American Post-Ops Academy : Policies

Policies Effective Date: January 2025

Policy Overview

The policies of American Post-Ops Academy are designed to ensure a consistent and equitable educational experience for all students. These policies may be revised at any time without prior notice. It is the responsibility of students to periodically check for the most updated version of the policies either by requesting a copy from the admissions office or by consulting our website.

Registration Policy

Students may register for courses via the academy’s website, through an instructor, or via a registered agent . Upon completion of registration, students will receive a confirmation number along with preparatory materials and instructions regarding their course. Should any issues arise during the registration process, assistance is available through multiple channels including the admissions office, the course instructors or a registered agent.

Who May Enroll

Anyone 18 years old and over can enroll in continuing education classes with American Post-Ops Academy. Students currently enrolled in massage school can attend some of our continuing education classes with a special request from their school and approval from American Post-Ops education administration.

Admission Requirements

Our courses have specific prerequisites and require verification that must be met before a student can enroll. These prerequisites differ from one course to another, so it is essential for prospective students to review the specific requirements for each course listed on our website. Should there be any questions or need for clarification regarding these requirements, students are encouraged to contact the admissions office directly. This proactive approach will help ensure that all criteria are met satisfactorily before the course begins.

Textbooks and Supplies

In classes where textbooks and supplies are used, instructors will provide them.

Scope of Practice/Code of Ethics/Disclaimer

This course is an advanced training course. It has been designed to enhance the skills, techniques and knowledge of professional post-surgical massage practitioners and professional therapists treating patients within the plastic surgery industry.
Certificate of achievement of our courses is not intended to be used as a hands-on license. You must work within your professional scope of practice and abide by the occupational regulations that govern your professional occupation in your state/city/province.
Please understand that some content of American Post-Ops Academy’s NCBTMB-approved courses may be outside the scope of practice of a massage therapist. These courses are approved as advanced science courses for therapists with advanced specialized education and training. Always check with your state and insurance before applying any technique you learned with us in your practice.

It is your responsibility to know and work within the limits of your license and scope of practice. The content of this course should not be substituted for medical advice. All effort has been made to present accurate, up to date, reliable and complete information. No warranties of any kind are declared or implied. It does not permit the students (massage therapists and any other non-medical professions) to diagnose, prescribe, or suggest the use of any digestible materials or exercise programs without additional education and graduation from an approved program in the specific field.
The information listed here including the content of your course is accurate as of the time it was researched. The content of this course has been derived from various sources. It is the responsibility of the individual therapist to know the current continuing education requirements for maintaining their license. By attending this course/ any courses at American Post-Ops Academy, students agree that under no circumstances is the school or the instructor responsible for any losses, direct or indirect, which are incurred because of the use of the information they have learned in this course(s), including but not limited to errors, omissions, or inaccuracies.
Most, but not all, state massage therapy boards accept NCBTMB-approved courses for continuing education. Please confirm acceptance with your state board prior to registering for this course.
Please be advised, none of our courses permit students to treat patients with lymphedema without professional training and education in lymphedema. To be able to do so, students must be a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT).

Course Schedule and Cancellation

American Post-Ops Academy has made every reasonable effort to determine that everything stated in our course schedule is accurate. Courses offered are subject to change without notice for reasons related to student enrollment, level of financial support, staff, or for any other reason, at the discretion of education administration.

Course Enrollment and Fees

Registration for courses closes seven (7) days prior to the starting date. Full payment of tuition and submission of all required documentation and prerequisites are mandatory for course participation. The academy adheres to a structured tuition payment schedule wherein 50% of the fee is due at the time of registration, with the balance payable no later than seven (7) days before the course begins.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The academy has a detailed refund policy for course cancellations, which varies based on the timing of the cancellation. The refund scales down incrementally from 100% in the initial ten days post-registration to no refund from the day the course begins. Additionally, for home study or hybrid classes, a 50% refund is possible if the course materials are returned in their original, unopened, undamaged condition. Full access to online materials, however, disqualifies for any refunds.

Refund Policy for Tuition After Course Registration Confirmation

Our refund policy is structured to provide flexibility while also encouraging commitment to course participation. Here is the detailed breakdown of our refund tiers following the confirmation of course registration:
– From Day 1 to Day 10: Students are eligible for a full refund, amounting to 100% of the tuition fees paid. This period allows students to reassess their commitments and make a decision without financial penalty.
– From Day 11 to Day 15: If a student decides to withdraw within this timeframe, they will receive a 50% refund of the tuition fee.
– From Day 16 to Day 30: A refund of 30% of the tuition fee will be issued.
– After 30 Days: Withdraw made beyond 30 days from registration are eligible for a 20% refund.
– One week before course begin: The refund decreases to 10%.
– On the day of the class: There will be no refunds issued.

