ICOHS College - San Diego, California

Cassandra R. E.

I am part of the massage program and so far it is incredible. It is a high work load but is so fun that it does not even feel like school. Instructors I have met and worked with so far are amazing and I am so glad I chose this school for massage therapy. Parking can be a challenge but my pro tip is to email the First Lutheran church off 3rd street and get an assigned spot for 175 a month 🙂 eliminates the worry if it's in your means. I do also wish the massage tables they gave us for home use were actually full size like the ones at school. They don't seem as sturdy and will not be usable for some of my broader clients in the future. I will need to get something bigger but it works for now. Thank you ICOHS!

Heather H.

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.

Patricia

ICOHS College has the best and most dedicated instructors in my opinion. The college also focuses on hands-on learning and has a strong sense of community. Everyone is so supportive, and if you're looking for a healthcare college that cares about its students and prepares them for the real world, ICOHS is definitely worth checking out.

Kiana Z.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to ICOHS for all their support, especially in the financial department and admissions. They have been incredibly helpful throughout my journey here. I did a last-minute sign-up for a class that I am utterly obsessed with and it has been an amazing experience.

A special shout out to my teacher, John! He is such a skilled instructor who goes in-depth into explaining the anatomy of our body. His detailed approach and extensive experience in massage techniques are invaluable. John’s teachings ensure we learn how to massage effectively without causing harm to ourselves. I think he's amazing and I can't wait to take his class again in the next round of courses!

Marvie from the admissions department and everyone else have been equally amazing. Having worked for the EOPS department at my previous school, where I assisted former foster youth, it’s been a unique and appreciated experience to receive help as a regular student. The support and assistance from the ICOHS staff have been outstanding, and I truly appreciate their dedication and care.

Their hybrid classes are pretty good too. Compared to other hybrid classes I've taken in the past while pursuing my degree, ICOHS stands out for its engaging and fun approach. The massage program is fantastic, especially with the opportunity to receive massages frequently. Everyone here is extremely polite, respectful, and educational.

Thank you, ICOHS, for providing such a positive and enriching experience!

Anita B.

The staff is really helpful and want you to be successful. The curriculum is intense but the instructors try to give the tricks of their experience to learn the information in a way you will remember it long term. The hybrid program is still being worked out and has some kinks that have made me feel frustrated at times. It's a hands on profession and self study does not lend itself to learning it as a supported program. Management needs to work some stuff out in that area but they are constantlyasking fir input to make the program better for us. Overall I am truelly learning a wonderful new career path that will make it possible for me to help so many people.

Abbie G.

Loved the instructors, but the program was a mess. It seemed as though the administration had difficulties implementing and directing. There was a lack of communication amongst departments and the whole hybrid jump was way too preemptive. I get the feeling that the campus director is unfamiliar with massage school and overall management. A bit of micromanagement is happening and I can tell it's affecting the instructors. They themselves are very knowledgable, caring and passionate. The massage director even left recently, which says something needs to be adjusted from the top. Plus, parking around here is tough which causes students to run late sometimes. There is no consistency for policies. I feel bad for any incoming students. I'd steer clear if I were you.

DeAnna P.

The first class I took at ICOHS was parasympathetic massage with Karen Heine Zlatic, a patient, kind holistic health practitioner/teacher. I now think of her as the mother of massage. She is a perfect introduction to this school. Her energy is nurturing and the intention is set. This is a professional school, with heart and soul. The second class was circulatory massage with John Economos, a jovial teacher who starts each class with Brain Gym and leads each class with deep understanding of the body, humor and professionalism. Julia Plunket teaches all kinds of interesting classes on all things nutrition, herbs and supplements. With 40+ years of experience coming through with a clarity and confidence from hands on work helping people correct imbalances naturally, Julia is a wealth of invaluable knowledge. From Hugo Anguiano, I learned an ancient form of Ayurvedic massage. Hugo is a serious teacher with a great big soul that comes through his teachings and one cannot help but feel guided to do their best under his instruction. He offers a variety of modalities and energetic classes that I look forward to learning before my education is complete here. Currently, Martine Melilla is guiding a beautiful seasonal Women's Spiritual Journey. I heard fellow students chatting about her classes well before I experienced one for myself. Her reputation proceeds her. Martine brings an elegant island goddess energy into play. I am fresh out of my first day of this class and I want more. This is going to get good!

The administration are competent and spiritual people, as well. Alison was my first point of contact. She always greets you with a great big smile and a hug. Veronica is here making this "house a home" away from home. You often are surprised with healthy snacks and drinks she sets out between classes and if ever you need comfort, a conversation, or to ask a question, Veronica is someone who is eager to help. All over ICOHS, you will find areas where student services has been thinking of some ways to soften the edges. Veronica's a busy bee, always looking to improve the students experience because as she says, "We wouldn't be here without You!".

For me, who I share my energy with is important. I have found ICOHS to be a safe place to learn, with instruction and guidance from well educated instructors who are passionate and have time invested in their mode of holistic health. It is easy to feel the excitement the instructors have passing down their knowledge. I had previously attended 800+ hours at another holistic school that I learned so much good stuff from. I came to ICOHS with skepticism about how much more I could possibly learn. I'm thrilled to be getting a deeper knowledge, confidence, and understanding of how the human body works holistically. I am very happy to share this in hopes that we all be so blessed to find a perfect piece to our puzzle.

Update 09/2023
None of these teachers or staff are still at ICOHS

Brian B.

Extremely friendly institution that has created a community fostered from people who practice holistic health. The atmosphere created by the community is one that is warm and welcoming. I have met many great peers at International College of Holistic Studies. We have bonded over one commonality - holistic living - but have found that there are many more interests that exist outside of our hobbies. Thus, International College of Holistic Studies is more than just an institution, but rather, International College of Holistic Studies has created a community of like-minded individuals that continue to give back. I highly recommend checking out this institution, even if you are not interested in holistic living. There are some really great people here.