I decided to write a really detailed review because other people need to know the truth about this school so they can make an informed decision. I attended the massage therapy program at ICOHS College, and I'm extremely disappointed with the entire experience. If I had known what it would really be like, I would've chosen a different school. ICOHS is one of the most expensive massage programs in San Diego -- over $15,000, which is about $5,000 more than other local schools. When I asked why it costs so much more, I was told it's because they provide a massage table, a laptop, books, and supplies. But none of that adds up. The massage table was a super basic $165 table from Amazon (narrower and cheaper than the ones we practiced on in class), the laptop was around $155, and the books were only digital copies -- no hardbacks. They also gave us a silicone cupping set, some cheap oil and lotion, and thin sheets -- maybe $60-$70 worth of materials total. No bolster, no massage chair. All together, everything they gave us was under $1,000. So where is the extra $4,000 going? The main reason I chose ICOHS was the three-day-a-week schedule, which worked with my job. But halfway through the program, they added a required fourth day. That completely threw off the schedule I had planned for -- and the worst part? The extra days were totally disorganized. Most of the time, there was no real lesson or structure. We just sat there while teachers tried to figure out what to do with us. Some teachers were amazing, but others... not so much. One in particular, literally fell asleep in class -- not once, but multiple times. He also spent more time talking about his personal life than teaching. And overall, there just wasn't enough hands-on practice for an eight-month program. Way too many hours were wasted when they could've been used to actually make us better therapists. What really frustrated me the most, though, is that they pass everyone. Even students who couldn't name major muscle groups or pass basic tests were still given certificates. That's not just frustrating -- it's concerning. These are people who will be working on clients' bodies in a professional setting, and some weren't ready for that responsibility. I was genuinely excited to start massage school, but by the end, I just wanted to get out. Now I'm stuck paying off a very expensive education that didn't live up to its promise. Honestly, I'm embarrassed to say I went to ICOHS, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Please do your research and look into other schools in San Diego -- there are better options out there. read more

ICOHS College really is a great place to start your career. All of the Administration & Trainers are extremely dedicated to helping you succeed. read more

I attended ICOHS after quitting my job working on Helicopters and 5 years in the Navy to pursue a more holistic lifestyle. I had slight interest in massage therapy but never knew that my passion for bodywork would grow this big. I started out with adjustments during yoga teacher training before ICOHS. That's when I realized I had a slight interest in massage. I had no big expectations attending ICOHS but after finally getting cleared for graduation completing my HHP program, I feel completely different. The teachers at ICOHS have brought so much awareness, knowledge, and empowerment into my life. Julie, Aricia, Cara, Hugo, Linda, John, Renee, and Vanessa were all so supportive. I was going through so many transitions in my life during my program. Coming to school helped with that healing. Had it been any other institution, I would've ended up dropping out. The knowledge I'm taking into my practice.. but most importantly my life after ICOHS is not something I can put into words. Thank you to the Shari, Naira, and now Ronnie for the support through the past year. This school has been amazing to me. As with anything in life, you get what you put out. I came with an open mind and despite struggles along the process, I persevered and I'm glad I did. Now I'm starting my business MADMO, LLC. and taking on a new entrepreneurial journey. I'm happy to take what I've learned here to the next level. Thank you, ICOHS! If you have an interest in your own holistic journey, herbs, nutrition, and the mind body connection. This is a school to definitely check out. :) read more

BTW MOST 5 star reviews on here are the administration themselves So after dealing with them trying to go back into school to finish up my $21,000 HHP certification (yes that's almost $10,000 more than Healing hands) , they aren't being cooperative so I'm left with no other choice than to spread my bad experience . You have to pay for parking here which averaged my $300 a month because of the really bad location it's in. I noticed they prioritize those with the gi bill since they got a monthly payment from them. After they parted ways with Seymour this place really dropped its values. Much love. I am now speaking to MANY other students who have gone here and have been TIED to BULLSHIT FEES and now have to pay the school thousands of dollars or guess what !!! They send your money to collections and your credit gets messed up. Seriously avoid this school at all costs . It's been nothing but BS drama ! read more

