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.
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.
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.
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.
Grading System
Grades for courses will be given according to the following scale:
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
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.
(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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Conditions for Dismissal
A student may be dismissed from the school for the following reasons:
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Failure to fulfill the requirements of academic probation.
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Failure to meet financial obligations to MBI.
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The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs, alcohol or firearms on school property or as part of any school activities.
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Attending class under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Having three consecutive days of unexcused absence or a total of five days a month.
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Having four consecutive days or seven days per month of unexcused tardiness.
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Behaving in a manner potentially dangerous to clients.
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Not wearing full clothing at all times during attendance at the school except when otherwise dictated by the training procedures.
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Behaving in a manner that may be harmful to the reputation of the school.
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Cheating on an examination.
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Physical or verbally abusive behavior to staff member, student or client.
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Behavior which disrupts class functioning and learning.
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Inability to communicate to others in a professional manner.
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Improper sexual behavior towards staff, student or client.