Administrative Policies

Program Description and Duration

The Massage Therapy program is designed to prepare the student for licensure as a massage therapist in the state of Tennessee, although the program may be applicable to other state requirements as well. The areas of study will include anatomy and physiology, pathology as relates to massage, Swedish and other massage techniques.

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Classroom hours for the program are from 9:00am until 1:30pm or from 6:00pm until 10:30pm for day or night classes, respectively. Please see the course description for more information on Intern Clinic requirements. The length of the program is 600 clock hours, completed over 36 weeks.

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Requirements for Graduation

In order to graduate, the student must have completed all required coursework within the maximum time frame permitted and obtain a minimum CGPA of 2.0, completed all intern clinic hours, and fulfilled all financial obligations to MBI.

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Student Services

MBI offers academic advising to students during the course of their program and will help in finding tutors or arranging other study assistance. If a student encounters any other personal or financial problems during their enrollment, they should feel free to bring it to the attention of staff or faculty, who welcome the chance to assist or help refer the student to outside counselors or agencies. Upon approaching and after graduation, students are encouraged to contact the Director of Education for guidance in seeking employment. However, employment cannot be guaranteed.

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Grading System

Grades for courses will be given according to the following scale:

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  A          A-       B+      B        B-        C+      C         C-       D+     D        D-        F

 4.0     3.7     3.3     3.0     2.7     2.3     2.0     1.7     1.3     1.0     0.7      0.0 

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The quality points for the above grades will be averaged together from courses completed for the student’s Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). The grades below do not affect the CGPA unless otherwise noted.

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(I) Incomplete. If given for coursework, must be completed according to the instructor’s timetable or will be considered a 0 for averaging with the rest of the student’s coursework. If given for a course, should only be used for a temporary grade such as in case of a leave of absence, and will be changed to a letter grade on completion of the course or a W upon withdrawal or termination.

(W) Withdrawal. This indicates withdrawal from the program before completion of the course.

(IP) In Progress. A student currently enrolled in a course will receive this temporary grade until completion or until their status changes.

(R) Repeated Course.

(TC) Transfer Credit. Credit for work from previously attended institutions.

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Satisfactory Academic Progress

Progress will be evaluated at 50% and 100% of program attempted, and at program completion. Students are expected to maintain at least a 2.0 CGPA (C average), or will receive an academic warning. The maximum time frame for a student to complete the program is no more than 1.5 times the length of the program in weeks. Since the program is 36 weeks, this means that all classes, including the intern clinic hours, must be completed with a minimum 2.0 CGPA within 54 weeks in order for a student to graduate. Approved leaves of absence do not count against this maximum time frame. A student must maintain a minimum pace of progression through the program of 65%. Pace is determined by dividing the cumulative number of clock hours earned by the cumulative number of clock hours attempted. Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress will cause students to become ineligible for further Federal Student Aid.
 

Incompletes, withdrawals, repetitions or transfers of credit from other institutions will not affect GPA. Incompletes, withdrawals, and repetitions will count as attempted but not completed hours. Hours from another institution that are accepted toward the student’s educational program count as both attempted and completed hours.

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Clock Hours and Class Size

Course crediting is based upon the number of lectures, laboratory, and clinic hours provided in the contact hours of each course.
The National Standard is one (1) in-class clock hour equals fifty (50) minutes of staff-supervised instruction. Our program is based on 60 minutes of class time. This program allows for the flexibility of a four- and one-half hour day verses a five-hour day.

Our Diploma program totals 500 hours. Five hundred supervised, in-class hours of instruction are the minimum requirement of hours needed to be eligible to sit for the Massage Board Licensing Exam (MBLEx).

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Nondiscrimination Policy

This assurance is directed to the end that no person shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or age be excluded from the massage program.

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Attendance/Tardiness Policy

Regular and prompt class attendance is required for building the skills necessary for success as a massage therapist. Students will be considered tardy if they arrive after class begins or leave before it ends. Excessive tardiness or absences could lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. A student who is absent for 14 consecutive calendar days (excluding school holidays and breaks) will be dismissed from the program. Students may be allowed to make-up missed class assignments or tests resulting from absences or tardiness at the instructor’s discretion.

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Leave of Absence

Students should submit a request for a leave of absence signed and in writing, and include the date of submission, the effective date and length of the leave, and the reason for the leave. Requests for a leave of absence must be approved by the Director, and may not begin until submitted by the student and approved by the school. More than one leave of absence may be granted in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise, such as medical reasons affecting the student or a member of their immediate family, military service requirements, or jury duty. The total leave(s) of absence cannot exceed 180 days within a 12 month period. Students who do not return from a leave of absence will be considered terminated as of the last day of attendance for the purpose of tuition responsibilities and/or refunds. Refunds will be processed as per the published policy. For leaves of absence, any refunds due will be paid within 30 days of the date of determination of the student’s withdrawal.

