Equality of Opportunity
“...all human beings “have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.”
The Blue Heron Academy recognizes the inherent dignity and nobility of all members of the human family. The Blue Heron Academy is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, sex, identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, or handicap for the obtainment of any educational or employment opportunity. No person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination on such a basis in terms of entry into any educational program or student activity offered through the Academy.
Since 1980, the nationally acclaimed Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences has trained thousands of graduates seeking positive life and career changes. The Blue Heron Academy was founded by Dr. Gregory T. Lawton as a free school that provided training and education to women in transition and both men and women with a desire to serve humanity through the health care professions. The Academy identified and acted upon its mission to assist students to acquire education and training that allowed them to earn their livelihood through the promotion of health and wellness.
The Academy Mission: A Singular Approach to Education, Building a Healing Community
The roots of our Academy run deep within our community and are reflective of our commitment to service. Our educational approach is innovative and began with several community service projects for women in transition, victims of trauma, individuals without access to healthcare or the treatment of serious medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS as well as treating patients from the local mission district and the homeless community. It was from this platform of service that the Academy began, grew, and thrived.
Service as a means of building a healing community is at the heart of our vision, mission, and activities. We firmly adhere to the Baháʼí concept of “Let deeds, not words, be your adorning” and as such we are keenly focused on service through action, and not words alone. We have adopted a broad and all-encompassing vision that champions the principles of the oneness of humanity, unity in diversity, and spiritual equality.
We recognize and celebrate the nobility of humankind as spiritual beings, and the importance of consultation and collaboration for the betterment of both the individual and the community. These are key tenets for our diverse family of teachers, staff, and students, people who have united in a common mission of service with each other and with their communities in the hope of building a healing community.
The Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences remains committed to:
High quality vocation training programs
Affordable tuition costs
Highly trained successful graduates
Providing health care training in service to humanity
2040 Raybrook St, SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
Google Map to Blue Heron Academy
Academy Milestones
The Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences has achieved national recognition for the quality of its Medical Massage and Medical Manual Therapy training programs. These programs offer national broad certification through either the American Medical Massage Association or the American Manual Medicine Association. The Blue Heron Academy was the first school in Michigan to receive approval for its massage therapy training programs under the requirements of the Michigan Massage Therapist licensure law of 2009.
The Academy was the first vocational school in Michigan to receive approval and licensure for a Personal Training vocational certification program, it was the first school in Michigan to receive approval to provide training and certification in Acupuncture, and the first school in Michigan to offer vocational training in Holistic Health Care. In continuing with its record of excellence in education and the development of unique vocational training programs the Academy was the first school to offer training in paramedical skin care and dermatology assisting.
The Academy was first licensed in 1997 by the Michigan Office of Postsecondary Education. The Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences is currently approved and licensed by the Michigan Proprietary Schools Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Commitment to Graduate's Success
- The Academy also maintains its commitment to its graduate's success by providing:
- > Free re-training in any program that its graduates have successfully completed
- > While the Academy does not promise job placement, it does provide free lifetime job placement assistance and career counseling.
Why Choose Blue Heron Academy?
- Our programs are designed for working adults. We offer both day and evening classes.
- Thousands of successful graduates have trained with us since 1980.
- Professional staff and instructors focused on helping you and your future.
- At Blue Heron Academy, our small class sizes mean you won't get lost in the crowd.
- You'll learn through a series of lectures and "hands-on" lab assignments.
- Financial Assistance: Our financial manager can provide a wide range of easy, low cost payment options.
- Breadth and depth of education, at affordable prices. Outstanding value for your money.
- Our career counselors are committed to help you ensure that your education leads to a new and rewarding career.
- Blue Heron Academy is licensed by the State of Michigan in Post Secondary Education.
- Working together, we can improve your career and your life!