United States Medical Institute Inc.
Terms and Conditions of Service
Agreement governing the use of the educational services, online platform, materials and facilities of United States Medical Institute Inc., under the laws of the State of Texas.
Version: 1.0
Effective: From publication until the Texas Workforce Commission issues the Certificate of Approval
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Address: 396 W. Greens Rd, 7th Floor, Suite 786, Houston, TX 77060
Table of Contents
- 1. Acceptance of the Terms
- 2. Definitions
- 3. About USMI and Its Regulatory Status in Texas
- 4. Eligibility and Enrollment
- 5. User Account and Security
- 6. Programs, Certifications and Third-Party Agencies
- 7. No Guarantee of Employment, Licensure or Results
- 8. Tuition, Fees and Payments
- 9. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- 10. Attendance, Academic Progress and Conduct
- 11. Advanced Aesthetics Workshops and Clinical Content
- 12. Intellectual Property and Use of Materials
- 13. Online Platform and Acceptable Use
- 14. Privacy, Data and Communications
- 15. Academic Records and Issuance of Certificates
- 16. Advertising, Representations and Representatives
- 17. Disclaimer of Warranties
- 18. Limitation of Liability
- 19. Indemnification
- 20. Complaints, Dispute Resolution and Arbitration
- 21. Governing Law and Venue
- 22. Suspension and Termination
- 23. Changes to the Terms
- 24. General Provisions
- 25. Contact
- A. Annex A — TWC Complaint Notice
- B. Annex B — Acknowledgment and Signature
1. Acceptance of the Terms
These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“User”, “Student” or “you”) and United States Medical Institute Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas (“USMI”, “the Institute”, “we” or “us”), with its principal office at 396 W. Greens Rd, 7th Floor, Suite 786, Houston, Texas 77060.
By accessing the website www.unitedstatesmedicalinstitute.com (the “Site”), creating an account, requesting information, enrolling in a program, workshop or course, making a payment, or using any USMI service (collectively, the “Services”), you represent that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms, as well as the Privacy Policy, the current Catalog and the Enrollment Agreement, all of which are incorporated by reference.
If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Services. If you accept these Terms on behalf of a company or organization, you represent that you have authority to bind it.
Order of precedence. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and the Enrollment Agreement or Catalog approved by the Texas Workforce Commission, the Enrollment Agreement and Catalog shall prevail with respect to programs, cancellations, refunds, attendance and academic progress, as required by Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code.
2. Definitions
2.1 “Vocational Program”: an organized sequence of instruction leading to a certificate of completion that prepares the Student to sit for a national certification examination or to perform a specific occupation (for example, Clinical Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician, among others).
2.2 “Workshop” or “Seminar”: short-term instruction intended to enhance or complement the participant’s career, including the advanced aesthetics workshops, that does not by itself teach the skills and fundamental knowledge required for a complete occupation.
2.3 “Certifying Agency”: an organization external to and independent of USMI that administers examinations and issues certification credentials, such as AMCA (American Medical Certification Association), NPCE (National Phlebotomy Certification Examination), MEDCA (Medical Career Assessments) and PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board), or their authorized testing centers (for example, Pearson VUE).
2.4 “Enrollment Agreement”: the agreement signed between the Student and USMI for a specific Program or Workshop, setting out its length, cost, schedule and applicable policies.
2.5 “Catalog”: USMI’s official publication describing its programs and academic and administrative policies, approved by the TWC where applicable.
2.6 “Materials”: all USMI educational content in any format: manuals, presentations, videos, guides, practice examinations, protocols, images, platforms and software.
2.7 “TWC”: the Texas Workforce Commission, the state agency that regulates career schools in Texas under Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code and Chapter 807 of Title 40 of the Texas Administrative Code.
3. About USMI and Its Regulatory Status in Texas
3.1 USMI is a healthcare career training institution based in Houston, Texas, formerly known as HALG Academy. Any reference to HALG Academy in prior materials shall be understood as a reference to USMI.
3.2 State license. USMI has submitted to the Texas Workforce Commission its application for a Certificate of Approval as a career school, which is currently under review. Until the TWC issues that certificate, USMI will not offer, enroll students in, or advertise regulated vocational programs, in accordance with Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code. Once granted, the Certificate of Approval number will be published on the Site, in the Catalog and in this document.
3.3 Exempt programs. Certain workshops or courses may be exempt from TWC regulation under the exemptions set out in Section 132.002 of the Texas Education Code. USMI will identify in its Catalog and in each Enrollment Agreement whether a course is subject to TWC licensure or covered by a recognized exemption.
3.4 Not an institution of higher education. USMI does not grant academic degrees (associate, bachelor’s, master’s or otherwise), is not authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and its certificates of completion are not equivalent to a college degree or a state professional license.
3.5 Accreditation and federal aid. Unless expressly stated in writing, USMI is not accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and does not participate in federal financial aid programs (Title IV).
