related healing disciplines.
The college positions itself as a conscious college community, blending spiritual, energetic, and conventional healing modalities. It offers both on-campus and online modalities, allowing students from various locations to access parts of its curriculum remotely. Over more than thirty years, SWIHA has cultivated an environment where experiential learning, body-mind integration, and business preparation for holistic entrepreneurship are central tenets of its mission. Students are encouraged not only to master therapeutic and wellness skills, but to develop the mindset and operational tools to build their own healing-arts practices in the world.
Contact Information
Address: 1538 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282
Phone: (480) 994-9244
Email: info@swiha.edu
Fax (if applicable): (480) 994-3228
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Origins | Began as a massage school; later expanded into holistic health institute |
| Accreditation | Accredited by ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training) |
| Institutional Type | Private, for-profit, special focus (health professions / healing arts) |
| Campus Locations | Main campus in Tempe, Arizona; offers online modalities |
| Mission / Motto | Emphasis on conscious college community, healing, entrepreneurship, holistic transformation |
| Student Body Size | ~716 students enrolled (as of 2023) |
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Rankings
| Scope | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| Nationwide / U.S. | No widely recognized national ranking; operates in a niche / special-focus market (healing arts, holistic health) |
| Global | Not featured in major global university ranking systems |
| Specialty / Programmatic Ranking | In Arizona, the cosmetology / skin care programs are cited among top trade offerings; for healing arts, the institution is viewed as a prominent provider in its field locally |
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Academics
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Faculties / Departments
SWIHA is structured less along traditional college faculties and more around specialty tracks in holistic and healing modalities. Some of its main areas include
- Holistic Health & Wellness
- Massage Therapy & Bodywork
- Integrative Healing Arts
- Hypnotherapy / Mind-Body Psychology
- Western Herbalism & Botanical Studies
- Yoga Therapy / Movement & Yoga Education
- Cosmetic Laser & Skin Care
- Holistic Nutrition & Culinary Wellness
- Business / Entrepreneurial Support for Healing Practitioners
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Courses and Programs / Majors
SWIHA offers a variety of programs—certificates, diplomas, degrees, and continuing education. Some of the offerings include
- Associate Degree in Holistic Health (concentrations: Mind-Body Psychology, Western Herbalism, Professional Massage)
- Diploma Programs: Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner, Integrative Yoga Therapy, Professional Massage Practitioner, Master Massage Practitioner, Cosmetic Laser Technician, Advanced Skin Care + Cosmetic Laser, Mind-Body Wellness Practitioner, Western Herbalism, Advanced Yoga Teacher Training
- Online Diplomas / Certificates: Holistic Health & Wellness Coach, Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (online)
- Personal Development & Certificate / Specialty Courses: Hypnotherapy, Health & Wellness Coaching, Intuitive Guide, Breathwork / Mindful Meditation, End-of-Life Doula, Whole Foods Culinary Specialist, Healing Botanicals, Life Coaching, Modern Spirituality Celebrant, Urban Gardening & Herbalism, Yoga Nidra
- Continuing Education Units — for licensed massage therapists and other professionals: Aromatherapy, Medical Massage, Myotherapy, Reiki, Cranial Unwinding, Reflexology
Online Learning
SWIHA offers a range of programs fully or partly online. Its online catalog includes diploma and certificate tracks in holistic health and healing arts, along with personal development courses and specialization electives. The online structure emphasizes flexibility, allowing students juggling life, work, or other obligations to complete coursework and practical exercises remotely. Online students can engage in entrepreneurial training, business modules, and modality theory while completing hands-on practicum where required in local settings.
Average Test Scores
SWIHA does not publish standardized entrance metrics such as SAT, ACT, or GRE averages for admitted students. As a specialized, trade and healing arts institution, its admissions model emphasizes open access, portfolio, or demonstration of interest rather than strictly test scores.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Retention and graduation statistics reflect a modest but meaningful pattern. The full-time retention rate for first-year students is reported at approximately 73 % (students returning for a second year). Graduation within normative time is relatively low, with some sources citing ~6 % finishing within 100% time and ~60 % within 150% of normal time frames. Other institutional sources report an 88 % graduation metric, though this may reflect program-specific or internal counts rather than traditional degree timelines.
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
SWIHA does not publish a defined GPA cutoff or test score range for admission. Because the institution operates with an open acceptance policy in many respects, formal GPA or standardized test thresholds are typically not enforced. The key criterion is interest in holistic healing and commitment to the educational path rather than score-based screening.
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~100 % (open admission) |
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Application Requirements
The application requirements at SWIHA are relatively streamlined and oriented toward inclusivity of those drawn to holistic healing. Prospective students typically submit a completed application form, proof of high school diploma or equivalent (GED), and may need to provide a statement of purpose or personal essay outlining their intent in healing arts. Because many programs are hands-on, students must also be able to engage in in-person practicums or clinical work, which may involve health disclosures. Some specialization courses may require pre-requisite modules or foundational coursework depending on the path chosen. SWIHA may also interview or assess motivation, readiness, and alignment with holistic philosophy rather than heavy reliance on test scores or rigid selection criteria.
