School Policy

POLICY

It is the policy of Body Wellness Massage Academy to provide a safe, clean, healthy and secure environment for its clients and students. It is the commitment of management that all staff and students uphold the highest ethical standards in the practice of massage therapy.


Body Wellness Massage Academy does not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, gender, national origin, or disability.


PURPOSE

Conceived in faith and nurtured in dedication, Body Wellness Massage Academy endeavors to educate its students in the concept of their individual wholeness of mind, wellness of body, and completeness of spirit. Students are encouraged to take these ideals, coupled with their technical education, into their profession to achieve the best possible results in their practices. The comprehensive curriculum and standards for ethics are designed to encourage educated bodyworkers and graduate massage therapists dedicated to the wellness process of the whole person starting with themselves and extending to their clients, their associates, and their surrounding community.


ADMISSIONS

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age before the completion of the course, be a high school graduate or have completed an educational equivalency, be emotionally stable and physically able to perform and receive massage manipulations taught in the program.


To apply for admission to Body Wellness Massage Academy:


1. Download and complete the forms from the enrollment page. 

2. Call/Email to book an admissions interview with Director or Assistant Director.

3. Documents required for admission and to obtain your Arkansas Department of Health Student Permit:

  • Driver’s License
  • Social Security Card
  • High school, college, GED transcript (not diploma)
  • Statement of Health/Physical from your physician
  • Enrollment Application
  • Enrollment Agreement
  • Application Fee of $200.00 (non-refundable)

4. The Arkansas Department of Health – Massage Therapy Section requires all prospective students to submit and pass a federal background check prior to receiving your student permit. Per Arkansas law students may not begin class until the student permit is issued by the Arkansas Department of Health. Body Wellness Massage Academy is not responsible for delays in fingerprinting, background checks, or Arkansas Department of Health permit processing. In general, the process takes 2-3 weeks; however, processing time may vary.


ENROLLMENT

Upon receipt of all required documents and the issuance of the student permit by the Arkansas Department of Health, Body Wellness Massage Academy will coordinate with the student their start date. Start dates generally fall on any given Monday, as we are an open enrollment school. Each student will have a brief orientation scheduled on or before their start date.


CLASS SIZE & ATTIRE

The maximum class size is ten (10) to ensure quality instruction and to maintain an optimum student/instructor ratio. The classroom is a serious learning environment in an informal setting. 


All times, dates, and/or locations are subject to change dependent upon student enrollment. Body Wellness Massage Academy offers daytime and nighttime programs when there is a minimum of three (3) or students are enrolled per class. 


Students are expected to dress in a professional manner wearing black scrubs and soft-soled closed-toed shoes (sneakers are best) while in attendance.  Personal hygiene is required to include short-filed nails, hair must be short or pulled up, no rings, watches, bracelets, or necklaces longer than 18 inches.


ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is a requirement for all students in all classes. Excessive absenteeism WILL NOT BE tolerated.  Absences exceeding 25 hours may be grounds for dismissal. Because a clock hour system is used, all curriculum hours missed must be made up prior to graduation to comply with state law.  Students are responsible for all course material missed and are expected to make arrangements with instructors to obtain missed course information and skills missed due to absence. 


Promptness is important. Consistent tardiness, as indicated on the daily attendance roll, is a cause for concern and will lead to a consultation with the Director for corrective action.


If a student is dismissed an appointment must be made with the Director to develop a plan for reinstatement (if allowable).

This will likely require additional coursework, additional tuition payments owed, and likely they may experience a delay in graduation. Special charges will be assessed for private tutorials and testing by an instructor. Instructors are encouraged to require tutorials when, in their opinion, student learning has been adversely affected by absences.


PROFESSIONALISM & ETHICAL PRACTICE

The Academy teaches skills for ensuring the client's comfort and privacy and safeguarding for the student therapist. Draping is a requirement by law to avoid exposure of genitals, gluteal cleavage, or female breasts. Classroom nudity or elicit behavior or speech that causes embarrassment of staff, students, or clients will not be tolerated.


Because the massage/student therapists are responsible for assuring that his/her treatment space is safe for the clients to relax and benefit from treatment, the overall a professional attitude is always required.


DISMISSAL

Students are expected to maintain a mature, responsible attitude toward their studies, the faculty and staff, and classmates. Behavior as outlined below will be cause for dismissal:


  • Incorrect or misleading information presented to the Academy.
  • Unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and or alcohol on the premises of or in -connection with any school training or event.  Students shall never be under the influence of mind-altering substances even if prescribed.
  • Excessive unexcused absences or tardiness.
  • Unprofessional dress, hygiene, or conduct.
  • Promoting the practice of massage in an unprofessional manner.
  • Behavior that may cause harm to the reputation of the Academy.
  • The practice of or the attempt to practice massage therapy outside of the school program while a student of the Academy.
  • Failure to maintain a satisfactory academic level of 70%.
  • Failure to fulfill financial agreements.
  • Behavior that is disruptive or harmful to other students, faculty or staff, clients, or school property.
  • A student who is dismissed will receive a partial tuition refund or pay the balance due in accordance with the refund policy.
  • Failure to comply with any published policies and procedures of the Academy.


REFUNDS

All monies paid by an applicant must be refunded if requested within three (3) days after signing a contract agreement and making an initial payment.


An applicant requesting cancellation after more than three (3) days after signing a contract agreement and making an initial payment, but prior to entering the school or within the first week of class, is entitled to a refund of all monies paid minus an administrative service fee of $250.


  • After the first week & up to 25% completion = 70% refund (prepaid students only)
  • After 25% & up to 50% completion = 40% refund (prepaid students only)
  • NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN IF A STUDENT IS DISMISSED OR WITHDRAWS AFTER 50% OF CLASSROOM HOURS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. THE STUDENT(S) WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY BALANCE DUE.
  • NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN TO ANY STUDENT WHO IS UTILIZING THE IN-SCHOOL PAYMENT PLAN OPTION AFTER THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS IS COMPLETE.
  • Students withdrawing or dismissed at any time following their orientation/first day of class will be assessed a school supply fee in the amount of $500.00 for books, belt, bottle, CPR, Insurance, and administrative functions.
  • All refunds will be made within 45 days of cancellation/termination tendered in writing directly to the Academy Director.
  • Withdrawing students receiving Federal Student Aid are entitled to refunds only after the Return of Title IV Funds Policy has been satisfied (if applicable).
  • The official date of withdrawal from the program is the last date of attendance unless the school receives written notification indicating earlier withdrawal from the program.


BODY WELLNESS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.