Business Details
46 Years
experience
Medical Massage & Holistic Health Career Training
Blue Heron Academy has been dedicated to advancing natural and alternative healthcare education since 1980. Our mission is to empower motivated students with career-transforming skills through scientifically grounded programs in medical massage therapy, holistic health care, personal fitness training, clinical nutrition, and herbal medicine. We prioritize small class sizes to ensure personalized attention, combining lectures with hands-on lab training to prepare students for real-world applications. Our flexible day and evening classes cater to working adults, while our career services team provides resume guidance, job search assistance, and business development training.Financial assistance options are available to make quality education accessible. Licensed by the State of Michigan in Post Secondary Education, we focus on equipping graduates with the expertise needed to succeed in high-demand healthcare fields. Our alumni network spans thousands of professionals who have transformed their careers through our programs. We emphasize practical skills, professional development, and lifelong learning to help students achieve both personal and professional growth. Our commitment to student success extends beyond graduation, offering ongoing support for career advancement in the evolving wellness industry.
Services
Medical Massage Therapy
Holistic Health Practitioner
Personal Fitness Trainer
Phlebotomy Technician
Clinical Nutrition
Herbal Medicine
Life Coach
Diet & Weight Management
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer day and evening classes designed for working adults since 1980
- Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and hands-on learning
- Career counselors provide job search assistance and business development training
- Financial manager offers low-cost payment options for accessible education
- Licensed by the State of Michigan with thousands of successful graduates
Associations and certifications
- State of Michigan in Post Secondary Education
What people say
Professional, courteous staff
Hands-on technical skills
Career advancement opportunities
Flexible class scheduling
Comprehensive program content
Services
Medical Massage Therapy
Our medical massage therapy program provides scientific, medically-based training with hands-on lab assignments. Students learn soft tissue manipulation techniques to address stress management, wellness maintenance, and injury recovery. Graduates qualify for healthcare roles in clinical settings or private practice with comprehensive career support.
Holistic Health Practitioner
This program teaches integrative health approaches combining traditional practices with modern science. Students gain skills in natural healthcare modalities, preparing for careers promoting preventive care and holistic wellness solutions in diverse healthcare environments.
Personal Fitness Trainer
Our fitness trainer program develops expertise in exercise science and personalized wellness coaching. Students learn to create effective training programs while understanding nutrition and injury prevention principles for career opportunities in gyms or private practice.
Clinical Nutrition
This program covers dietary science and nutritional therapy applications. Students study evidence-based approaches to weight management and clinical nutrition, preparing for roles in healthcare facilities or wellness centers that emphasize preventive health through diet.
Phlebotomy Technician
Our phlebotomy program trains students in blood collection techniques and laboratory procedures. Graduates gain skills for medical facilities requiring certified technicians to support diagnostic testing and patient care in hospitals and clinics.
People
Dr. Greg Lawton
Founder
Dr. Greg Lawton founded Blue Heron Academy to transform healthcare careers through accessible, hands-on education. With decades of experience, he leads programs that combine scientific rigor with practical training for student success.
Questions
What programs does Blue Heron Academy offer?
We offer medical massage therapy, holistic health practitioner, personal fitness trainer, phlebotomy technician, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, and life coach programs.
Are classes available for working adults?
Yes, we provide both day and evening classes specifically designed for working professionals to complete training without career interruption.
Does the academy help with job placement?
Our career services team offers resume assistance, interview preparation, and business development training, though we cannot guarantee placement.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, our financial manager provides low-cost payment options and easy financing plans to make education accessible for qualified students.
How long has the academy been operating?
Blue Heron Academy has provided healthcare education since 1980, with thousands of successful graduates in natural and alternative medicine fields.
Is the academy licensed?
We are licensed by the State of Michigan in Post Secondary Education for our medically-based training programs.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Bailey Freund
Jun 01, 2022
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I got the best massage of my life from Jasmine. Blue Heron is clearly teaching their students well. I have been twice now and both experiences were incredible - I would highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys getting a massage!
Jenn Kirshman
May 21, 2022
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I've been receiving massages for the last 3.5 years from my regular massage therapist. My dear friend joined the program at BhA and so I went into the clinic to support her and it was AMAZING! Such a wonderful program! I would 100% recommend the clinic! It helps the students out tremendously and the more "issues" you have the more learning experiences they recieve! Book an appointment today!
Carrie Labarge
May 19, 2022
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I recommend blue heron academy for your massage needs. I was welcomed with kindness and my therapist was knowledgeable. When asked about trouble spots it just happened to be her next module of focus so she invited her instructor in, with my permission, to get additional education and hands on help to focus on my physical ailment. I felt well taken care of and respected.
Jan Rozema
Apr 21, 2022
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This was my first ever massage and it was wonderful! I felt like I was listened to, and my concerns were addressed professionally and appropriately. I had a totally relaxing experience, and felt very good when I left. My muscles in my back felt better than they ever have and I'll definitely go back to Blue Heron and Taylor(masseuse) to continue this therapy. Thank you, Jan R
Lara Schaible
Mar 28, 2022
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Lived in the Grand Rapid are for over 20 years, have tried other massage places and student centers. Heard of the clinic about two months ago. Scheduled a student massage and without hesitation it was the best massage I have ever had. I have gone back three times since. The focus seems to be on medical massage and it has been clear that the students are getting excellent training! Being a school a supervisor visits at some point during your time to discuss best individualized treatment for the patient. Definitely worth an initial visit! And from my experience- it has been worth ongoing visits!
