history of school l professional recognition l staff bios

History of School

After eleven 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 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 in their field, HandsOn Therapy has strived to ensure excellence and acceptability throughout the education field.  In 2002, the school became accredited through IMSTAC.  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” presentation 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. 

In 2005, HandsOn Therapy was granted accreditation from the prestigious ACCSCT (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. 

According to State guidelines, basic education program increased to 500 hours for each student during 2007.  Shortly thereafter,  600 hour Advanced Therapist and 750 hour Master Therapist programs were launched.  During 2008, web based continuing education classes were developed and offered for off-campus licensed therapists.

2009 marked the beginning of optional Title IV funding for students.

HandsOn Therapy has provided the education and training for thousands of successful licensed Massage Therapists throughout Texas.