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 Health 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, we began offering weekly 6 hour
workshops that fulfill the annual state
requirements for LMTs 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 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 as well as a
computer based training program whereby students
can makeup classes or do extra study on their
own timing. State Board Review Class was
offered 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 TDH 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
State Review Class offered to
students at no charge
2004 Off-site
campus partnership with Eastfield College begins
2005 Day Spa
Training Program begins with the opening of the
Day Spa
In March the school was granted
Accreditation from ACCSCT
(Accrediting Commission of Career
Schools & Colleges of Technology)
2007 The
first offering of the 500 hr Basic Program; 600
Advanced Program;
750
Masters Program
2009 First
offering of Title 4 funding to students.
