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 or associated with the host facility. 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, course instructor, registered agent, or the host facility directly.

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

Each course we offer has specific prerequisites and require verifications 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. Students must complete all necessary prerequisites prior to enrollment. 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. On additional textbooks  for future reading and supplies that are recommended by the class,  instructors will provide information on how students can purchase them.

Registration Deadlines

Enrollment for any of our courses will be closed seven (7) days prior to the course commencement date. This deadline is strict to ensure that there is sufficient time for all administrative processes to be completed. Students are required to have all necessary documentation approved and all prerequisites met by this time. Additionally, full payment of tuition fees must be received with no exceptions allowed. It is crucial for students to adhere to these requirements to secure their place on the course.

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 cosmetic/plastic  recovery surgery industry.

Receiving the 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/rules/laws that govern your professional occupation in your state/city/province. As a graduated practitioner therapist from American Post-Ops Academy, you are expected to adhering  to perform the treatment protocols within your scope of practice, following the rule of professionalism and respecting the code of ethics of your  certifying or licensing body.

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 only as advanced science courses and are strictly approved for the massage therapist with advanced-specialized education and training. Always check with your state and insurance before applying any technique you learned at 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 is for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice. All effort has been executed 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/topic. Any Massage Therapist who practices advanced modalities or advises clients in techniques that are outside of the massage therapy scope of practice can lose their license/certificate/permit and board certification.

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 do not 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

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

Course Enrollment and Fees

Registration for courses closes seven days prior to the commencement 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 four weeks 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, undamaged condition. Full access to online materials, however, disqualifies 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 fees. This reflects a balance between accommodating unforeseen changes and the administrative costs incurred by late withdrawals.

– From Day 16 to Day 30: A refund of 30% of the tuition fees will be issued. This reduced percentage accounts for the greater administrative burden and the potential disruption in course planning.

– After 30 Days: Withdrawals made beyond 30 days from registration are eligible for a 20% refund. This minimal refund is due to the significantly advanced resources allocated to the expected participation of the student.

– One Week Before Course Begins: The refund decreases to 10% as the start date approaches, reflecting the high preparation costs incurred by the institution.

– On the Day of the Class: There will be no refunds issued to those who withdraw on the day the course begins. This policy is in place to ensure that financial and

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 $175.00 transfer fee for subsequent transfer. Any transfer fee will be deducted from the student’s credit balance. 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. Moreover, students must meet all assignment deadlines to qualify for full credit.

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, ensuring that all students can obtain their educational records when needed without additional cost.

Transcript Request

To request transcripts from American Post-Ops Academy, students should directly contact the admission. There you will be guided step-by-step directions on ordering, delivery, and associated transcript request fees. Once your transcript request is received in our office, the transcript will be processed within 3 to 5 business days. Please allow an additional 5 to 7 business days for delivery by the United States Postal Service if you selected the mail option.

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 of diploma/certificate, and the process may take 4 to 6 weeks from the time it is ordered. The new diploma/certificate will bear the names and signatures of the officials currently in office. Please allow an additional 5 to 7 business days for delivery by the United States Postal Service if you selected the mail option.

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, inadequate academic progress, excessive absences exceeding five hours, failure to pay tuition, or chronic non-attendance. 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

The 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 and out of sight during class to maintain an environment conducive to learning. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in the student being asked to leave the classroom.

Photo and Video Releases

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 endeavors. This use will be conducted without compensation, and 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.

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 any form of 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 the American Post-Ops Academy. While students are encouraged to share knowledge regarding the subjects they have studied, 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. These policies ensure the academy operates fairly and efficiently, providing a high-quality educational environment that respects the rights and expectations of all participants.

If you are interested in becoming an instructor and working with us, please contact us. New team member is always welcome to American Post-Ops Academy.

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 any form of compensation or without compensation, is prohibited unless specifically authorized through written consent by the copyright owner.

