Swedish Institute history

1922 NY Giants pitcher, J.W. Scott, attributed his success in the World Series to the treatment he received from the Institute, thus elevating the Institute’s presence in the sports industry.

1926 School ownership moved to former graduate and dean Lillian F. Phillips.

1967 Patricia J. Eckardt, the niece of Lillian Phillips, assumed ownership and leadership of the school.

1981 Swedish Institute became the first massage school in the United States to be granted national accreditation by the accrediting body now known as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

1984 The school added Eastern Massage training and Shiatsu to its curriculum to keep up with the growing demand for more holistic training methods.

1990 The profession’s lobbying efforts succeeded again, as the term Massage Therapy was finally recognized by New York State, and the titles Masseur and Masseuse were replaced by the title Massage Therapist.

1992 Paula Eckardt became the president and leader of the school.

2000 The school began offering an Associates in Occupational Studies degree program in Massage Therapy.

2001 In response to the tragic events of 9/11, the school mobilized over 1,400 graduates to provide massage therapy and acupuncture treatments to over 50 different sites including firehouses, police stations and Ground Zero.

2004 The school developed a certificate program in Personal Training.

2015 The school introduced the iPad® Program, which provides engaging digital course materials and innovative ways for students and instructors to interact, learn and stay connected.