Our Story
History of School:
After 13 years as a practicing massage therapist and managing massage therapy programs for various businesses, Carolyn Scott Naile saw a need for better education and training of the beginning therapist. She developed a curriculum; and in June 1991, Carolyn started a class of six students in her home. Shortly into this venture, Carolyn realized that her future would be focused in the education field of the bodywork industry. With the support of her family and every member of that initial class, Carolyn secured an educational facility and the needed state requirements from Texas Department of State Health Services to operate a recognized educational facility.
HandsOn Therapy School of Massage opened October 1, 1991. HandsOn Therapy retained a unique position within their field of educational training. They offered flexible schedules so that potential students could train while still retaining their current employment. The school provided an on-site intern clinic that provided their students with a stable source of massage clients to fulfill their registration requirements. And, they offered in-school financing programs to make training affordable for the majority of persons desiring a career in the bodywork industry.
Since that time, the school’s student capacity and educational resources have rapidly grown while continuing its initial dedication to individual student growth and industry excellence. In 1994, the school was accepted as a part of the AMTA Council of Schools.
Advanced study for students was offered beginning 1996 when HandsOn Therapy became a Category “A” Provider for National Certification. Building a larger, state of the art facility in 2000 allowed HandsOn Therapy to expand their continuing education program. In 2001, they began offering weekly 6 hour workshops that fulfill the annual state requirements for licensed therapists and offer the technique variety which was being displayed in the workplace. As the industry matured, so did the school’s offerings. Certificate programs that offer students specialized advanced study and endorsement were developed in 2002, and continue to grow and adapt to the needs of potential employers and clients.
As a leader, HandsOn Therapy has strived to ensure excellence and acceptability throughout the education field. Additional student financing opportunities were developed during this time with the school’s acceptance by SLM Financing, a division of Sallie Mae.
HandsOn Therapy understands the need to maintain the effectiveness of their teaching methods. In 2003, all lecture classes were adapted to “PowerPoint” style presentations with corresponding student workbooks. Additionally, a computer based training program was developed whereby students can makeup classes or do extra study on their own timing. The school also began offering a Licensing Test Review Class at no charge to students who desire extra help.
Future programs are being developed that include web-based study, an expanded intern clinic and specialized study opportunities.
Key Events
1991 School and Intern Clinic Opens; DSHS Registration obtained
1994 Acceptance into AMTA Council of Schools
1996 Qualified as Category “A” Provider for National Certification
2000 School location move
2001 Weekly CE workshops introduced
2002 Certificate programs introduced; IMSTAC Accreditation received
2003 Off-site campus partnership with El Centro College begins; Introduction of Computer Based Training program; School offers SLM Financing, a division of Sallie Mae; Curriculum updated with “PowerPoint” presentations and Student Workbooks; Licensing Test Review Class offered to students at no charge
2004 Off-site campus partnership with Eastfield College begins
2005 Partnership with El Centro College ceases; Day Spa Training Program begins with the opening of the Day Spa
2006 Partnership with Eastfield College ceases
2007 Effective September, state of Texas increases basic education hours from 300 hours to 500 hours
2007 School introduces Master (750 hrs) and Advanced (750 hrs) programs
2007 School achieves ACCSC accreditation for basic 500 hour program
2008 School achieves ACCSC accreditation for Master (750 hrs) and Advanced (600 hrs) program
2008 School capable of accepting Department of Education funding: Pell Grants and Loans
2012 Continuing Education Certificate Program Launch
2013 Esthetic Program Launch
