School Policies

MISSION

The mission of the McKinnon Institute, LLC is to create a positive climate for massage therapy so that safe, competent, caring touch can enrich peoples' lives at each stage of life's journey. Through state of the art training programs, we offer relevant, inspiring education, setting the stage for a successful and rewarding practice.

Occupational Designation Code: MASSAGE TECHNICIAN (DOT Code 334.374.010)

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION BOARD RECOGNITION

A 600-625 hour certificate program, fulfilling the requirements for National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), is available by combining select professional certification classes. We also offer numerous continuing education courses recognized by the NCBTMB for required Continuing Education Units. See the schedule for these listings, as well as community workshops.

APPROVAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

McKinnon Institute, LLC & Body Therapy Center meets the standards set forth for postsecondary private education by the California Department of Consumer Affairs. McKinnon complies with standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary education institutions. Approved are the following courses:

  • SWEDISH MASSAGE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
  • ASIAN SYSTEMS I & II CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
  • SPORTS & DEEP TISSUE I & II CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
  • TOUCH FOR DIVERSE POPULATIONS & PATHOLOGY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
  • ADVANCED MODALITIES
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF MASSAGE
  • UNDERSTANDING HUMAN SCIENCES IN HEALTH & DISEASE
  • CLINICAL DEEP TISSUE
  • SPORTS MASSAGE TRAINING & RECOVERY
  • SPORTS MASSAGE EVENTS & REHABILITATION
  • TRIGGER POINT RELEASE : MUNYER METHOD
  • ADVANCED MASSAGE & BODYWORK
  • CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF SHIATSU
  • ESALEN MASSAGE
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF ACUPRESSURE

Students seeking to resolve problems or complaints should first contact the instructor in charge. Requests for further action can be made in writing to office staff, then to the Director, Selena Lee or Carl Johns.

IF YOU HAVE ANY COMPLAINTS, QUESTIONS, OR PROBLEMS WHICH YOU CANNOT WORK OUT WITH THE SCHOOL, WRITE OR CALL:

Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Division
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N 112
Sacramento, CA 95834

FACILITIES

Classes are held on school premises at 2940 Webster Street, Oakland, CA 94609-3407 and 2453 Ash St. Palo Alto, CA 94306. In Oakland, instruction is limited to 18 students for hands-on training and 26 students for lectures and is intended for students who have a vocational objective as their goal. In Palo Alto, the classroom limit is 28 students for hands on courses and 72 for lecture format. The classrooms are furnished with massage tables, chairs, pillows, and reference charts. Lotion, sheets, towels, and storage space for personal belongings are available for student use (lotion and sheets are available for a fee). The institute, its facilities and equipment fully comply with any and all federal, state, and local ordinances and regulations, including those requirements regarding fire safety, building safety, and health precautions.

Prospective enrollees are encouraged to visit either campus, attend an orientation evening, and discuss personal educational and occupational plans with staff prior to enrolling or signing the enrollment agreement. The institute does not offer scholarships, provide grants, or waive portions of tuition fees for students, nor does it provide English-as-a-second-language instruction.

CERTIFICATES

All aspects of the certificate courses may be taken separately as electives. Students may opt at the time of enrollment to register for the complete course work in a given certificate or enroll in individual classes. The student must work with a school counselor in planning his/her course schedule. CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS TRAINING must be arranged with the administrator prior to or at the time of enrollment. Adequate notification must be given to the counselor when a student's program objective changes. Paperwork adjustments will, at that point, be made in the office. Any fees, if applicable, will be paid at that time. To receive a certificate, all phases of a program, including all make-up hours, must be completed within ONE YEAR of beginning course work for all certificate programs. Exception: Esalen® students have 6 months to complete all requirements.

Please note: the McKinnon Institute, LLC retains the option to make changes to certificate programs at its discretion. Students currently enrolled may be subject to new requirements.