Transfers

As courtesy course tuition is fully transferable up to 15days prior to the first day of the course free of charge for one time only. There is a $250.00 transfer fee for subsequent transfer. In the event the student decides to cancel and requests a refund, the cancellation policy will apply in addition to any transfer fees accrued.

Certificates and Course Completion

Successful completion of a course with at least an 80% score on the written exam will earn a Certificate of Completion, while those who do not meet this criterion will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Specific details such as the student’s name, course title, and completion date are included on the certificate. Students may request additional copies for a nominal fee.

Attendance Requirements

The academy requires 100% full attendance to award CE credits and certificates. Students who are enrolled and do not attend the first-class session may be dropped. Any absence exceeding three hours will render a student ineligible to take the final exam, thereby forfeiting their certification for that course. Students must meet all assignment deadlines to qualify for full credit.
** Exceptions are possible.

Adverse Conditions and Rescheduling

Courses without sufficient enrollment may be canceled. Courses may be postponed or rescheduled due to low attendance, inclement weather, or instructor illness. Students will be promptly notified of any changes and will receive credit for a future class or receive a full refund. Students also have the option to enroll in another course within 24 months should they cancel their registration.

Transcripts and Educational Records

American Post-Ops Academy provides transcripts and educational records upon request to all students who have completed courses with the institution. These records are meticulously maintained and securely stored for a period of six years from the date of course completion. To uphold the privacy and confidentiality of our students, transcripts and other educational records are stored separately. Students wishing to access their records must submit a formal request in writing to the academy. There is no fee associated with accessing or requesting these documents.

Transcript Request

To request transcripts from American Post-Ops Academy, students should directly contact the admission. Once your transcript request is received by our office, the transcript will be processed within 3 to 5 business days. Please allow an additional 5 to 7 business days for delivery.

Replacement Diploma/Certificate

Requests for a replacement diploma/certificate may be sent directly to the academy email. The cost for a replacement diploma is $20.00 per copy and the process may take 4 to 6 weeks from the time it is ordered. Please allow an additional 5 to 7 business days for delivery.

Conduct and Integrity

The academy expects all students to maintain professionalism and ethical conduct throughout their enrollment. Failure to do so may result in dismissal without a refund. Opportunities for reinstatement are determined by the educational board and instructors based on individual circumstances.

Dismissal

Students are subject to dismissal from their course for various reasons, including lack of engagement, disruptive behavior, unprofessional or unethical conduct, excessive absences exceeding five hours. In such cases, dismissed students are not eligible for any tuition refund. The decision to consider reinstatement for a dismissed student lies with the American Post-Ops Academy’s educational board and the relevant instructors. The review process will assess each case individually, and reinstatement is contingent upon their collective discretion.

Rules for Electronic Devices

American Post-Ops Academy enforces strict rules concerning the use of electronic devices to safeguard proprietary information and protect the privacy of all students. Video recording is expressly forbidden in any context related to the course, including before, during, and after class sessions. However, audio recordings are permitted for personal educational use. Additionally, students are required to keep their mobile phones silent during class to maintain an environment conducive to learning.

Photo and Video Releases

1. Participation in courses at American Post-Ops Academy implies automatic consent for the academy to utilize students’ photographs, video footage, and audio recordings in future educational materials, publications, research studies, and for promotional or advertising purposes. This use will be conducted without compensation. Personal identifiers such as names will not be associated with the imagery and recordings without explicit consent from the individuals involved. The academy retains ownership and management rights over all such multimedia materials.
2. American Post-Ops reserves the right to use all photography, audio recordings and video images of students and visitors, age of 18 and older, taken on our property and at all our events for education, marketing and promotional purposes. Should you have any objection to the use of an individual photograph, audio recording and video image that is relevant to you, please contact our admissions office.

Course Content Copyright Policy

All course materials, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, are the exclusive property of the American Post-Ops Academy and are protected under copyright and other applicable intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission of these materials, whether in full or in part and by any means, without the prior written consent of the copyright owner constitutes a breach of copyright law and is strictly forbidden. Individuals are required to maintain the integrity of any copyright and related notices associated with these materials. Distribution of these materials to others, in any format including electronic, for compensation or without compensation, is prohibited unless specifically authorized through written consent by the copyright owner.

