The National Holistic Institute opened in 1979 offering massage therapy courses. This accredited university focuses on mind, body, and spiritual wellness. Students learn ways to help patients become healthier. The college’s core values involve the freedoms of learning and self-expression.
With ten locations in California, NHI teaches students everything needed to pass the national massage certification exam. Caring staff foster a sense of community as potentials learn both western and eastern techniques.
Programs & Courses
Wellness
- Massage Therapy
Campus Locations
NHI Emeryville Campus 5900 Doyle Street Emeryville, California 94608
NHI Santa Rosa Campus 1221 Farmers Lane, Suite 100 Santa Rosa, CA 95405
NHI Sacramento Campus 1610 Arden Way, Suite 110 Sacramento, CA 95815
NHI San Jose Campus 3031 Tisch Way Suite 1 Plaza South San Jose, CA 95128
NHI Studio City Campus 10969 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604
NHI Santa Ana Campus 201 E Sandpointe Ave, Suite 100 Santa Ana, CA 92707
NHI Ontario Campus 2930 E. Inland Empire Boulevard, Suite 112 Ontario, CA 91764
NHI Modesto Campus 5601 Stoddard Road Modesto, CA 95356
NHI Redding Campus 1755 Hilltop Drive Redding, CA 96002
NHI Clovis Campus 564 W. Herndon Avenue Clovis, CA. 93612
Financial Aid Services
NHI offers several payment methods for students. The school takes part in the federal student loan program, and eligible learners qualify for Pell Grants. Other options include interest-free payment plans, scholarships, and grants.
Student Services
Enrollees receive many services through NHI. Tutoring and labs are open to students who need additional help with learning techniques. In addition, each pupil receives discounts on AMTA memberships and purchases from the Massage Warehouse.
Career Services
Both current attendees and alumni can access a special job board run by NHI. Students receive plenty of on the job training at institute massage parlors. Learners must complete an off-campus externship program that connects each with potential future employers.
Veteran and Military Services
Military friendly, NHI works with current members of the armed forces, suspending class attendance for deployed students. The institute accepts all forms of the GI Bill, as well as military spouse benefits that cover tuition costs.
Alumni Services
Scholarship opportunities for alumni include an award that covers national convention fees. Also, NHI has continuing education programs for people who want to learn extra skills. Graduates receive the same discounts as current students.
Reviews
Based on Google reviews in Google, the National Holistic Institute (NHI) – Emeryville Massage School has a highly positive reputation as a transformative and supportive institution that effectively prepares students for careers in massage therapy. Student clinic clients also rave about the quality of the massages.
Overall Score: 4.6/5 Stars
Common Praises
Transformative Education and Career Readiness: Many graduates describe their experience as “life changing” and credit the school for helping them find “work they love.” Alumni consistently report having immediate work opportunities and long-term career fulfillment, which they credit to the “solid training and guidance” they received.
Exceptional Instructors and Mentors: The mentors, teachers, and staff receive overwhelming praise. Students feel the faculty “far exceeded expectations” in delivering information and creating a “safety net” of support. Instructors are noted for providing a high-quality education and working with students even during challenging times like the pandemic.
Supportive Environment and Staff: The overall environment is described as a “safe space,” “magnetic,” and “warm and inviting.” The staff, including the admissions team, are praised for being welcoming and informative, creating a community hub of healing, and working to help students “achieve their goals.”
Robust and Comprehensive Curriculum: Students praise the comprehensive and “robust curriculum,” particularly highlighting the advanced and specialized programs (like the Advanced Neuromuscular Program) and the strength of the Eastern segment of the training.
High-Quality Student Massage Clinic: Clients who visited the student clinic consistently leave 5-star reviews, describing their massages as “outstanding” and “thoroughly refreshed.” They appreciate the high value, cleanliness, and professionalism of the student body.
Common Criticisms
Cost and Transcripts: The primary point of criticism, though rare, centers on administrative issues, including a sense that the school is “overpriced” and difficulties or long delays in obtaining the proper “college” transcripts.
Administrative Communication Failure (Isolated Incident): One very negative review cited an administrative failure that prevented the prospective student from ever starting class, labeling the experience a “nightmare.”
Mediocre Experience/Value Perception: One alumnus, while acknowledging the training, expressed frustration with the value received, calling the overall experience “mediocre” while attending.
Momentum
The momentum is extremely strong and consistently positive. Recent reviews (from the last month) continue to focus heavily on the positive impact of the staff and the excitement of starting classes, demonstrating a sustained level of high satisfaction across the student body and client base. The school’s quick and personalized responses to all reviews also suggest a strong commitment to engagement.