Military service often instills qualities that naturally align with the healing professions: compassion, resilience, leadership, service, and a commitment to helping others. For many Veterans, transitioning from military service into a meaningful civilian career includes finding work that allows them to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others.
At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Veterans can pursue a new mission through holistic health and wellness education while utilizing their earned VA educational benefits. As an institution approved by the Arizona State Approving Agency, SWIHA has proudly supported Veterans for more than 16 years, helping them build rewarding careers in holistic healthcare, wellness, massage therapy, yoga, herbalism, aesthetics, and healing arts.
At SWIHA, supporting Veterans goes beyond simply offering financial assistance. It reflects a deeper commitment to the values that have guided the school since its founding.
The decision to maintain approval for VA educational benefits aligns closely with SWIHA's core values of:
SWIHA strives to create an educational environment where people from all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs can come together to transform their lives, support their healing journeys, and pursue meaningful careers that serve others.
Veterans interested in holistic health and wellness careers have access to a variety of VA-approved, on-campus programs at SWIHA.
Approved programs include:
These programs provide opportunities for Veterans to develop practical skills while pursuing careers focused on health, wellness, personal growth, and service to others.
Many Veterans find that careers in holistic health allow them to continue serving their communities in meaningful ways.
Whether working as a massage therapist, yoga teacher, herbalist, hypnotherapist, aesthetician, wellness coach, or healing arts practitioner, graduates often find fulfillment in helping others improve their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Additionally, many holistic professions offer:
For Veterans seeking a career that combines service with personal growth, holistic healthcare can be a natural next chapter.
Students who have not previously used VA educational benefits at an institution of higher education are considered new applicants.
To begin the process:
Students should allow approximately eight to ten weeks for benefit processing.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the Department of Veterans Affairs will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) indicating the educational benefits available to the student. Benefit amounts are determined by the VA and are based on the student's approved enrollment hours.
Because VA benefit processing can take several weeks, prospective students are encouraged to begin the application process as early as possible.
SWIHA's Financial Aid and VA Support teams can help answer questions regarding eligibility, enrollment requirements, and the documentation needed to move forward with confidence.
Taking proactive steps early can help ensure a smoother transition into your chosen program and allow you to focus on your educational goals.
Veterans seeking additional information about educational benefits may contact the Department of Veterans Affairs directly.
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Processing Office – Muskogee, Oklahoma
Phone: 1-888-442-4551
Mailing Address:
VA Regional Processing Office
P.O. Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
For questions about using VA educational benefits at SWIHA, prospective students can also contact the SWIHA VA Support team at VAsupport@swiha.edu.
Your military service demonstrates dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others—qualities that are highly valued in the healing arts and wellness professions.
Whether you're interested in massage therapy, yoga, herbalism, aesthetics, or holistic health, SWIHA offers educational pathways that can help you transform your experience into a meaningful and rewarding career.
If you're ready to explore your options and learn how your VA educational benefits may support your goals, connect with our Admissions and Financial Aid teams today. We're honored to support Veterans as they continue their journey of service, healing, and lifelong learning.