This is a school where students come first. From the moment you come to ICOHS College, you'll see and feel the difference. There is no other school like them around. Extremely friendly and experienced instructors with extensive real world experience. Programs are fairly priced and they really take care of veterans and dependents. The most important part is that they have a high certification rate which is vital if you want to get a job after graduation. read more

ICOHS College - ICOHS College - Massage Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

I can't sing enough praise for the staff at ICoHS. I contacted them only a few days in advance about an opportunity to visit the school with our athletes while we were in town. The administration was extremely helpful in setting up a time for us to come in and was able to organize several massage therapists that utilized multiple techniques including sports massage and Swedish massage, to help maximize our players recovery from trainings and lifting sessions. Paulo, Shari, Loriel and Brent took top notch care of our guys. They were very comforting for our players as for some of them this was their first time receiving a massage. They maintained proper privacy and professionalism throughout the session. They were able to perform a quick evaluation to determine the nature of one of our players injuries, to ensure that any of the techniques that was utilized would not put more stress to the affected area. Each therapist had a quick discussion with the players to determine their target areas and where they believed they needed the most attention for their session. Recovery is absolutely key in sports as we want to maximize every bit of training, and want to have our bodies close to 100% for every session. There is no way I would be able to provide the amount of hands on care to each of our rugby players, as most of the players received a full body session. Without ICoHS, we would not have been adequately prepared for the final days of our training block. We will definitely look to return to ICoHS when we are in town in the future, and would advise other sports teams and organizations to reach out to the school as well. read more

ICOHS College - Paulo, Shari, Loriel, and Brent helped us to maximize our recovery from trainings and lifting. Naira helped set up our visit to ICoHS! - Massage Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

I would give it 5 except for one bad teacher that I had. Everyone and everything else was amazing but hiring Jay Hobbes and letting him teach with 0 teaching experience brought the quality of the school. While he might be a successful TCM practioner, he is an awful teacher that doesn't fit the vibe of the school at all. The school is super friendly, positive, safe, and fun EXCEPT for his bad attitude. He doesn't teach, he rants his opinions and disrespects previous teachers lesson plans. He's on his phone during presentations and was the one class I dreaded going to. If you get him, wait to take that class with someone else. Other than that, I loved my experience here and would do it all over again. In fact, although I graduated as a MT, I'm coming back as much as I can for continuing education classes. read more

Great school! Super helpful staff and welcoming! Knowledgeable teachers and they provide a variety of modalities for the students to take with them outside the classroom. The VA reps are amazing. I have never had a real issue with getting paid on their part. read more

I am a combat veteran of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. School of Healing Arts (SOHA) reorganized in August 2015 as the International College of Holistic Studies (ICOHS) with a new Board of Directors, new Doing Business As name, new semester system, new administration, new academic advising staff and a drastically more expensive tuition schedule. The last eight months trying to consult with the new academic adviser for the Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) program has been mostly onerous, and disappointing experience. I was directed by the HHP adviser to re-complete an HHP Application for Admission in Spring 2016; even though i had been admitted into the program in January 2015. The new HHP academic adviser told me that since I was prior military, it should not be a problem to re-do it, because I was already used to doing lots of paperwork. It takes three months to finish one class that used to only take four to five weeks when SOHA offered courses! As a non-traditional student, that works full-time and continues formal studies simultaneously, this ICOHS semester model has been an unwieldy and miserable failure. Long gone are the SOHA non-traditional student accommodations and accelerated learning formats that had made the school such a blessing for people that work and go to school at the same time. My HHP concentration area was summarily terminated without notice (meaning no written notification through the postal service, no email, no phone call and no academic advising appointment about the change) in June 2016. That pretty much has been the tone of the new school towards me since the late Fall 2015: no communication about administration changes, no communication covering institutional changes that will make it impossible to finish a previously offered academic program and a complete lack of support and regard for non-traditional students. I do not recommend this school to anyone at this time; particularly military veterans. read more

