Southwest Institute Of Healing Arts Launches Online Website For Distance, Holistic Health Education

Aug. 4, 2011 - PRLog -- Tempe, Arizona -- Online SWIHA is the new, virtual education outlet for Southwest Institute of Healing Arts.  SWIHA is known as a nationally accredited (ACCET) private college and community-healing center for Holistic Healthcare careers and continuing education.  Per their new site, www.online.swiha.edu, they provide professional, affordable online education for those interested in entering the healing arts profession, continuing education, or personal and spiritual growth.

Their online classes are built around the concept of community and “serve as an extension of the spirit found on-campus.”  Through a combination of course designs based on learning communities, their online learning community seems to emphasize “connection, spirit, service and transformation.”

Brad Bouté, the Executive Director of Online Education describes SWIHA Online courses as “unique because of our focus on student-reflection and transformation.  Our discussions and assignments are designed to not only encourage students to demonstrate they understand the material, but to internalize it and incorporate it into their daily life.”  

There is often a misconception of many online schools and online programs, as being easier to complete with less quality of material.  However, Bouté says that is not the case.  “SWIHA Online courses ask students to DO and APPLY what they are learning, instead of simply reporting it on a quiz or exam.  Students must work with real clients, go to a grocery store, cook a meal, and explore services in their areas. As such, we rely on authentic assessment of a student’s ability to determine their success in a course, instead of one-dimensional testing.  Where possible, students are allowed to complete an assignment as an essay, or a presentation, or an audio recording, whichever accesses their strongest learning channel.”

Online SWIHA Students participate in their learning community from wherever a reliable Internet connection can be found, and then access course materials, discussions, learning communities, and faculty members.  They access the system through a desktop or laptop computer, and in many cases, through a web-enabled mobile phone.
Per their Success Center, “SWIHA is committed to providing on-going entrepreneurial support for holistic healthcare practitioners in private practice and to those establishing or growing a business.  Our mission is to help individuals discover their gifts and graces, and support them in taking their skills and talents out into the world in a loving and profitable way.  Our on-campus and online students get the same assistance.”  

As an institution accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), SWIHA is required to assess the quality and value of their online and on-campus training programs.  This process is done through verification of documented employment status for each graduate.  Employment documentation is essential, ensuring that training meets the needs of students.  Based on the intention for student employment selection, their placement department remains in contact with the student to validate their employment status and obtain the necessary documentation.  

Aside from the employment inquiries, in all SWIHA student exit surveys, graduating students are also asked a series of questions to help the school assess levels of satisfaction and where there is room for improvement (online and on-campus).  Here is an example from a recent exit interview of a Mind Body Wellness Practitioner (ONLINE) graduating student with a specialty in Holistic Nutrition:
•   My overall experience at SWIHA was: Excellent
•   What did you like most about SWIHA and the training you received? “Finding a school with Spiritual focus was such a blessing!!!!!!”
•   What did you like least about the training you received? n/a
•   Which instructors influenced you the most? “THEY ALL DID AN EXCELLENT JOB!!! It could not be said that one could influence as strongly without the others.”
•   In what ways have you grown personally and professionally through your training at SWIHA? “Too many to mention....SWIHA has transformed my whole life and business!!”
•   Will you continue to take classes here at SWIHA?  YES
•   Do you feel prepared to enter into your chosen field?  If no, please let us know how we can help you feel prepared.  YES
•   Would you recommend SWIHA to others?  If no, please help us understand the reason.  YES
•   Suggestions on new courses you would like to see offered at SWIHA?  “KEEP GROWING ONLINE COURSES!!!!

SWIHA Online is now providing students from around the world, online courses and programs in aromatherapy, business development and entrepreneurship, hypnotherapy, life coaching, toe reading and reflexology, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, mind-body transformational psychology, mind-body wellness practitioner, etc.  

Michael Dye, Director of Online Operations adds, “SWIHA Online has grown from just a few courses offered in 2009 to currently over 30 individual courses available with an Associates degree, Diploma, and several certifications.  Ongoing planning will be bringing many more options for SWIHA Online students, as well as On-Campus students, Continuing Education students, and Personal Development students - as Online Education will allow them to flexibly attain their educational goals and dreams.”

Telephone: 480-994-9244 | 888-504-9106
Email: info@swiha.edu
Location: Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
1100 E. Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281
www.online.swiha.edu

Media Contacts:
Becca Briley or Merry Lucero
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
(480) 994-9244

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Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) Online serves as a virtual, private, post-secondary college and community healing center, committed to providing training and on-going entrepreneurial support for holistic healthcare practitioners in private practice and those establishing or growing a business. Online SWIHA emphasizes and embraces individual, client, community and global healing, and teaches people how to “Touch Lives, Heal Bodies & Free Souls.” Learn more at www.online.swiha.edu.