Important Notices

Academy Dress

Attendance

Program Amendments, Changes and Website Content

Transfer Credits & Challenge Examinations

Academy Dress

One of the key characteristics of successful people is their manner of dress. In the Health Care Industry, the public, industry professionals, government agencies and overseeing regulatory bodies, all have established an image of dress for therapists working in their specific health discipline.

Abilities and a sense of responsibility are communicated in attitude, appearance, grooming and personal hygiene. Choosing and wearing appropriate attire means dressing tastefully and correctly in order to meet the standards of your discipline.

In essence, dress for the expectations of the health industry, not only for yourself. 

Can I buy Academy wear?
Yes. Just contact your academy administrator. Each item is individually priced and available. If your size is not in stock, orders are placed each semester.

Policy
The intent of the policy is for it to be viewed as a positive action to help prepare the student to develop a day-to-day appearance suitable for the industry. It is not to inhibit personal freedom and expression but rather to acknowledge and reflect the high degree of professionalism that TCM Practitioners bring to their role as regulated health care providers in Ontario. This is in keeping with being a "professional" in the health care industry as well as to reduce cuts, scratches & personal injury. Academy dress is a reflection of respect for your future profession, your education, your faculty and your academy.

The International Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine dress code is designed to be flexible, provide for personal choice, and to meet both Industry and Academy standards. If you are a registered student in the IATCM, the following dress code is in effect whenever you are on the premises.

• Professional dress is required at all times
• During evening and weekend classes, on-site study or practice, the colours of  white, cream, beige or dark green must be adhered to at all times, whenever  on the premises
• During daytime classes, Monday to Friday, academy wear with a logo must be worn and it is encouraged that crested tops be worn during all evening classes.
• White academy lab coats must be worn for all observation and clinical labs and public clinics.

• Academy dress is to be visible and not covered by other garments.

A colour’s vibration can alter a state of mind and emotion. Green represents a Yin or quiet colour and is about balance of the body and brain. In Chinese medicine it is a wood element and is representative of growth and development. Cream is a colour, which combines the elements of Metal and Earth. It creates the frequencies for stimulating mental clarity, thoughtfulness, peace, calmness and the standard of truth. White is a colour actually formed by mixing all of the colours of the rainbow together. It represents ‘enlightened consciousness’,  ‘purity of mind and body’ and is symbolic of ‘health care’.

• Tops are to be  crested academy wear or if academy wear is on order, then, plain colours with no brand names, slogans, symbols or colour mix patterns.
• For outreach/off-site or in-house clinic days, the Academy requires the wearing of official Academy dress, being either the logo cotton shirts or sports shirt, along with either dark green, white, cream or beige skirt/slacks. Once a student has been provided with clinic attire, the lab coat/jacket must be worn for all on-site clinics.

• Clinic attire must be worn for Oral Practical examinations

• A student card or name plate/badge, must also be worn & visible at any supervised on-site or off-site event, involving the public.

• Bermuda shorts are permitted and no style is to be more than 3” above the mid-kneecap

• All Denim clothing, tank/halter tops, mini-skirts, caps or hats, head scarves (other than for religious purposes) or bare midriff/bare shoulders attire are not permitted during class attendance or public/clinic days 

• It is also a requirement that all body/facial/head/ear piercing jewelry must be removed from all visible areas prior to the commencement of a class day. Tattoos must be covered at all times.

• Jewelry will not be worn at any practice session or clinic. In the case of pierced ears, for safety reasons, ear retainers are not permitted. In special circumstances, the Program Director may permit an ear retainer to be worn if its removal would lead to ear damage.

• Hosiery/socks and proper foot attire are to be worn on all occasions. “Closed toe and closed-in heel” is highly recommended

• It is also a requirement for a student to bring a personal watch for clinics; however, this watch will not be worn

• The Academy's dress code is to be in effect whenever a student is at the Academy

- 7 days a week.

