Institutional Polices

Program Information

Our Mission at North Alabama Wellness School of Massage is to provide a stimulating, nurturing environment leading to the greatest personal and professional growth possible for each of our students. Upon acceptance of admission application, and payment of application fee, students will complete a 650 hour educational program and be eligible to receive a certificate of completion, and designated the title Certified Massage Therapist. Certified Massage Therapists will then be eligible to apply for licensure from the state massage board. The graduate will be required to take the National Board Certification Test before being issued a license by the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy.

Admission Requirements

Prospective enrollees are encouraged to visit our school facilities to discuss educational and occupational goals with school personnel before enrolling. Registration for classes must be completed five days prior to the beginning of each session. All applicants must be eighteen years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Upon receipt of application, and a non-refundable application fee of $75.00, students will interview with the school's director to determine eligibility. North Alabama Wellness School of Massage does not discriminate for any reason, but reserves the right to refuse admission to any person we feel will not uphold the professional, ethical standards of massage therapy.

Probation, Suspension, Dismissal

Students shall be a credit to themselves, to the school and to the profession of massage therapy. The school administration maintains the right to dismiss students for failure to maintain minimum average, violation of school rules or for conduct which impacts negatively upon the reputation or operation of the school, or on the reputation of the profession of massage therapy. Tuition will be forfeited upon dismissal.

A student may be suspended from classes, or put on academic probation by the director for any of the following:

- Delinquent tuition account

- Behavior deemed by the director as inappropriate or dangerous to students, faculty or clients

- Absences: Students who accumulate absences of

( a ) more than 10 consecutive school days; or

( b ) more than 10% of the total clock hours in a program.

( c ) excessive tardiness as deemed by directors or instructors

- Cheating, stealing or engaging in any criminal activity

- Inability to maintain cumulative grade average above 70%

- Fraudulent or incompetent practice of massage prior to completing instruction at NAWSM.

- Giving false information on material submitted to NAWSM.

A student will be immediately dismissed from the school by the director for any of the following:

- Any element of sexual misconduct or inappropriate sexual behavior towards students, clients, or instructors.

- Illegal drug usage, or attending classes while intoxicated.

Attendance

Students are required to attend all classes. Class times have been pre-arranged and students are expected to arrive on time and stay until the class is dismissed. Special permission absences are to be approved by the instructor of each class. Missed lectures and exams are to be made up at the instructor's discretion. Students are required to attend no less than 90% of all course hours to receive credit. Failure to do so may result in administrative withdrawal. In case of cancellation due to snow or inclement weather, students will be notified by telephone. Local television stations will also have school and class schedule information included in their list of cancellations.

(1) Absence shall be charged for a full day when the student attends none of the scheduled classes on that day. A partial day of absence shall be charged for any period of absence during the day.

(2) Three (3) tardies shall be considered one day of absence.

(3) Students will be allowed 3 excused absences (12 hours). Students will be charged $12.00 per hour for absences in excess of 12 hours. Students cannot be absent for than 8 hours per month.

(4) NAWSM will provide 16 hours make up time, and at the discretion of the school directors, may accept special projects in lieu of absenteeism. Make-up time will cost $12.00 per hour for hours in excess of 12 hours.

(5) Leaves of Absence.

( a ) reasonable purposes acceptable to the school directors shall not exceed more than 10% of the total clock hours in a program.

( b ) only one leave of absence for each school schedule

( c ) attendance records shall clearly show the dates for which the leave of absence was granted. A written statement as to why the leave of absence was granted, signed by Both the student and the school directors shall be placed in the individual student's file.

(d ) if the student fails to return from leave, the student will be automatically terminated and a refund made under the cancellation and refund policy. The effective date of termination shall be the last date of the leave of absence.

Grading Scale

Students must maintain a minimum of 70% to receive credit for that course. Grades falling below 70% will need to be retaken. Grade evaluation scale:

90-100%: A 80-89%: B 70-79%: C 0-69% F

Students will receive academic transcripts within (115) days following the completion of any given session.

Materials Needed

Students are required to purchase required textbooks, massage table, sheets, and oils/lotions for use in school. This cost is an average of $850.00 - $900.00. The student will be given a list of required school texts and information on where to purchase massage therapy equipment and supplies. Consult with director or administrator for an estimated cost of these items.

Transfer of Credits

North Alabama Wellness School of Massage will consider for credit transfer, completed course credits from other schools or training institutions. Student transcripts accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the prior institution should be submitted to the director along with the admission application for those students seeking course transfer approval.

Student Records

Student records are maintained at the NAWSM school office. All student records are kept confidential and will be released only by written authorization of the student. NAWSM does no guarantee placement of graduates. NAWSM does receive requests for graduates, and at that time makes recommendation of graduation students for consideration of employment.

Placement

The school does not guarantee placement of its graduates. A current list of job opportunities is kept on file to assist the students who have satisfactorily completed the training required to obtain employment, however, the school makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, to the availability or ability of the student to gain employment after certification. The availability of employment is subject to a variety of factors and the student is responsible for finding suitable employment without the assistance of the school.