About us

Our Aesthetics program has grown out of the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), an award-winning Holistic Health college and one of the first massage schools in Arizona. For over 17 years our motto has been ~ Learn to Touch Lives, Heal Bodies and Free Souls. Founded by KC Miller in 1992, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts has become one of the largest colleges in the country to offer diploma programs, continuing education classes and degrees in Holistic Health, fully recognizing the Mind-Body Wellness connection.

We prepare you to do MORE than just pass the state licensing exam!

Our goal is to provide you with as many career and entrepreneurial options as possible ~ not just ‘test preparation.’ While we do thoroughly prepare you to take both the written and practical licensing exams required by Arizona State Board of Cosmetology, our focus is on teaching you the real-world skills and current spa technologies used in high-end resorts and Med-spas that will lead to a great job, or to building a successful practice of your own.

At Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics (SWINA), you will become proficient in waxing, a wide variety of spa treatments and cosmetic applications, including mineral-based make-up, featuring the products by Hylunia, Rhonda Allison, and Natural Beauty Highlites. Our program also includes training in Aromatherapy, Energetic Hot Stone Facials, Facial Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Microdermabrasion, and Microcurrent to achieve non-surgical face-lift results.

Advanced post-graduate classes are included in your program.

In addition to all of the clinical training we provide, we incorporate the Mind-Body-Spirit approach which includes natural, holistic beauty and wellness treatments. Many of the holistic specialty treatments included in our program would be considered post-graduate continuing education classes at other schools. With us ~ they are included in our curriculum! It's the perfect blend between the classic clinical approach and the Mind-Body Wellness focus of today's spas. When we say beauty is more than skin deep ~ we mean we focus on helping each person discover the fact they are 'Soul Beautiful'.

Our graduates are recognized valley-wide for our signature facial protocol, known as 'Conscious-Touch'. We are committed to graduating 'fully conscious' practitioners, in tune with current market trends and technologies, as well as in tune with your clients' energy.

Laser Technician Certification Training

Take your Aesthetics or Cosmetology training to the next level with our 200-hour Laser Technician Certification program. If you have had previous training as a Cosmetologist or Aesthetician, you are eligible to enroll in our 200-hour Laser Technician program **. This program exceeds the regulatory requirements of the ARRA, Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency, by offering the required 40 hours of Laser and Intense Pulse Light Didactic, as well as many hours of clinical observations and hands-on treatments. Laser Safety Officer Certification is included in this course.

**The advanced Laser techniques taught at SWINA have a wide range of applications. We will also enroll other highly qualified professionals, such as nurses, naturopathic students and physicians. Please ask about Admissions requirements.