From time to time, the professionalism and the students’ dress is assessed by visiting inspectors and the Academy is graded accordingly. If only ‘one’ student is not in compliance, this will constitute a total failing grade for this standard of operation. The Academy works hard to maintain the high level of recognition for its standards earned over the years. It is important that all parties - students, faculty and administration work together, to uphold and respect the standard, as it is a reflection upon everyone and something for all to take pride in.

If any infraction of the above dress policy should take place, the student may be asked to leave the class by the faculty member or administration. In a continuing situation, the student will be given written notice to leave the premises and return when they are in proper attire. Missed hours will be required to be made up in accordance with the Academy's policy.

 If a student repeatedly chooses to ignore dress guidelines, his/her decision will be reported to the Education Committee for disciplinary action, which may include a period of suspension from classes and clinics.

Best Guidance

• Plan your dress one day in advance and use the full combination of Academy colours in your wardrobe.

Attendance

Historically, it has been demonstrated that there is a strong correlation between a student’s success in a program of study and attendance/participation. The programs involve a significant amount of ‘hands-on’ training, as well as, information presented by faculty in the classroom environment not found in textbooks. With the pace of material being presented, a missed class will likely add pressure to the student to catch up quickly and maintain his/her existing study regime.

As the program is very comprehensive and is structured on a cumulative building block basis, continuous attendance is highly beneficial.

The Student fully understands that he/she is obligated to attend all “scheduled” classes, practical labs, clinics and off-site events as set out by the Academy. Any off-site that involves ‘voluntary’ participation will be advised.

If I have a question about my attendance, who do I talk to?
In the InternationalAcademy of Massage – Greg Scott, Program Director
In the InternationalAcademy of Traditional Chinese Medicine -Paul Raven, Program Director
In the InternationalAcademy of Natural Health Sciences, speak with Marilyn Leroux or Paul Raven.

Academy Attendance Policy

It is the expectation that the student will actively participate and complete his/her responsibilities to attend the full program as presented. Attendance is recorded for all classes, clinics and events.

• When a student undertakes enrolment in the program, he/she undertakes to commit their best efforts to meet the standards of the Academy.

• A student is required to attend all classes and sponsored events that form part of the program.

• Attendance will be recorded by Faculty for each class, practical training session or clinical/outreach day and submitted to the Academy Administration Office for recording in the student’s file. Attendance may be taken at anytime during the class or off-site activity and any number of times during the class.
• A student should not be of the opinion, that because a course fee is paid, the student has the option of attending classes or completing assignments.
• Poor attendance may lead to suspension and potentially, subsequent expulsion from the Academy.

If a student fails to meet attendance requirements for the program, as set out in the student guide, he/she will be given a ‘warning’ letter. If attendance continues to be unacceptable, the Education Committee may terminate the Student’s enrolment at the Academy, with the understanding the Student will be financially responsible for fees as per the withdrawal/refund policy.
Missed hours are made-up on the basis of 1.5 to 1. If a student is late or leaves early, more than 2 times for the same subject/unit, it will be counted as 1 missed hour.

If a student misses more than 25% (6 hours) of a 24 hour unit of study, the matter will be reviewed by the educational committee and he/she may not be eligible to write the examination for that unit of study

Missed Hours

Students will be provided with a detailed report of 'missed hours' on a periodic basis, but may check with Administration each semester to clarify the status of their record. This policy applies to all classes whether daytime, evening or weekends.

The Missed Hours' report will exhibit both academic and practical hours. Missed hours are multiplied by a factor of 1.5 to determine the number of 'make-up' hours to be completed.
E.g. a 2 hour class missed - becomes 3 hours to be made up.

Exceptions:

• Doctor's Certificate

It is acknowledged that a student may miss hours due to unforeseen occurrences. A Doctor's certificate is required for more than 2 days of absence.
Hours will be made up on an equal hourly basis.

• Bereavement

Hours will be made up on an equal hourly basis.