California statute requires that students who successfully complete a course of study be awarded an appropriate diploma or certificate verifying this fact. Upon completion of a massage program and after passing the final practical examination including any additional requirements, a certificate of completion will be issued. If a student fails a final exam, he/she must retake it and a fee will be charged (see fee schedule). If failed a second time, additional training is required at half the tuition rate. The practical exam may be taken no more than 3 times, and no more than 4 weeks may elapse between retesting or the right to a certificate is forfeited.

ATTENDANCE, CONDUCT, AND CONDITIONS FOR DISMISSAL

Missed class hours must be made up before certification or letter of completion will be awarded. To receive a certificate all phases of a program, and this includes all make-up hours, must be completed within one year. Make-ups must be taken in regular class segments (i.e. mornings, afternoons or evenings) and are offered on a space-available basis. The make-up fee, if applicable, must be paid prior to making up the hours. Make-ups can be scheduled directly with instructors, all fees will be paid directly to instructor and make-up hours are reported to staff. Tardiness is a disruption of a good learning environment and is discouraged. Time missed due to tardiness will be accumulated and must be made up before graduation.

Students are obligated to follow all classroom guidelines and to provide prompt feedback to fellow students, instructors, and institute staff regarding problems and complaints. The institute will take reasonable steps to assure adherence to the policies of the institute, but is not responsible for the individual behavior of students other then the outlined herein.

A student may be dismissed from the institute if it is determined by the institute that it would not be in the best interest of the school or the student to continue his/her enrollment. This determination shall be made at the sole discretion of the institute. The student shall be informed of the problem(s) and how it can be corrected. If, after the first warning, infractions continue, the institute reserves the right to dismiss the student. Grounds for dismissal include, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Incident of intoxicated or drugged state of behavior.
  2. Possession of weapons on school premises.
  3. Behavior creating a hazard to persons at the institute.
  4. Disrespectful behavior toward an instructor, staff member, or a fellow student of the institute.
  5. Improper touching or draping during class or while on school premises.
  6. Disruptive entrance or departure to or from the classroom or bathroom facilities.
  7. Improper attire when on premises.
  8. Poor attendance.
  9. Disruption of the learning environment if disruption continues after feedback is given.

In the event of dismissal, students shall be entitled to appeal the decision. The appeal must be in writing and a request for hearing must be delivered to the Director within seven (7) working days of the receipt of the decision. All costs of appeal including payment of fees to the panel shall be the obligation of the student. The institute shall only have the obligation to provide a time, place and impartial panel (consisting of no more than three members) for the hearing.

BUYER'S RIGHT TO CANCEL

  1. You may cancel your enrollment contract with McKinnon Institute, LLC without penalty or obligations as described in the Notice of Cancellation. Please see detailed information under Cancellation and Refund Policies.
  2. If the school closes before you graduate, you may be entitled to a refund. Contact the Department of Consumer Affairs at the address printed below for information.
  3. If you have any complaints, questions, or problems which you cannot work out with the school, write or call:

    Department of Consumer Affairs
    Consumer Information Division
    1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N 112
    Sacramento, CA 95834

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

The student has the right to cancel the enrollment agreement on or before the first day of instruction and receive a full refund minus the nonrefundable administrative fee. After the first day of instruction, refunds are pro-rated minus the administrative fee, for up to 60 percent of the education hours, beyond which there is no refund on the unused portion of tuition. The non-refundable administrative fee for Continuing Education and Community Workshops is $25.00, for Certification Programs, the non-refundable fee is $100.00. For example, a student paying full tuition for a Swedish Massage Certificate course of $1095 and canceling class after 16 hours of instruction would receive a refund of $819.80 [$1095.00 minus the $100.00 non-refundable administrative fee, minus $175.20 for 16 hours of class attended, charged at $10.95 per hour]. Cancellation of enrollment must be made either in person (delivered to office staff in writing) or by certified mail to the address specified in the agreement. The student must receive written confirmation if notice is hand delivered. Cancellations cannot be made retroactive to a date prior to delivery of notice in writing to office staff. Attendance time is the time between the scheduled starting date of the first class and the date on which the student formally cancels his/her enrollment in writing whether or not the student attends class. Cancellation cannot be made by telephone. A refund will be made of the unused portion of tuition within 30 days following the student's formal withdrawal date.