As an ICOHS alumni, i was taught valuable skills and knowledge by diverse teachers. They showed that they truly care on making their students succeed in the fields of health and technology, after graduating i felt confident that i could work or have a nice career in the field of health and wellness. if you are looking or considering a vocational training school or college that has a focus in health and wellness look no further. This college is not like any other college that i have attended, As a Marine Veteran, they have resources that you can ultilize and they will give you the support and assistance to help you become successful in your studies in the field of health and technology. Thank You. read more

Ok I actually went to this school when it was The School of Healing Arts over on HornBlend in Pacific Beach. I attended the school back in 90 and feel that my rating of four stars for ICHS would apply for one reason-its run by the same individual Seymour Koblin. I actually took the introductory class of 100 hours and really enjoyed it, I have to thank Seymour for getting me interested in massage and while I don't pursue it full time, I do practice it professionally part time. The thing that is amazing about Seymour is that he is able to get good/great staff. I'm not sure how he does it, but back in the day he had Dave Disney, Valerie Feld all leaders in their field come in and teach and TA the class. Yes I really enjoyed the experience and I believe it set me on the right path. Now the reason I give it a four instead of five stars is because approximately 14 years later I wanted my transcripts and they said they destroyed them because the state of Calif only requires they keep them four years. Now I understand they keep the records digitally forever. Still a little miffed about it really. Pros: Great Location (Downtown San Diego/Little Itally) Great Staff (Seymour attracts great people, I don't know how he does it) Seymour possesses a lot of knowledge he really is dedicated. Con: Maybe a little expensive but everything is nowadays read more

I was denied attending this school because I have test anxiety and had to reschedule a couple appointments; AFTER everything was done, including my FAFSA!! My heart is broken and you took any chance of me following my dreams and stomped on it. read more

So extremely disappointed by the new management of this school. I've been student for years on & off. It used to be such a beautiful school with such a wealth of knowledge & a great administrative program. Now it is extremely disorganized, can't sign up for classes to save your life unless your a new student giving them new money & the dean will feed will say anything to calm you down but not follow through. He's a weasel out for your money so save yourself some grief & pick a more professional & organized school. read more

As a former student, I learned a lot from the teachers and what they have to offer! It's molded me into the MT I am today.

Got a massage here yesterday. The office is unassuming - softly lit and quiet. Paolo, the therapist (an LMT and teacher at the school), was swift and sure with his manipulations. I feel 100% better today. The price was very fair. Highly recommended - if you can manage to get an appointment! read more

Hugo is the greatest massage instructor I've had. He is very kind, thorough, and his passion for doing body work shows through his teachings. Thank you, Hugo. You were the best part of my experience at this school! read more

Staff is awesome!! They have a great choice of classes. Nice and clean campus. The HHP program is amazing!! This campus really takes care of vets. They have ongoing free healing and meditation classes. You can study nutrition, herbology, massage etc. Intructors are definitely knowledgeable of what they are teaching. Oh I forgot they also have a yoga cert program. I truly believe these guys are paving the way for holistic studies. They are setting the standard for healing art schools. I AM Very Impressed!!!! If you are interested in studying this type of field I would def. give them a try. read more

In the heart of Little Italy - plenty of choices for different types of massages offered to choose from. I have gotten three massages here all by same student - student massages are $25. Clean and friendly staff. Last massage, the room was chilly and heater wasn't working so asked for another blanket and she was accommodating. Will try a different therapist next time as since they are students, each will eventually be done with their clinic hrs and no longer be available, which is what has happened. They have a FB page. Easy to schedule. Closed on Mondays. Not sure how easy parking is, I can walk there. read more

The teachers and staff at his school helped me excel in every part of my life. A true support system.

Have been going to this establishment for about 30 years. almost always get an excellent massage. Prices were always reasonable. My wife and I treat it like a date night. Massage first then dinner nearby. read more