Vitality College of Healing Arts

I am attending programs and internship in Massage therapy at this great school! They have unique programs for holistic therapy. This catches my attention! What million miles of great service that the school offered to me was the work study program! I am enthusiastic for life long learning. I am NCTMB #577 067 – 09. We learn different styles and techniques from different teachers. I highly appreciate the tandem of Sir Daniel and Ms. Laiani! Awesome school and programs!

Thank you so much for the individuals that had the courage to write such honest and truthful reviews on Birdeye review. I was drawn to the College because I truly want to become a Massage Therapist. Vitality College was conveniently located for me. Their website listed a wide variety of classes, a pay as you go option, and work exchange program. The directors know how to say all the right things, and I was so excited that I had found such an opportunity. I was told that they would support me and do what they could to help me reach my goal. When it became apparent that «The new owner is incredibly disorganized and disingenuous.» I began to worry. I requested a print out of my class costs and after a couple of weeks, several attempts, never received one. Every time the directors and I talked it seemed like there were additional charges for something. I was very concerned that I would end up with unexpected costs and wanted to make sure I knew what I was in for. I gave up hope that I was going to be able to assist the College in administrative or teaching assistance, so I resolved to pay for my classes as I went, and take any clinical work that was offered as it became available. After Daniel and I agreed that this was the best arrangement, he called me 1 ½ hours before the start of class, and told me that Laiani said I had no money. If I couldn’t come up with 6,000 to pay for the entire program, I could not stay in the program. I was put down for being a college graduate, and was made to feel ashamed that I didn’t know what a vertebral column was. The prior warnings on this review site were as if they writers had been standing in the room with me! I do seriously question if I had paid the money (any one’s guess as to how much I would have paid) and completed course, if I would have received my license due to the lack of professionalism. I think Daniel is an amazing massage therapist and would have been proud to have studied under him. Daniel ended the call with «Have a nice life.» My heart is broken, but I am SO grateful I got out when I did. I really feel like I dodged a bullet.

Pranee. If you want to study or massage please go this school. I was study there Daniel is the best TEACHER EVER.
I love this school and I’m successful. .Love it.

Love this place! I have been going here for years… elisa was my therapist but has not been there for months so I started seeing Daniel. He is amazing. Its not a upscale fancy place but if you want a great massage this is the place.

So I saw the sign and stopped in and bought a 5 pack of therapeutic massages. Before going I was all about handing em out to my friends. After going. Not a chance. They’re all mine. At some point I’m pretty sure, Nico, my (more than capable and possibly angelic intern) masseuse, was using her wings. All you one star trolls need to find your happy thought.

If you want a true massage in every sense of the word, then this is the place for you. I’ve been having massages over the past 10 years, shiatsu, swedish, deep tissue — some great, some okay, some mediocre and some really bad. This is because most masseuse either do not have enough experience or they do not invest in their craft through continuous training.
I had a massage today that I can honestly say was the best massage I’ve had. The man knew his craft and am told he does sport therapy as well.
I will be going to him as long as he’s around.

Here to VCHA
Love your school
Very helpful Owner and Staff
Awesome class
Rich in knowledge.,
Very hands On.,
Fast in service.,
All Teacher very awesome., kind and compassion
Love you guy and all school
Thank you so much for every thing
Will tell all my friend about VCHA,
Jeab Le Blanc
Ps: you will never see any schools that can be most honesty and personal and well training., come to VCHA, they will never disappoint you., and your journey to be a great massage therapy, help people, do a great job and make a great living.

Very unimpressed. I don’t know how this place stays in business.
The receptionist was very polite, but the owner is still dismissive and unhelpful.
Transcript requests cannot be made online or over the phone. The only way to request transcripts is to actually go to the school. In person.
There is no signature line on the form, so it could easily be filled out and submitted without having to physically walk it in. This is very inconvenient if you live out of town.
Official transcripts may take weeks to be sent in. After many assurances by the owner, they still may not be sent in by the date specified.
You may have to take multiple trips in to pick up unofficial transcripts, and, due to the poor record keeping, your transcripts may be incomplete.
This is, by far, the most incompetent school I have had the misfortune of doing business with.

Terrible customer service. The front desk Elvira is quite rude and disrespectful — on her cell phone texting rather than addressing customers. Terrible communication. It smells terribly inside and the restroom is under construction so they have you put your used toilet paper in an open trash can rather than flush it down the toilet! Unsanitary!
Also, they may want to teach their students that cell phone use, texting, etc. is a no-​no while giving massages! I would think that would be Lesson #1, right?
Well, I guess that’s what you get when you go to a massage college to try to get a relaxing massage. Lesson learned!
There are a lot more places out there where you can get a fabulous massage by a professional at a reasonable price. Don’t bother here!

