Student Guidelines

AND

Class Expectations

At Touch of Healing Academy, our mission is to support massage therapists in developing advanced skills, professional confidence, and sustainable body mechanics.

Our classes are designed to be both highly educational and deeply collaborative. To create the best learning environment for everyone, we ask all participants to follow the guidelines below.

Student Guidelines &

Class Expectations

Professional Conduct

All students are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism, respect, and integrity.

Our classes are collaborative learning environments that rely on mutual respect and cooperation.

Participants are expected to:

• Treat instructors and fellow students with respect
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Contribute to a supportive learning environment
• Communicate openly and respectfully during partner work

Touch of Healing Academy reserves the right to remove any participant whose behavior disrupts the learning environment.

Attendance & Punctuality

Continuing education courses require full participation.

Students must:

• Arrive on time
• Attend the full duration of the class
• Participate in all required practical components

Late arrivals or early departures may result in ineligibility to receive CE credit.

Please plan travel schedules accordingly.

What to Bring to Class

Unless otherwise stated in the course description, students should bring:

• Massage table (if required for the class)
• Table linens or sheets and face cradle cover
• Comfortable clothing suitable for bodywork practice
• Notebook and pen
• Water bottle
• Snacks or lunch if food options are not available nearby

A detailed supply list may be sent prior to the training.

Dress Code

Students should wear comfortable, professional clothing appropriate for hands-on bodywork training.

Recommended attire includes:

• Yoga or athletic wear
• Clothing that allows full movement
• Professional, modest attire suitable for learning and practice

Please avoid restrictive clothing that may interfere with hands-on work.

Hygiene & Professional Presentation

Because bodywork involves close physical contact, students must maintain high standards of personal hygiene.

Students are expected to:

• Arrive clean and freshly showered
• Wear clean clothing
• Keep fingernails trimmed and smooth
• Avoid strong perfumes, fragrances or essential oils
• Maintain good oral hygiene

These standards help ensure a comfortable learning environment for everyone.

Hands-On Practice & Table Etiquette

Hands-on practice is a core part of Touch of Healing Academy training.

Students will practice techniques on each other under instructor supervision.

Students are expected to:

• Follow instructor guidance carefully
• Communicate clearly with their practice partners
• Respect comfort levels and boundaries
• Practice techniques with professionalism and care

Students should always ask their partner for feedback to ensure comfort and safety.

Partner Rotation

Many classes involve partner rotation so students can experience working with different body types and learning styles.

Partner rotation helps practitioners develop adaptability and confidence.

If a student has a medical condition or limitation that affects participation, they should inform the instructor before the class begins.

Consent & Professional Boundaries

Professional bodywork requires clear communication and respect for personal boundaries.

Students must:

• Ask for consent before beginning work
• Respect any areas a partner prefers not to receive work on
• Immediately stop if a partner expresses discomfort

Maintaining professional boundaries is an essential part of ethical bodywork practice.

Health Considerations

Students should inform instructors of any injuries, medical conditions, or limitations that may affect their participation.

Participation in hands-on training is voluntary.

Students are responsible for working within their physical limits and communicating concerns.

Classroom Environment

To maintain a focused and supportive learning environment, we ask students to:

• Silence phones during instruction
• Limit side conversations while teaching is in progress
• Respect the instructor’s teaching space
• Support fellow students in their learning process

Our goal is to create a classroom where everyone can learn and grow together.