3.6 Complaint notice. The procedure for filing complaints with USMI and with the TWC is set out in Section 20 and Annex A of these Terms.
4. Eligibility and Enrollment
4.1 To enroll in a Vocational Program, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age (or 17 with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian), hold a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent, and meet the specific admission requirements published in the Catalog for each program.
4.2 Certain programs and workshops additionally require a current professional license (for example, physician, nurse, dentist, physician assistant or other licensed healthcare professional). The Student is solely responsible for verifying and documenting that they meet those requirements.
4.3 All information provided during application and enrollment must be truthful, complete and current. USMI may reject, condition or void an enrollment obtained through false information or fraudulent documentation, without any refund beyond what the law requires.
4.4 Enrollment is complete only when USMI receives the signed Enrollment Agreement, the required documentation and the corresponding initial payment. Pre-registration, payment of a deposit or acceptance of these Terms does not guarantee a seat.
4.5 Some programs require a criminal background check, drug screening, proof of immunization, liability insurance or CPR/BLS certification for clinical practice or externship. These requirements are imposed by clinical sites and Certifying Agencies, and failure to meet them may prevent completion of the program without liability to USMI.
4.6 USMI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other category protected by federal or Texas law.
5. User Account and Security
5.1 To access USMI’s online platform you must create a personal, non-transferable account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your credentials and for all activity conducted through your account.
5.2 Sharing, selling, lending or assigning account access, or accessing another person’s account, is prohibited. USMI may suspend or cancel shared accounts without notice.
5.3 You must immediately notify compliance@unitedstatesmedicalinstitute.com of any unauthorized use or suspected compromise of your account. USMI will not be liable for losses arising from unauthorized use of your account where you have not reasonably protected your credentials.
5.4 USMI may use examination proctoring tools, identity verification and activity logging to safeguard academic integrity.
6. Programs, Certifications and Third-Party Agencies
6.1 USMI provides instruction that prepares the Student to sit for national certification examinations administered by independent Certifying Agencies. USMI is not the entity that issues those certifications.
6.2 Certifying Agencies exclusively set their eligibility requirements, examination fees, retake policies, formats, dates, testing centers, passing criteria and renewal conditions. These may change without notice and without USMI having any control over them.
6.3 Unless the Enrollment Agreement expressly states that the examination fee is included, the cost of the certification examination, of additional attempts, of score reports and of credential renewal is borne by the Student.
6.4 USMI does not guarantee that the Student will pass any certification examination, that the Certifying Agency will accept the Student’s application, or that the certification will be recognized by any particular employer, state professional board or third party.
6.5 USMI reserves the right to modify the content, sequence, schedule, delivery mode (in-person, hybrid, synchronous or asynchronous online), instructors and facilities of any program, and to cancel a cohort for insufficient enrollment. If USMI cancels a program before it begins, the Student will receive a full refund of all amounts paid or, at the Student’s election, a transfer to another date or program.
6.6 Certificates of completion issued by USMI attest only that the Student satisfactorily completed USMI’s curriculum. They do not constitute a license, registration or authorization to practice any regulated profession.
6.7 USMI’s instructional hours, credits and certificates are not necessarily transferable to other educational institutions. Acceptance of credits is at the sole discretion of the receiving institution.
7. No Guarantee of Employment, Licensure or Results
USMI does not guarantee employment, job placement, salary level, promotion, professional licensure or any professional or financial outcome as a result of enrollment in, attendance at or completion of any program, workshop or course. Any job-search support USMI may offer is purely advisory.
7.1 Any completion, examination pass or placement rates that USMI publishes correspond to specific periods and cohorts, are calculated in accordance with the methodology required by the TWC, and do not constitute a promise of future results.
7.2 No USMI employee, instructor, representative or agent is authorized to promise employment, income, licensure or examination success. Any such statement is void and does not bind USMI.
7.3 The ability to practice an occupation may depend on state, federal or employer requirements outside USMI’s control (background checks, immigration status and work authorization, licenses, immunizations, among others). The Student is responsible for verifying them before enrolling.
8. Tuition, Fees and Payments
8.1 Tuition, registration fees, materials, uniforms, equipment, examinations and other charges are detailed in the Catalog and in the Enrollment Agreement for each program. Prices may change for future enrollments but not for an Enrollment Agreement already signed.
8.2 USMI accepts payment by the methods indicated on the Site or by the administration office. Card payments may be processed by third-party providers subject to their own terms. USMI does not store full card numbers.
8.3 Payment plans. Where USMI offers an installment payment plan, it will be documented in writing. Failure to pay an installment may result in suspension of access to classes, the platform and assessments until the account is brought current, as well as a single late charge for each installment that remains unpaid after the tenth (10th) day following its due date, equal to the greater of $10.00 USD or five percent (5%) of the overdue installment, which is the maximum authorized by Section 342.257 of the Texas Finance Code. Only one late charge will be collected per installment regardless of the length of the delinquency, and no charges will be pyramided on prior charges. USMI does not charge finance charges unless expressly stated in a separate credit agreement that complies with applicable law.