This was my first visit here and it had also been a few years since I have gotten a professional massage. Ultimately, I had a very pleasant experience. First off, the receptionist was very welcoming and already new my name upon coming in (probably b/​c I was the only appointment at the time) but it was a nice feeling. I didn’t have to wait long at all once I filled out the info sheet. Also, the waiting room was nice and clean and had a nice fragrance.
I believe my massage therapist’s name was Elisa and I have to say she was really great. I can see why other people have had good experiences. I was a bit apprehensive since I had never gotten a massage from a female massage therapist and had always been fully clothed, but this time I wanted to feel the massage more so I had the option to take off however much clothing. The whole time, Elisa made me feel comfortable and appeared attentive to my information sheet about having some back problems. The massage itself was incredibly relaxing and my favorite part was when she got to my feet. That was the best feeling ever! While I would have liked a bit more pressure on my back, it still relieved some tension. Interestingly enough, what I found incredibly meaningful was that at the end, she asked if she can send me an affirmation. I was not expecting this and had never been asked before but was very welcoming of it. Felt like a good minute she had her hands place on my forehead while sending the affirmation and is was a very powerful feeling. It meant a lot to me and made this massage that more memorable. I left feeling in such good spirits.
Additionally, the atmosphere of the room was very relaxing and my only gripe was the music. It was relaxing but for some reason it felt like music that someone would listen to while getting intimate with their partner. haha nit sure why but it crossed my mind a few times. If anything, I would like traditional chinese music as I’ve had that play before in the background while getting a massage and found it very soothing. In the end, though, not a big deal.
I would highly recommend this place and Elisa. Professional, relaxing and at a good price!

I would absolutely recommend Vitality to anyone considering getting certified in massage therapy. I’m a distance runner at Cal Poly and I needed a program that could help me finish before school started and the 6 week intensive program was ideal. Let me give you the low down of Vitality; First off, Laiani helped me out tremendously. Talk about hooking it up, she called me about the 6 week intensive class after I was tripping about not finding a class for the summer and worked it out perfectly to fit my schedule. She’s a woman of many talents, but more than that, she’s the type of person who will meet you half way. So for me, that was a God-​send because other schools wouldn’t do that for me. Then there’s the teacher, Daniel. This man has a Romanian accent you will never forget. Let me tell you though, HE KNOWS HIS STUFF. Yes, the class can be intense at times. It’s a lot of information and a lot of hours, but Daniel teaches it in a way that is very do-​able. He has a serious passion for massage therapy and it’s very evident and contagious when he massages people for a demonstration. Overall, great teacher, but an even better guy. He truly cares about making you into the best massage therapist you can be. He likes to say, «I make you gladiators.»
I felt like one at the end of the class.
Finally, there is Mike. Mike was our other teacher who would teach while Daniel was busy with another class. Mike is awesome because he brings a whole knew perspective to the class. It really balances out well with the way Daniel teaches too because they both have such different come ups in the massage world.
Overall, I would definitely recommend Vitality to anyone looking to get certified. Check it out. It’s worth it.

One of my good friends recommended this place for me. I had been having issues with the right side of my upper back due to heavy weight lifting. I read the reviews on Unilocal,and wanted to request for Elisa to work on me, but I completely forgot.
When I walked in for my appointment, I had a feeling the woman who was about to approach me was her. She had a warm welcoming smile and relaxed energy surrounding her. The massage experience was perfect. It helped to calm my mind down from the aches and pain of my back. She also used the hot stones on me. I walked out of there floating on air.
I would definitely recommend this place to others and will be back for sure. Thanks again!

Elisa delivers the best therapeutic massage. She is a talented and gifted practitioner. I am giving only 4 stars due to the loud conversation that occurs at the front desk and in other areas. A «Quiet, massage in progress» sign might be a reminder for staff to be considerate.

I was aching all over as the result of a weekend of heavy gardening. I had a gift certificate for a Swedish massage but upgraded to a therapeutic massage with a fully-​licensed therapist, Elisa, rather than a student.
It was the best massage I’ve every had at any price. She actually listened to me and worked the areas that really needed it. Her technique is quite varied and included, my all time favorite, hot stones. At one point I almost cried because it felt so good to get relief.
With all the press talking about fake reviews on Unilocal,I’m pretty suspicious of some of the negative ones I’ve seen here. Of course, I can’t speak for them as a school but as far as massage goes, this was my third time at Vitality and I’ll be going back.
BTW, the first two massages were performed by students and I was perfectly satisfied, but if you’re really in pain, I’d highly recommend Elisa!

It was my first time there today. Elisa did a great job. The facility was very clean and all personnel were really friendly.

