Student Policies and Procedures

Desert Sage Massage Academy Advertising Catalog

Date Printed/Revised: February 2026

School Name and Contact Information

Desert Sage Massage Academy
Hwy 3400 180 East
Telephone: 575-956-6478
Email: massagenm88061@gmail.com
Website: silvercitymassageschool.com

Mission, Objectives, and Goals

Our mission is to provide exceptional massage therapy training. We understand the power of touch for physical and mental health, as well as for pain relief. Massage therapy is transformational to those receiving it. Our desire is to help you become a licensed massage therapist who understands how to use myriad methods of bodywork to provide a healing experience for your clients.

Faculty List

Randi White – Massage Therapy Instructor
Martha Everett SE– Massage Therapy Instructor
Amanda Erickson- Massage Therapy Instructor

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Applicants must meet the school’s admission requirements. Admission procedures include:

Submitting an application
Meeting with an admissions representative

Grading System

Students must maintain a 70% grade point average.
A probationary period of 30 days is triggered if the GPA falls below 70%.
Must raise the GPA during probation or risk termination (at the Director’s discretion).

Grading Scale:

90–100 = A
80–89 = B
70–79 = C
60–69 = D
Under 60 = F

Written exams are returned within one week. Practical exams are graded within one week in writing. Student clinics are pass/fail based on timeliness, completed hours, and assignments.

Length of Time Required for Completion of the Program

The Massage Therapy Program requires 650 hours for completion.

Graduation Requirements

Complete all required coursework.
Pass both midterm and final practical exams.
Maintain at least a 70% GPA.

Attendance Policy

Arrive on time prepared for class.
Maintain a minimum of 90% attendance.
Absence/tardiness exceeding 10 % may result in withdrawal.Tardies are anything more than 5 minutes late that haven’t been communicated prior to tardy. Emergencies happen but they need to be communicated ahead of time
Make-up Hours: Up to 3 hours may be made up at no additional cost.
Leave of Absence: Permitted for approved medical or personal reasons with necessary documentation.
Tardiness/Absence: A tardy means arriving in the classroom five minutes after instruction or hands on have begun. Anything more than 5 minutes will count as 15 minutes missed adding up to hours missed. If a student leaves before class is dismissed that time will also be counted as missed instruction. It is also important to come back to class on time when breaks are given in order to not be counted absent for that hour of instruction. Instructors may request withdrawal if absences/tardiness exceed 10%.

Leave of Absence Policy

For medical reasons or severe personal issues:

Apply for a leave of absence using the school’s form and await approval.

Dress Code Policy

Strict professional, neat appearance for student clinic. Black tops and bottoms are required. No damaged clothing ie holes and no stains. Scrubs preferred. No black jeans
No low-cut, revealing tops; no shorts or spaghetti straps.
Other days of instruction where no student clinic is required please dress professional and appropriately.

Sanitation/Hygiene Protocol Policy

Must arrive freshly showered and with brushed teeth.
No fragrant lotions/perfumes/essential oils.
Smokers must change clothes and use mints/mouthwash or brush teeth before returning to class.

Universal Precautions Policy

All students and staff follow infection control guidelines, including:

Frequent and proper hand washing
Proper cleaning/disinfection of massage equipment and surfaces
Safe handling and disposal of linens and materials
Appropriate use of gloves and other personal protective equipment as needed

Draping Policy and Procedures

Draping techniques are used at all times to preserve client modesty and comfort.
Only the part of the body being massaged is uncovered.
Proper linen changing and client privacy are ensured for each session.

Student Complaint Policy

The Student Complaint Policy is established in compliance with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD). Students are required to first exhaust all complaint resolution procedures available at the school. Only after these avenues have been exhausted—or if extreme circumstances make use of the school's procedures impossible—may a student file a formal complaint with the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board.