Application Process
- Fill out the online or paper application form with personal details and program interest
- Submit proof of high school diploma or equivalency
- Provide a personal statement or essay of interest in healing arts and career goals
- Complete any prerequisite coursework or foundational modules as required by chosen program
- Attend orientation or interview if required
- Enroll in courses, register for modules, and begin program coursework
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Period | Application Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | Varies (typically before start of semester) | Students should apply several weeks ahead to allow registration |
| Spring Term | Varies | Similar timeline applies |
| Rolling Admission | Many programs accept applications year-round | Especially for online / certificate tracks |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
SWIHA often asks applicants to submit a personal statement. The prompt invites reflection such as: “Describe your journey or calling in holistic health, what healing modalities you feel drawn to, and how you envision using your education to serve others.” This essay helps assess alignment, motivation, and personal clarity rather than test aptitude.
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Scholarships
SWIHA offers institutional scholarships, grants, and financial aid options tailored to students in healing arts tracks. Many students receive federal or state grants depending on eligibility. Approximately 44 % of undergraduates at SWIHA receive grant aid, while about 56 % receive loan assistance. Scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or tied to performance in programs or community service. Students are advised to explore external foundation grants, wellness scholarships, or organization-based awards.
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Tuition and Fees
| Program / Cost Element | Estimated Cost / Detail |
|---|---|
| Net Price (after grants/loans) | ~$57,181 (2023 average net cost) |
| Tuition & Fees (gross) | Varies by program, modality, and duration |
| Financial Aid Coverage | 44 % of students receive grant aid; 56 % take loans |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
SWIHA’s student body is notably skewed toward female participation. Approximately 95 % of undergraduates identify as female, with about 5 % male. The racial and ethnic breakdown is approximately: White ~49 %, Hispanic/Latino ~18 %, Black/African American ~14–15 %, Multiracial ~8 %, Native American / Alaska Native ~2 %, Asian ~1 % or less, and a small share of other/unknown categories. Age distribution is skewed toward adult learners: approximately 78 % of students are over 25 years old; younger students (18‑24) account for smaller shares.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
SWIHA serves a population in which a meaningful portion of students rely on grant aid, suggesting a presence of low-income learners: 44 % of undergraduates receive grants. Although specific public data on students with disabilities is not broadly published, as a holistic institution, SWIHA likely accommodates students with diverse learning needs and wellness considerations. Prospective students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the institution for specific accommodations policies and support services.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~716 students (2023) |
| Full-time Students | ~706 (98.6 % of enrollment) |
| Part-time Students | ~10 (1.4 %) |
| International Students | Very low or essentially 0 % |
University Diversity
SWIHA maintains a diverse community in terms of ethnicity, age, and life experience, though its gender composition is heavily female. The institution attracts adult learners who bring varied cultural, spiritual, and healing perspectives. Although it does not parallel large universities in demographic scale, its relative diversity across racial and ethnic lines helps foster cross-cultural exchange in holistic wellness education. The mixed backgrounds of students, some from conventional health fields and others from alternative healing paths, enrich classroom dialogue and peer learning. Because healing arts inherently engage personal identity, culture, and embodied practices, SWIHA’s diversity supports a holistic and pluralistic learning environment that embraces many modalities and traditions.
Average Earnings
The earnings data for SWIHA graduates is modest relative to broader higher education benchmarks. Some summaries indicate that early earnings hover around $22,500 per year, with growth over time to perhaps $27,500/year, reflecting the niche nature of healing arts careers, which often begin as part-time or emerging practices, or require further client building and entrepreneurial scaling. Income growth depends heavily on licensure, specialization, client base, geographic location, business acumen, and additional training. Because many graduates pivot into self-employment, wellness studios, or adjunct healing work, their income trajectories are more variable than traditional salaried professions. Committed practitioners who build sustainable practices may exceed these baseline figures, but expectations must account for the entrepreneurial journey inherent in holistic wellness careers.
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
SWIHA employs a mix of full-time and part-time contract instructors and staff. Many instructors are practicing professionals working concurrently in wellness practices, spas, clinics, or healing modalities, bringing real-world experience into teaching roles. Faculty are engaged, responsive, and oriented to mentoring students in both technique and practice development. One source lists total faculty at 164, with a student-faculty ratio of about 26:1, though this figure may include adjunct and non-instructional roles. Staff roles include administration, admissions, business support, clinic supervision, and student services aligned with holistic education.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at SWIHA often come with dual roles as practitioners and educators. Many teach modalities in which they maintain active practice, allowing students to benefit from current field knowledge, case studies, and business insights. Faculty achievements may include certifications, published work in wellness or integrative health, leadership in healing arts associations, or recognition as experts in specialties like cranial work, cosmetic laser, or herbal medicine. The faculty roster is dynamic and reflects evolving trends in holistic health practices.
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
SWIHA’s physical campus is located in Tempe, Arizona, in proximity to Arizona State University and integrated with the local community. The campus environment is walkable, with access to restaurants, coffee shops, and public transit. Housing is not a central feature of SWIHA; many students likely live off campus, in nearby residences, apartments, or shared housing. The campus vibe emphasizes calm, holistic energy, experiential learning, small class settings, gardens or healing spaces, and integration with nature, supporting the lifestyle students embrace.
Transportation
The campus is well accessible by public transit. It is within walking distance of the Valley Metro Light Rail in Tempe, which runs roughly every 12–15 minutes, providing connectivity across the Phoenix region. Students may also access bus routes or shared transit options. For those commuting by car, local parking and road access are available. On-campus mobility is pedestrian-friendly; the physical layout supports contemplative spaces, green areas, and indoor-outdoor transitions conducive to wellness education.