This review is for the school, not for the clinic. The clinic has many good therapists and I’d highly recommend Elisa & Martha.
I don’t want to mention any names, but your satisfaction will vary depending on who your teacher is and what class you have taken. Their MP 1, 2, and 3 program is a waste of time. «Therapeutic» massage is a very broad term. All massage is therapeutic and there is no cookie cutter therapeutic massage. Classes are often disorganized, again, depending on your teacher. Plus, they doop you into having to do 40 clinical hours for free for them (which they charge a pretty penny of $ 50 an hour. If you want some experience before you go out into the real world of massage I’d suggest getting a low paying job somewhere). And if you want to opt out, you need to pay them about $ 20 per hour you didn’t complete. Hey, wanna jump through this hoop next? No thanks.
With that being said they do have good classes and good teachers here. If you’re doing some CE’s you should try taking a Cranio Sacral class, Pregnancy, Raindrop, Aromatherapy or Reiki because depending on who is teaching them, they can be good classes.
The school is run by a high strung bi-​polar moron. Disorganized physically and mentally. Made me do a bunch of crap that she didn’t have other students do just to get my transcripts. SHE WILL LIE TO YOU. Whether it is on purpose or on accident, I can’t say. But if you have any questions regarding anything related to becoming a licensed massage therapist, PLEASEEEE call the state to find out for yourself! There are other reasons why I believe this woman is unfit to run a school, but I don’t want to be too mean.
So, if you are interested in this school, please just take a tester course before you sign any type of contract with this school. You just might regret it. If you are already attached to this school, there’s no law against you going to other schools. In fact, I went to 2 different schools and had many different teachers. I am very glad because I feel like I have a very good, well rounded education, and my clients love my wide range of skills.
Sorry this review is so brutal, but it’s honest. Thanks for reading.

I called to get a gift certificate for a student massage. It used to be $ 40/​hr for a student, which is a pretty good deal. since my last visit last year, it has gone up to almost $ 50/​hr for a student. I have had some good students, and one that used 2 strokes on me for the entire hour. Disappointing to have to pay that much for someone to practice on me. There are places offering introductory massages w/​a licensed person for $ 40. Adding to that, my son, last time he went, was scheduled for a student massage (he’s a college student so trying to stay in a budget). they scheduled him with a licensed person, but made him pay the full non student price, despite the fact his appt. was for a student. they took advantage of him and that is NOT ok. I would have not paid it but he felt forced to, so he did.
I used to like this place. Not any more. I will not be returning back.

I wrote a previous review, which was conveniently filtered. I am a bit peeved, as my review was honest and forthright, albeit not positive.
As stated in my previous review, «Buyer Beware».
I would not recommend this business to potential students OR potential massage clients. Sorry to say, I agree with a previous «1 star» reviewer, and am inclined to believe that many of the recent «5 star» reviews are solicited.
Why? I do not find the place to be run professionally, nor do I believe the quality of the instruction is what it should be. Enough said.
Now, this review may be — once again — conveniently filtered, but I stand by my honest review, and repeat… «Buyer Beware».

Massages offered from students or Licensed massage therapists…
*Cheaper massages with the students, for example:
$ 40 swedish massages with students, $ 65 with LMT
*Swedish, sports, reflexology, deep, reiki, pregnancy hot stone, lomi lomi, Thai and other treatments offered.
*FYI students have completed their training and exams already and are doing their internship at the clinics. Make sure you specify who you want when you call for an appt. I didn’t specify and I was automatically given a student, which was fine with me but just a heads up.
I’m a big supporter of getting massages from massage schools because I remember being that student back in the day. Not only do the clients get a decent massage at a cheap price but you help the students with their professional learning.
That being said, I know it’s hit or miss when coming to a massage school for a rubdown. I’ve had some great ones and some horrible ones. I just wanted a plain ol swedish massage since I didn’t have any painful muscles at the time. My girl was fine until the end when she decided to start talking to me about where she’s from, her son and the yoga studio she goes to. Now in other situations, I’d totally be down to chat with her but not during a massage when I just want to close my eyes and relax. I even gave the little hints I didn’t want to talk like one word answers back and mmmhhhm and she still kept talking. So I“m not going to call her out by name but just an FYI if she is reading this.

I was overdue for a massage and opted to schedule an appointment at the end of the work week. I was still sore from the race I did the weekend prior, so it was perfect timing (last appt is at 5:45p).
I was scheduled with Mikkol and SHE WAS AMAZING!!! Although I was scheduled for a Swedish, she asked me what parts needed concentration. I conveyed that I was a runner and that my shoulders and legs needed more work than anything else. Additionally, I mentioned that I just got a couple new tats and the spots on my back were still tender and if she could avoid massaging those areas. She thanked me and avoided the area completely.
I was prepped and she went to town. There were areas she recognized that prompted her to ask whether I sit at a desk and on a computer all day. She utilized pressure points that identified some really sore and tender spots. For instance, she found a tender spot by my thumb and tried to knead the knot out.
She mostly focused on my scapula and IT bands, and it felt oh so good her going super deep! In actuality, she provided a deep tissue massage, which I totally appreciated!!!
Because of my tightness, it was recommended for me to get massages bimonthly vs. my monthly ritual.
Definitely recommend scheduling with Mikkol!!! Let her know Maria, the runner, sent you.