Non-Competition Agreement

Students are strictly prohibited from using the training and certification they receive to solicit or provide similar services that compete with those offered by American Post-Ops Academy. While students are encouraged to share knowledge, they must not engage in training or certify any individuals. The right to train or certify others is reserved exclusively for those who have been granted instructor privileges in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the American Post-Ops Academy. This agreement ensures that our proprietary training methods and materials are used in a manner that upholds the Academy’s standards and reputation.

If you are interested in becoming an instructor and working with us, please contact us. New team members are always welcome.

Accommodation for Disabilities/Medical Condition/Pregnancy

We are committed to providing inclusive services and strive to accommodate all individuals, including those with disabilities. If you require special arrangements to facilitate your participation due to a disability, we kindly ask that you contact our office well in advance so we can prepare to meet your needs.
Please let us know if you have any medical condition/and or are pregnant. Your health and safety are important to us.

Nondiscrimination Policy

American Post-Ops Academy is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and all access to institutional programs and activities. American Post-Ops Academy shall provide access to its services, classes and programs without regard to national origin, religion, age, gender, identity, gender expression, race or ethnicity, medical condition, sexual orientation or physical or mental disability.

Legal Notice

It is important to note that American Post-Ops Academy and instructors do not provide financial, legal, medical, or professional advice. The scope of practice for massage therapists or other professionals may not encompass all techniques and knowledge offered in our courses. Prior to applying any learned technique, we urge students to consult with their insurance provider and state board. The responsibility to understand and operate within the professional scope of practice lies with each student. By participating in our courses, students acknowledge that American Post-Ops Academy and its instructors bear no responsibility for any direct or indirect losses incurred from the application of course content.
You and your heir waived the right to sue and participate in any kind of lawsuit including class action against American Post-Ops Academy and it its representatives. Enrollment in one of the American Post-Ops Academy courses requires you to hold the American Post-Ops Academy and its representatives not liable and harmless from litigation for any injury, accident or undesirable effect that may occur at the meeting site, from their equipment, and/or from other attendees. This is to include, but is not limited to, faulty elevators, slippery stairs or walkways, falling light fixtures, breaking chairs, collapsing tables and pre-existing medical conditions.
If you are more comfortable bringing your own equipment, including a treatment table, you are encouraged to do so.
American Post-Ops Academy and its representatives are also not liable for any injury, accident or undesirable effect that may occur due to any equipment another party, such as a fellow participant, may bring in. This is to include, but is not limited to, a treatment table that may be shared or be the cause of an accident or injury. There may be certain pre-existing medical conditions that are contra-indicated for the course work you are attending. It is your responsibility to inform the staff of any pre-existing conditions prior to the course or the practice session.
It is also agreed that American Post-Ops Academy and its representatives are held not liable for any inappropriate behavior or actions by any persons encountered in the class and school premises. If you encounter any inappropriate behavior, please notify the instructor or call our office immediately.
Open communication and constructive criticism are the key to building a better and stronger community of professionals. As a community, we are here to support each other to grow and become the best in our field. When signing up for any course with us, please be kind and be professional. Our instructors, students and other professionals may have different levels of education/work experience/hands-on skills. We are here to learn and grow together. We ask you to be courteous and respectful towards your instructors, colleagues and others when joining our class.
At American Post-Ops Academy, we do not tolerate any malicious misconduct, defamation, and disrespect toward our school, instructors, other students, vendors, and community. Safety and professional integrity are important to us.

Training and Course Content Satisfaction Disclaimer

Currently, there is no universally recognized standard of training for post-operative massage students, meaning the quality and depth of education can vary significantly between different schools, programs, and instructors. While some schools, programs and instructors may offer to teach some basic post-op massage techniques others provide more advanced/specialized training in areas like manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and techniques for complex post-surgical cases.

As an educational institute, we are committed to providing our students with superior training and a comprehensive curriculum including a mentorship program. Our programs are designed to empower healthcare professionals with accredited training, up-to-date scientific knowledge, and clinical competencies necessary for excellence in patient care. We are proud to stand behind our quality training with expert facilitators to deliver. We are doing our very best to teach and prepare our students for success in the post-op industry, but we cannot guarantee your total satisfaction. As a student it is your responsibility to pick the school that fits your needs and interests best.

By signing up to take courses at American Post-Ops Academy, you agree that 1. “The academy will not be held liable if you are not completely satisfied with the training and course content received.” 2. You agree that you are taking the class at your own risk and have been given time and opportunity to ask questions, and all your concerns have been addressed prior to enrollment.