Quick completion of 'make-up' hours is encouraged, since the program is designed to build on the foundation of knowledge presented in prior classes.

Missed hours from one semester must be brought to a 'nil' balance, prior to the end of the next  semester. Students should consider, as necessary, to use time during spring or summer vacations to work on reducing outstanding hours.

A student who elects not to complete ‘make-up’ hours within a two semester period, will have all basic hours missed, multiplied by a factor of 2.0, instead of 1.5.

All ‘make-up’ hours must be brought to a ‘nil’ balance in order to be eligible to write the Academy’s final examinations.

Made up hours or hours 'banked' from voluntary extra study must relate to the subject category in which the hours were missed.

 If a student has missed a class he/she does not need to wait for the 'missed hours' report to be produced.

The 'make-up' hours can be completed by completing a combination of any of the following:

• Preparation of individual lesson plans for each missed class –provided to Program Director
• Tutoring students in another class – arranged with Program Director
• Attendance at a related evening or weekend class/course as offered by the International Academy of Natural Health Sciences or Massage, with prior agreement/arrangement
• Practical Hours for 'hands on' subjects/classes (not clinics) can be completed with after hours, on-site practice by having your team member initial the activity form and having it signed by the on duty administration officer at that time (initialing only by another student will not be accepted).
• Missed supervised clinical or outreach sessions can only be made up by attending additional sessions.
• A student may complete additional hours to build a 'bank' in specific subjects by attending ‘Study Fridays’ and/or other training practice sessions
• On-site study periods, outside scheduled classes, any day of the week.
• (Note: A student must sign in and out, with Admin office during evenings, Fridays and weekends.

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Program Amendments, Changes and Website Content

All International Academy schools strive to develop leading edge education in their areas of specialty. This goal creates the need for the on-going enhancement to programs, which may include: changes to course descriptions, course content, program diploma/certificate names, the academic requirements and/or length of a certificate or diploma program.
Changes may come in the form of statutes enacted by the Provincial or Federal Legislature, Ministry of Education policy, Ministry of Health policy, rules developed by the Official Regulatory Bodies in Ontario and Canada, and regulations and policies approved by the President & Dean of the Academy. The International Academy group of schools reserves the right to repeal, change, or amend policies, regulations and various requirements and may cancel, add or modify educational courses listed herein or on outdated printed advertising material. More detailed and current information regarding rules, regulations and policies may be obtained from the administration.
When changes are made, every consideration is given to the impact on the student enrolled in the course of study and the considered value or necessity of selected amendments. In special cases, this may give rise to the grand-fathering of a student under the previous policy. For example: when a student has completed more than 75% of the program requirements for a certificate or diploma and the program length has been increased to meet the future educational needs for that area of specialty. In this case the student would be eligible for the certificate or diploma upon completion of the previous requirements of the program.
The International Academy Health Education Centre reserves the right to change programs, academic requirements, courses, schedules, rules, regulations, policies, entrance requirements, tuition and fees, or to make other changes that the Academy considers necessary or desirable.
Although every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information provided in this Web site, Internet users should note that laws, rules, regulations and policies change from time to time and that these changes may alter the information published on the Web site.
Nothing on this Web site shall be construed as, operate as, or have the effect of an abridgement or a limitation of any rights, powers, or privileges of the International Academy.
Information contained on www.intlacademy.com is for general reference only and does not constitute professional health advice or state any opinion as to the value of various treatments or courses as related to a person's health. Internet users are strongly advised to consult their own qualified health care provider on matters relative to their own health condition or question.
This Web site does not constitute a contract between the student and the Academy. The relationship of the student and the particular Academy of registration is one governed by rules, regulations and policies adopted by the President and duly appointed and authorized designates for that school.

Transfers Students, Educational Credits/Exemptions and Challenge Examinations

Transfer Students: Transfer students are applicants to the Academy, who are currently registered or are in transition from another school teaching a similar diploma program.