Filing a Complaint with the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board

If a student must pursue a complaint with the Board, the following channels are available:

Mailing Address:
New Mexico Massage Therapy Board
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87504
Physical Address (For delivery services ONLY – UPS, FedEx, Etc.):
New Mexico Massage Therapy Board
Toney Anaya Building
2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Phone: (505) 476-4622
Fax: (505) 476-4665
Email: massage.board@rld.nm.gov
Help Desk Email: rld.mthelpdesk@rld.nm.gov
Website: https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/massage-therapy/

Student Conduct Policy

As adult learners training to become professional massage therapists, all students are expected to uphold high standards of personal and professional conduct. The following policy outlines expectations and responsibilities necessary for creating a respectful, effective, and ethical learning environment:

Professional Behavior: Students must act in a manner that reflects positively on the profession and the school. Courtesy, cooperation, and ethical decision-making are expected at all times, both in classroom and clinical settings.
Respect: Respect for instructors, peers, clients, and school staff is required. Disruptive, discriminatory, or harassing behavior will not be tolerated.
Confidentiality: Students must maintain the confidentiality of all client and student information in accordance with professional standards and privacy laws.
Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance is essential for professional development. Absences or tardiness should be communicated promptly, and excessive absences may result in disciplinary action.
Dress Code: Students must maintain a neat, professional appearance appropriate for both classroom and clinical environments.
For Clinic black scrubs are required or a neat black modest top and neat professional black jogger pants can be substituted for scrubs
Academic Honesty: Plagiarism, cheating, or misrepresentation of work is strictly prohibited. All assignments, tests, and practical work must be completed honestly and independently unless otherwise specified.
Use of Electronic Devices: Electronic devices (phones, tablets, computers) should be used only for authorized purposes during class and clinic hours. Unauthorized use may result in disciplinary action.
Consequences for Violations: Violations of this policy may result in verbal or written warnings, suspension, or dismissal from the program, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. The school reserves the right to determine appropriate corrective action.

By adhering to these expectations, students demonstrate readiness to enter the massage therapy profession with integrity and professionalism.

Regulations of Ethics required by the State of New Mexico

16.7.2.6 OBJECTIVE: This part is to establish the standards against which the required professional conduct of a massage therapist is measured. Each licensee will be governed by this part whenever providing massage therapy services in a professional context. A violation of this part is sufficient reason for disciplinary action pursuant to the Massage Therapy Practice Act under the Uniform Licensing Act.

[16.7.2.6 NMAC - Rp 16.7.2.6 NMAC, 11/15/2019]

16.7.2.7 DEFINITIONS: (Refer to 16.7.17 NMAC).

[16.7.2.7 NMAC - Rp 16.7.2.7 NMAC, 11/15/2019]

16.7.2.8 CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT:

A. Competence: Each licensee and applicant shall:

(1) limit practice and instruction to the areas of competence in which proficiency has been gained through education, training, and experience and refer clients to other health professionals when appropriate;

(2) acknowledge the limitations of and contraindications to massage therapy and will not encourage unnecessary or unjustified treatment; and

(3) not delegate professional responsibilities to a person who is not qualified or licensed to perform them;

B. Dual relationship: It is presumed that a power imbalance exists in professional relationships between licensees and clients. Therefore each licensee, in interacting with a client or former client to whom the licensee has at anytime within the previous three months rendered massage therapy or instruction, shall not engage in romantic or sexual conduct.

C. Client welfare: Each licensee and applicant shall:

(1) conduct their business and professional activities with honesty and integrity;

(2) obtain prior informed consent of the client regarding draping and treatment to ensure the safety, comfort and privacy of the client;

(3) provide privacy for the client while the client is dressing or undressing;

(4) modify or terminate treatment at the client's request, regardless of prior consent;

(5) refuse to treat any person or part of the body for just and reasonable cause;

(6) not undertake or continue treatment with a client when the licensee is impaired due to mental, emotional or physiologic conditions including substance or alcohol abuse;

(7) maintain clean equipment, linens, clothing and work areas;

(8) not engage in any verbally or physically abusive behavior; or

(9) take unfair advantage of the client for financial gain.

D. Confidentiality of clients: Each licensee shall safeguard confidential information of the client, unless disclosure is required by law, court order, authorized by the client or absolutely necessary for the protection of the public.