To void the enrollment agreement, the student must cancel in writing and send by registered mail, telegram or hand deliver a dated copy of this cancellation notice, or any other written notice stating the following to:

McKinnon Institute
2940 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94609

REMEMBER, YOU MUST CANCEL IN WRITING: You do not have the right to cancel by telephoning the school or by not coming to class.

STUDENT RECORDS

The Institute will maintain student records for a period of five (5) years. There is a fee for duplicate certificates and for letters relating to attendance and performance. (See fee schedule).

SCHEDULING

Classes are continuously beginning, providing the possibility of continuous enrollment and flexibility for make-ups. Classes are offered weekdays and weekends, starting at 9:00 am, and evenings starting at 6:30 & 6:45 pm, to provide flexibility for students. Classes will not be scheduled on any legal holiday. In addition to the class schedule listed in the brochure, other scheduling information may be given to students in class or by mail. Special class schedules can be set up according to demand, e.g. nurses, therapists, teachers, etc., whose present commitments do not fit the above schedule or who wish for a more intensive format. Classes are subject to cancel when enrollment does not meet the minimum requirements. Classes may be combined when enrollment in one class is low and the classes meet at the same time. Students may be transferred in the event they are unable to pay the tuition and/or the class has insufficient enrollment. Students must contact the office 24 business hours in advance (or before 10am on Friday if the class is on a weekend) to withdraw from, transfer to, or reschedule any class. If proper notice is not given, students will be counted as absent.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

A student must be able to read, write and speak English. In addition, students must be at least 18 years of age or obtain a letter of permission from parent or legal guardian.

GRADING SYSTEM

Students will be graded Pass or Fail. Any student receiving a Failing grade will be informed immediately. At the mid-way point of the Swedish certificate course, a failing student will be notified, informed how to correct the situation, and be reminded of his/her refund rights. In all other courses a student failing a final practical exam will be informed how to correct the situation. If the student agrees to continue the program, the institute will endeavor to help the student meet the passing criteria. However, by that point, the institute will not be able to guarantee a certificate will be merited and therefore awarded.

PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE

The Institute does not offer job placement. However, the institute does maintain a binder of current job openings in the Bay Area. Click here to log on to the Networking Center where employers post jobs in massage therapy.

MISCELLANEOUS

Completion of the 100 or 125 hour training course in massage makes a student eligible for business licensing in some California cities that require 100 hours of training from a school that is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Vocational Education to practice as a massage technician. Various cities and counties maintain ordinances requiring licensing of massage technicians. Prospective enrollees must check local requirements to determine if training at this institution will be applicable to their needs. All classes will consist of both group and individual instruction. If an instructor is unable to teach, a substitute instructor will take over the class. Substitute instructors are drawn from our "approved teachers." (See "Faculty")

DISCLOSURE OF POTENTIAL ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS

Please be informed that in certain limited circumstances, massage can possibly have adverse side effects for persons with certain physical or mental conditions. The personnel at McKinnon Institute, LLC cannot determine whether you are susceptible to possible adverse side effects. Consequently, if you have been, or currently are, under the care of a doctor, therapist or medical practitioner of any kind, or if you are concerned that your participation in any class or massage activity may possibly result in an adverse side effect. It is your responsibility to contact your doctor, therapist or medical practitioner and obtain his/her permission to participate in any class offered at the McKinnon Institute, LLC. Your enrollment in any McKinnon Institute, LLC class constitutes your voluntary acceptance of any possible adverse side effect and your full release of the McKinnon Institute, LLC and its personnel from any liability relating thereto.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Under certain circumstances a leave of absence will be granted if a student requests in writing for a specific period of time. A ruling will be made by the school administration within 2 weeks and supplied to the student in writing.

