Massage therapists often help only the individuals they treat, but Carol Carpenter had a broader vision than that. She copied the notes she took when studying massage therapy and opened her own school in Oakland, elucidating Eastern styles, Western styles, and kinesiology alike. Eventually, the school was supplied federal financial aid through the U.S. Department of Education and became one of the first accredited massage schools in California. Today, it spans seven campuses and has garnered a mention in the book The History of Massage.

The school aims to prepare students for careers they’ll love, and the program boasts an 88% job-placement rate. The curriculum demands that students complete a 900-hour program, which includes anatomy study and hands-on practice with real clients.

Each National Holistic Institute campus boasts its own perks and educational advantages. For example, students and massage clients in San Jose enjoy a renovated courtyard and special events such as workshops and alumni nights. And because it's located in the heart of Silicon Valley, there's no shortage of tense muscles to work on.