Business Details
46 Years
experience
Medical Massage & Holistic Health Career Training Grand Rapids
Blue Heron Academy has been dedicated to advancing natural and alternative healthcare education since 1980. Our mission focuses on empowering motivated students to transform their careers and personal lives through comprehensive training programs. We specialize in medical massage therapy, holistic health care, personal fitness training, nutrition, and herbal medicine, combining scientific foundations with hands-on clinical experience. Our flexible day and evening classes cater to working adults, ensuring accessible education without compromising professional commitments. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention and practical training through lectures and lab assignments.We provide financial assistance options to support affordable education and offer career counseling to guide graduates toward successful employment opportunities. Licensed by the State of Michigan in Post Secondary Education, our institution maintains a commitment to quality education and student success. Our career services include resume preparation, interview training, and business development guidance to help graduates establish themselves in the healthcare field. Through our technical clinic, students gain public interaction experience, building confidence for professional practice. We take pride in our thousands of successful alumni who have benefited from our programs over four decades.
Services
Medical Massage
Holistic Health Practitioner
Personal Fitness Trainer
Phlebotomy Technician
Clinical Nutrition
Herbal Medicine
Diet & Weight Management
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer day and evening classes for working adults
- Our programs have trained successful graduates since 1980
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention
- Financial assistance options available for low-cost payment
- Career counseling to help transition into new careers
Associations and certifications
- State of Michigan Post Secondary Education Licensing
What people say
Great school
Professional staff
Courteous
Responsive
Effective training
Services
Medical Massage
Our medical massage program provides scientific, medically-based training combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. Students learn soft tissue manipulation techniques to address musculoskeletal issues and promote wellness. Graduates gain skills for careers in healthcare settings or private practice.
Holistic Health Practitioner
This program trains students in comprehensive holistic health practices integrating mind-body connections and natural healing methods. Curriculum covers herbal medicine, nutrition, and stress management techniques. Prepares graduates for careers supporting clients' overall wellness through alternative approaches.
Personal Fitness Trainer
Our fitness training program combines exercise science with practical coaching techniques. Students learn program development, client assessment, and motivational strategies. Training includes hands-on experience preparing graduates for careers in wellness centers or independent practice.
Phlebotomy Technician
This technical program teaches proper blood collection techniques, specimen handling, and patient care procedures. Students gain clinical experience through laboratory practice. Prepares graduates for entry-level positions in medical laboratories, hospitals, and clinics.
Clinical Nutrition
Our clinical nutrition program covers scientific principles of nutrition science and dietary planning. Students learn to develop meal programs for various health conditions. Training includes counseling techniques to help clients achieve wellness through proper nutrition and lifestyle changes.
People
Dr. Greg Lawton
Founder
Dr. Greg Lawton established Blue Heron Academy to transform healthcare careers through accessible education. With decades of experience, he developed programs combining scientific rigor with practical training. His vision focuses on empowering students to improve lives through natural healthcare methods.
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 diet/weight management programs.
Are classes available for working adults?
Yes, we offer both day and evening classes designed to accommodate working professionals' schedules.
Is financial assistance available?
Our financial manager provides various low-cost payment options and assistance programs for qualified students.
How long has the academy been operating?
Blue Heron Academy has been training successful graduates in natural healthcare fields since 1980.
What career support services are provided?
We offer resume development, interview preparation, business training, and job placement assistance through our career services department.
Is the academy licensed?
Yes, we are licensed by the State of Michigan in Post Secondary Education for our training programs.
Videos
Reviews (7)
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!
Jennifer Crawford
Feb 27, 2022
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I went in for the first time and it was truly a wonderful experience for me. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved. The student gets the experience she needs to become a good therapist someday, I get a good therapeutic massage for half the price, and the school sustains its operations from the happy customers who would love to keep coming back for more! I will, for sure! Shout out to Brandy and Danielle, btw! :
Thomas Zook
Feb 15, 2022
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I have been going to Blue Heron Academy for ten years. I am most pleased with each massage. Though students do the massage under supervision, they are well trained and leave me satisfied and feeling much better each time I visit. I look forward to each weekly appointment.
