Blue Heron Academy
2040 Raybrook, SE, Suite 104
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

Established nearly 30 years ago by Dr. Gregory T. Lawton, Blue Heron Academy trains students in natural healthcare and massage therapy. The school has seven locations, six in Michigan (Grand Rapids, East Lansing, Troy, Traverse City, Kalamazoo and Muskegon) and one in South Bend, Indiana. Blue Heron's founder has decades of experience in a range of health fields and has training in chiropractic medicine, radiology, acupuncture, martial arts, naprapathic medicine and physical therapy. Lawton is also a health science writer and the author of more than 100 books, manuals and other educational products covering everything from herbal medicine and holistic health care to medical acupuncture and hydrotherapy.

Students at Blue Heron Academy can enroll in a range of different programs designed to prepare them for careers in massage therapy and natural health care. These include: medical massage therapy, herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, diet and weight management, practical acupuncture, naprapathic medicine, acupressure and massage, skin care specialist and medical spa technician, among others. Blue Heron Academy also has e-learning programs that allow students to study in their own homes when it is convenient for them. E-learning programs at Blue Heron include: medical and chiropractic assistant, practical acupuncture, medical homeopathy, acupressure and massage, nutrition and weight management, fitness, holistic health, personal trainer, lymphedema, kinesiology, herbal medicine, anatomy and physiology and pathology.

Programs at Blue Heron Academy are designed to meet the needs of working adults, with both day and evening classes offered. Small class sizes mean that students receive individualized attention from instructors, and education is accomplished through a combination of lectures and hands-on assignments. Financial aid is available to qualified students, and may consist of student loans, grants, vocational and educational service for students with disabilities, or flexible payment plans. Blue Heron Academy also provides job placement assistance to students and alumni, including maintaining a list of current job opportunities. Blue Heron will also assist with job searches, business development training, resumes, interview preparation, networking opportunities, and board certification and licensing.

Quick Facts:

• Blue Heron Academy has seven locations throughout Michigan and Indiana.


• In 1980, Dr. Gregory T. Lawton founded Blue Heron Academy.


• Blue Heron Academy is licensed provider of post-secondary education in the state of Michigan.


• Blue Heron Academy offers e-learning programs in a variety of areas, including medical homeopathy, nutrition and weight management, kinesiology and herbal medicine.


• Thousands of students have graduated from Blue Heron Academy.