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Withdrawal

If a student wishes to withdraw before completion of the program, they should contact the Director to begin the process. The date of withdrawal will be considered the last day of class attended. Tuition and fees will be refunded according to the refund policy. Any unearned federal financial aid will have to be returned according to Title IV requirements.

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Conditions for Dismissal

A student may be dismissed from the school for the following reasons:

• Failure to fulfill the requirements of academic probation.

• Failure to meet financial obligations to MBI.

• The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs, alcohol or firearms on school property or as part of any school activities.

• Attending class under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Having three consecutive days of unexcused absence or a total of five days a month.

• Having four consecutive days or seven days per month of unexcused tardiness.

• Behaving in a manner potentially dangerous to clients.

• Not wearing full clothing at all times during attendance at the school except when otherwise dictated by the training procedures.

• Behaving in a manner that may be harmful to the reputation of the school.

• Cheating on an examination.

• Physical or verbally abusive behavior to staff member, student or client.

• Behavior which disrupts class functioning and learning.

• Inability to communicate to others in a professional manner.

• Improper sexual behavior towards staff, student or client.

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Condition for Reinstatement

If a student has been dismissed for failure to meet financial obligations, they may seek reinstatement after their account is no longer in arrears. If a student has been dismissed for other reasons, including behavior or absenteeism, they may petition the Director in writing, with their reasons that they think they should be considered for reinstatement. The Director may then arrange a personal interview. If it is determined that the student is in compliance with school policy, they will be reinstated for a probationary period of three weeks. Any further infraction will be grounds for permanent dismissal.

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Computer Misuse and Copyright Infringement Policy

Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may be subject to civil and criminal liabilities, with penalties that include up to $250,000 per work infringed and imprisonment of up to five years. Student use of school equipment for the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

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Disability Services

A Better You Academe will provide reasonable accommodations to any student with a disability. The student should discuss the disability with the Director of Education. The student should explain in writing what accommodations are required, and the Directors and instuctors will develop and implement a plan to accommodate the student. All facilities at A Better You Academe are handicap accessible.

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Transfer of Credits

A Better You Academe, LLC is authorized for operation in Tennessee by the TN Higher Education Commission, and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Prospective or enrolled students may obtain or review documents describing MBI’s authorization and accreditation by contacting the Director.

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MBI is a special purpose institute offering massage therapy training. This purpose does not include preparing students for further college study. Students should be aware that transfer of credit is always the responsibility of the receiving institution. Whether or not credits transfer is solely up to the receiving institution. Any student interested in transferring credit hours should check with the receiving institution directly to determine to what extent, if any, credit hours can be transferred.

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Credit for Previous Education or Work Experience

Students may apply for credit for prior education or work experience by filling out a Request for Transfer of Credit form and submitting any supporting documentation prior to the first day of class.

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To be considered, prior education should be from a postsecondary institution accredited by recognized agencies or institutions approved in their state of operation for education leading to a massage therapy license. Courses must have been completed with a grade of C or better, and be substantially similar or more rigorous than the applicable courses at MBI. A transcript and other documentation including course descriptions will be required.

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Prior work experience may be considered as equivalent to related coursework by submission of a detailed job description and verification of employment. Credit for previous work experience cannot exceed 10% of the total program.

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The awarding of credit will require the student to pass the related course(s) final exam(s) with at least 80% skill proficiency. All credit awarded cannot exceed 25% of the program. MBI does not guarantee transferability of credits.

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Student Complaint Procedure

The student is encouraged to address specific complaints or concerns with the individual to whom the complaint pertains. If the grievance cannot be resolved, the student should bring it to the attention of his or her adviser or the Director of Education. If an equitable solution cannot be reached, a complaint may be brought to the Director. Complaints may be directed to:

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Talitha Adkins, Director at (423)-486-5072 or office@abetteryoudayspa.com

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Any person claiming damage or loss as a result of any practice by this institution that may be a violation of the Title 49, Chapter 7, Part 20 or Rule Chapter 1520-01-02 may file a complaint with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Division of Postsecondary State Authorization. Parkway Tower, Suite 1900, 404 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN, 37243-0830. (615) 741-5293.

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Schools accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges must have a procedure and operational plan for handling student complaints. If a student does not feel that the school has adequately addressed a complaint or concern, the student may consider contacting the Accrediting Commission. All complaints reviewed by the Commission must be in written form and should grant permission for the Commission to forward a copy of the complaint to the school for a response. This can be accomplished by filing the ACCSC Complaint Form. The complainant(s) will be kept informed as to the status of the complaint as well as the final resolution by the Commission. Please direct all inquiries to:

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Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges
2101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 302
Arlington, VA 22201.
(703) 247-4212
www.accsc.org|complaints@accsc.org

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A copy of the ACCSC Complaint Form is available at the school and may be obtained by contacting complaints@accsc.org or at https://www.accsc.org/Student-Corner/Complaints.aspx.

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Vaccinations Policy

ABY Academe does not require proof of vaccination.