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 of your visit. This advance notice will enable us to prepare the necessary accommodation and ensure that your experience is as accessible and seamless as possible. We encourage you to reach out to us with any specific needs or concerns, and we will do our utmost to meet them.

Please let us know if you have any medical condition/and or are pregnant. Your health and safety are important to us. To be able to support your wellbeing and provide proper learning environment, it is important that we are aware of any health conditions you may have.

If you have medical condition/disability/and/or are pregnant,  please provide us with  a medical verification form, history  and emergency form “how” we should proceed in case of an emergency. In addition, please speak directly with the instructor if you have any serious medical conditions or if you have any concerns about your health. The instructor will advise you of any restrictions. If you are or suspect you may be pregnant, please inform the instructor prior to any hands-on techniques. The instructor will advise you of any restrictions. Any medical information you provide will be kept confidential and only viewed by American Post-Ops Academy personnel for the purpose of evaluation as it pertains to your participation in our courses.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The American Post-Ops Academy is committed to equal opportunity in education programs employment, and all access to institutional programs and activities. The American Post-Ops Academy shall provide access to its services, classes and programs without regard to national origin, religions, age, gender, identity, gender expression, race or ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, material status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or military and veteran status, or because he or she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics.

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 on our courses. Prior to applying any learned technique, we urge students to consult with their insurance providers and state boards. The responsibility to understand and operate within the professional scope of practice rests with each student. By participating in our courses, students acknowledge that the 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 class action against American Post-Ops Academy and it its representatives. Enroll into 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 welcomed and 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 sessions.

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 at the course. This is to include, but is not limited to, hotel or meeting-site staff, other participants, teaching assistants and American Post-Ops Academy staff. If you encounter any inappropriate behavior, please notify the instructor or call our offices immediately.

Open communication and positive criticism  are the key to building a better and stronger community of professionals. As a community, we are here to support each other to growth and become the best in the industry. When signing up for  any course with us, please be kind and be professional. Our instructors, students and other professionals that you may engage in our learning facility have different levels of education/work experience/hands-on skills. We are here to learn and grow together.  We ask you to have courtesy and respect for your instructors, colleagues and others when joining our class.

At American Post-Ops Academy, we do not tolerance any malicious misconduct, defamation, and disrespect toward our school, instructors, other students, vendors, and community. Safety and professional integrity are important to us. By signing up to take courses at American Post-Ops Academy, you agree that 1. “The academy will not be held liable, be harm, and responsible for your un-satisfaction if you are not completely delighted with the training  and course content received.” 2 you agree that you volunteer to take the class at your own risk and have been given all the time and opportunities to ask questions and all your concerns have been addressed prior to enrollment.

Scope of Certificate/Certification

Our course certificates/certification programs are not a stand-along certification/training program. All therapists treating patients with MLD/CPS-MLDT/PS-MLD/PO-MLD and other post-operative aftercare therapies must hold an active license/diploma/certificate and work in compliance with the scope of practice set with in their professional occupation as required by the state, city, county, district, municipality and/or country in which they work. While the purpose of training at American Post-Ops Academy is to prepare the students to safely and effectively work with patients within the post-surgical industry, all our certificates/certifications must be regarded as adjunct to your existing professional license/diploma/certificate, for example massage therapy license/certificate, physical therapist license.

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 while 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 commit to providing our students with the best training, comprehensive curriculums, and mentorship programs. 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 with the latest accuracy at the present time of the curriculum.  We are proud to stand behind training of the highest quality and content of the highest caliber with expert facilitators to deliver.

 Even though we are doing our very best to teach and prepare our students for success in the post-op industry, we cannot guarantee your total satisfaction in taking any courses with our academy.  No school, no program and no training provider can guarantee a training and course satisfaction. As a student it is your responsibility to pick the best school that fits your needs and interests best.  Before enrolling, research the course, ask questions, and ensure you are satisfied with the content and subjects taught.

When signing up for  any course with us, please be kind and be professional. Our students and other professionals that you may engage in our learning facility have different levels of education/work experience/hands-on skills. We are here to learn and grow together.