Applicants in this category complete an application entitled “Application – Transfer/Prior Education & Experience”.
If the student is transferring to the Academy from another educational institution, a review of their pre-existing studies will be undertaken.  If needed and with the prior approval of the education committee only, in order to assist a student acquire the necessary background in some subjects, the Academy may establish a plan for the completion of assignments, tests and challenge examinations based upon use of class notes and the textbooks. This is not intended to replace the attendance at classes as offered but to support the knowledge foundation of the student, so they may complete higher levels of study in the same subject area.

The student’s placement within the program will be determined upon completion of the Academy’s review of his/her present program, grades and assessment of hands-on skill level. 
Students with eligible transfer credits will also be awarded financial credits to be applied to program fees, as applicable. If a student has purchased textbooks which are in use by the Academy, a financial credit will be provided based upon the Academy’s cost of the textbook.
The amount of tuition, other fees to be paid and the training plan will be tailored to each student and detailed in an acceptance letter.

Educational Credits/Exemptions
The Academy recognizes some applicants will have acquired relevant prior knowledge. Upon request, during the application stage, the Academy will review the subject material/course outlines provided and advise the decision as part of the acceptance letter detailing the student’s overall educational program.
The following is the policy:

Policy:
“The Academy’s policy for educational credit/exemption granting is designed to provide equity to all students, as well as, to recognize applicable previous training, knowledge and skills of the applicant.
An important criteria in the assessment is the capacity/ability to determine if the previous subject material being requested for exemption, parallels the content of the subject as currently structured in the Academy’s program and the established competencies.

Subject names may well be the same or similar but the content or depth of study may vary significantly. Content may also have different emphasis in specific areas, due to the overall nature and focus of the health discipline. E.g. In massage and acupuncture, the depth of knowledge in the area of myology is important, since one must know the human anatomy from the bone outward, in order to assess the cause of pain, to establish a treatment plan and to recognize potential contra-indications of the treatment to neighboring points within the body.
The educational credits policy is designed to mitigate ‘subjectivity’ in the decision process and to create equity in the review.

In keeping with generally accepted Academic practices, life skills & acquired informal knowledge considerations are not usually accepted for exemption, since there is no prior course content or structure of knowledge being measured or assessed.

In the event the academic education was completed more than 10 years previously, without extended application of the knowledge or, there are other factors warranting an educational credit consideration; the Academy may grant an opportunity for a challenge examination or alternative form of challenge. The challenge process will then confirm that the knowledge level of the applicant meets the established standard for the subject and mitigates a subjective decision.
Requests for educational credits/exemptions must be presented at the time of overall application to the Academy, so that a formal plan of education is established at the outset.

In all cases, other than transfer credits granted for participation in a similar program at another school, it will be the Academy’s recommendation to the applicant that he/she take the subject to confirm their depth of knowledge meets the established competency standards. The granting of an educational credit/exemption does not mean that a student is exempted from being tested on the material, as part of other examination processes. The future performance of the student on any academy or provincial examination remains the sole responsibility of the student.”

Challenge Examinations
A challenge examination may be offered to the student, when it cannot be clearly determined that his/her related prior knowledge of a subject, matches the competency requirements of the Academy’s subject. The intent of a challenge examination is to confirm the student has the required prior  knowledge, which meets the competencies for that subject as offered by the Academy.

Challenge examinations may also be consolidated, e.g. Anatomy 1 to 4, in place of individual examinations. Only one examination fee would be applied in place of for individual examination fees.
Eligibility for challenge examinations is determined only at the time of application and must be approved by the Executive Director.

Successful completion of the challenge examination means the student may elect not to take the subject classes and he/she will receive a financial credit towards the tuition fees.
Once approved for a challenge examination, the student will be provided with an opportunity to review the class outline, under supervision. Then at a mutually agreeable time the student will write the challenge examination. The pre-paid fee for the challenge examination is $100.

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