E. Representation of services: Each licensee and applicant shall:

(1) disclose to the client the schedule of fees for services prior to treatment;

(2) not misrepresent directly or by implication of his professional qualifications such as type of licensure, education, experience, or areas of competence;

(3) not falsify professional records;

(4) include in any advertisement for massage;

(a) his full name as licensed with the board and license number; and

(b) the designation or abbreviation as a “licensed massage therapist” or "LMT and “registered massage therapy school” or "RMTS".

(5) When offering gratuitous services or discounts in connection with professional services, each licensee must clearly and conspicuously state whether or not additional charges may be incurred by related services and the possible range of such additional charges; and

(6) not advertise massage therapy services or instruction, which contains:

(a) a false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive statement; or

(b) suggestion of sexual stimulation.

F. Violation of the law: Each licensee and applicant shall not:

(1) violate any applicable statute or administrative regulation governing the practice of massage therapy;

(2) use fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in obtaining a massage therapy license or renewal, in passing a massage therapy licensing examination, in assisting another to obtain a massage therapy license or to pass a massage therapy licensing examination, in providing massage therapy services, or in conducting any other activity related to the practice of massage therapy; or

(3) be convicted of any crime that substantially relates to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a massage therapist.

G. Resolving professional conduct issues: Each licensee and applicant shall:

(1) have an obligation to be familiar with this part. Lack of knowledge of professional conduct standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct;

(2) cooperate with investigations, proceedings, and resulting requirements of this part. Failure to cooperate is itself an ethics violation.

Transfer Credit Policy

Credits may transfer from another approved New Mexico massage institution. $10 per credit hour earned and not attended at DSA will be subtracted from tuition due. $100 fee will apply for processing and verifying credits earned.

Partial Credit Transfer Policy:

Eligibility

Students must be transferring from an approved New Mexico massage institute.
Students must provide official transcripts and documentation of completed coursework for evaluation.

Cost Structure

Tuition Fee Calculation:
- Students will be charged $40 per credit hour for the remaining credits needed to complete their program at Rejuvenate Massage School.
- Alternatively, if the total calculated cost exceeds $11,000, the student will pay a flat fee of $11,000.
- The lower of the two amounts will be applied.
Processing Fee:
- An additional $100 processing fee will be applied to cover the cost of verifying and evaluating previously earned credits.

Credit Evaluation Process

Submission of Documents:
- Students must submit official transcripts and any relevant documentation for all completed courses at the previous institute.
Verification:
- The school will conduct a comprehensive review of the submitted documents to verify the authenticity and relevance of the credits.
- The processing fee of $100 is payable at the time of document submission.
Credit Transfer:
- Upon successful verification, eligible credits will be transferred and deducted from the total program requirements at DSA

Readmissions policy

In the event a student has to take a leave of absence and is still in good standing with the school financially, ethically, and in regards to behavior the student may be allowed to be re admitted through re applying and re interviewing as if they are a new student.

Clinical Practicum Policies and Procedures –

Massage Therapy Board exemption provision outlined in the Massage Therapy Practice Act, 61-12C-5.1.B and

16.7.4.9 NMAC

16.7.4.9 NMAC: Licensure Exemptions

This regulation lists individuals exempt from licensure, provided they do not claim to be massage therapists. These include:

Professionals licensed under other state laws acting within their scope.
Students in approved massage therapy schools.
Practitioners of specific modalities like Sobadores, Reflexology (limited to hands, feet, and ears), Polarity, Reiki, and others, as well as practitioners of other healing modalities that do not involve soft tissue manipulation for therapy.

Massage Therapy Board “Clinical Practicum” definition (16.7.5.A NMAC)

“Clinical practicum” means that a student is providing hands-on massage therapy to members of the public under the supervision of a massage therapy instructor. That instructor must be physically present on the premises for advice and assistance. The student must be enrolled at a registered massage therapy school

Massage Therapy Board “Professional Conduct” rule (16.7.2 NMAC)