FEE SCHEDULE

Linens (charged if renting linens) $ 3.00/day
Returned Check (for each returned check) $25.00
Continuing Education Credit Processing $15.00
Duplicate Certificate $15.00
Transfer Fee (charged when a student changes classes) $25.00
Records Name Change $15.00
Practical Exam re-take $25.00
Transcript $15.00
Performance/Attendance Letters $15.00
Class Hour Make-up $ 8.00/hour
Late Payment Fee (after 7 days) $10.00/wk
File Reopening Fee $50.00
Anatomy Waive/Challenge $25.00
Payment Plan $25.00
Records Processing $10.00
STRF (Paid by McKinnon) $ 2.50 per $1,000 tuition

MAKE-UPS

Oakland campus: Swedish: The first 16 hours of missed classroom instruction can be made up free of charge.

Asian, Sports/DT, and TFDP Certificates: there are 16 free make-up hours in whole certificate.

(NOT PER INDIVIDUAL CLASS) For example: If 2 days are missed in Deep Tissue, the free make-up hours are exhausted for the entire program, all other make-up hours will be charged for.

All hours missed beyond this will be assessed at $8.00/hour, unless the student has been ill or has experienced a family crisis. When possible, a doctor's note or family note is requested in order to waive the make-ups fees. If you must miss class, please call the office to reschedule your class hours.

NOTE: There are no free make-up hours for Business/Ethics/Hygiene or A&P (A, B, C, & D).

Palo Alto campus: Students may miss up to 5% of class time without being required to make it up. Students are encouraged to make up these missed classes. Students are required to make up between 5% and 25% of missed class time before taking exams and before a certificate will be issued. Students who miss more than 25% of class time will not receive credit for the class.

There are several options for making up missed classes. You may make up a maximum of 25% of classes in any one course. If you miss more than 25% of the course, you must retake the course to receive certification. Below are options for making up missed classes:

  1. It is sometimes possible to make up a class in the same quarter by attending another section of the same course; for example, Fundamentals of Massage Sections 1 and 2. There is no charge for attending a missed class in the same quarter.
  2. If a student cannot make up the missed class in the same quarter, she/he may attend the missed class the following quarter. Students who wish to use this option must take the make-up class in the very next quarter in which it is offered. There is a $30 fee per class missed, and students must notify the school administration when requesting a make-up class. If students choose this option, they will not be eligible to sit for their exams until after they have met attendance requirements. This option is not available for all BTC classes. Ask the school administration for details.
  3. Students may also make up missed classes by scheduling a private tutorial with an instructor or an additional practice session covering the information missed. Students arrange tutorial appointments directly with the instructor and make payments to that instructor. If students wait until the last minute to make up classes, and the teacher does not have time, then the student will need to make up the class the following quarter. Students are required to keep track of which classes they miss.

IF A STUDENT APPLIES TO FINISH HIS/HER SCHOOLING 6 MONTHS AFTER THE SCHEDULED END DATE OF HIS/HER ORIGINAL COURSE, A FILE REOPENING FEE IS CHARGED (see fee schedule) AND THE STUDENT WILL BE SUBJECT TO ANY POLICY CHANGES THAT HAVE OCCURRED. ALL MASSAGE CERTIFICATE COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED ONE YEAR FROM THE SCHEDULED START DATE OF THE ORIGINAL COURSE, THIS INCLUDES ALL MAKE-UP HOURS, EXCEPT SWEDISH & ESALEN WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED IN 6 MONTHS. No one will be eligible for graduation from a program until tuition and applicable fees are paid in full. Furthermore, all school properties rented, borrowed, or damaged must be returned or paid for before a certificate will be rewarded.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

McKinnon is a Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider CEP14591. One Continuing Education Unit is equal to 10 continuing education contact hours. For example, our 100 hour Swedish Massage Certificate offers 10 Continuing Education hours. Our state approval also qualifies us to provide continuing education for those needing to comply with NCTMB requirements.