8.4 Checks or electronic payments returned for insufficient funds will incur a processing fee of $30.00 USD per returned item, which is the maximum authorized by Section 3.506 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, in addition to the original amount owed.
8.5 Under Section 132.062 of the Texas Education Code, USMI may withhold the Student’s certificate of completion and transcript until the Student has fulfilled their financial obligations to the Institute.
8.6 USMI will not negotiate or assign to third parties any promissory instrument received as payment of tuition before 75% of the program has been completed, in accordance with Section 132.151 of the Texas Education Code.
8.7 Past-due balances may be referred to a collection agency. The Student will be responsible for reasonable collection costs and attorney’s fees to the extent permitted by law.
9. Cancellation and Refund Policy
This policy applies to programs regulated by the TWC and conforms to Section 132.061 of the Texas Education Code and Chapter 807 of Title 40 of the Texas Administrative Code. The specific policy approved by the TWC for each program is set out in the Catalog and Enrollment Agreement, which prevail in the event of any discrepancy.
9.1 72-hour cancellation right (full refund)
The Student is entitled to a 100% refund of all monies paid if the Student cancels the Enrollment Agreement within 72 hours (until midnight of the third day, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) after the agreement is signed. Cancellation must be given in writing to compliance@unitedstatesmedicalinstitute.com or delivered to USMI’s office.
9.2 Full refund for misrepresentation
The Student will receive a full refund if the Student’s enrollment was procured as a result of any misrepresentation in advertising, promotional materials or representations made by the owners or representatives of USMI.
9.3 Withdrawal after the cancellation period
Situation
Residence programs and synchronous online programs
The Student does not enter the program
Refund of all monies paid, with USMI retaining no more than $100 in administrative fees.
Withdrawal during the first week or the first three scheduled class days (whichever is later)
Refund of all tuition and fees except a maximum of $100 in administrative fees.
Withdrawal after that period and before completing 75% of the program
Pro rata refund of the unused portion of tuition, computed on the basis of program time, less up to $100 in administrative fees.
Withdrawal after completing 75% of the program
No refund is due.
For asynchronous distance education programs, refunds are computed in accordance with the specific policy approved by the TWC for that delivery mode, based on lessons or units completed.
9.4 Effective date of termination
For refund purposes, the effective date of termination will be the earliest of: (a) the last date of attendance, if the Student is terminated by USMI; (b) the date USMI receives written notice of withdrawal from the Student; or (c) ten school days following the last date of attendance, where the Student has not given notice of withdrawal.
9.5 Timing and method of refund
Refunds will be paid within 30 days after the effective date of termination, by the same payment method used or by check, payable to the Student or to the entity that made the payment.
9.6 Materials, equipment and non-refundable charges
Books, uniforms, kits and equipment that have been delivered and used or opened are non-refundable. Fees paid to Certifying Agencies, testing centers or third parties are governed by those third parties’ policies and are not refundable by USMI.
9.7 Students called to active military service
Under Section 132.0611 of the Texas Education Code, a Student who is called to active military service may elect: (a) a full refund of tuition and fees for the current period; (b) a grade of incomplete with the right to complete the course upon return; or (c) the award of credit for work completed, where the instructor determines that a substantial portion of the course has been completed.
9.8 Exempt workshops and seminars
For workshops, seminars and courses not subject to TWC regulation, the cancellation policy stated on each workshop’s registration form applies. Unless otherwise stated, cancellation at least seven (7) calendar days in advance entitles the participant to a full refund less an administrative fee of $100.00 USD; later cancellations entitle the participant to a credit toward a future date within the following 12 months.
10. Attendance, Academic Progress and Conduct
10.1 Attendance. The Student must meet the minimum attendance percentage established in the Catalog for each program. Absences exceeding the maximum allowed may result in probation, make-up hours or dismissal from the program.
10.2 Satisfactory academic progress. The Student must maintain the minimum grade average and pace of progress defined in the Catalog. USMI will notify in writing any Student who fails to make satisfactory progress and will apply the probation and dismissal procedure described in the Catalog.
10.3 Academic integrity. Plagiarism, cheating, impersonation in examinations, obtaining or disclosing the content of USMI or Certifying Agency examinations, and falsification of attendance, practice or externship records are serious offenses.
10.4 Code of conduct. The Student is expected to behave professionally at all times, including respect toward classmates, instructors, staff, patients, models and clinical sites; compliance with biosafety and infection-control standards; confidentiality of patient information under HIPAA; and no harassment, discrimination, violence, possession of weapons or illegal substances, or attendance under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
10.5 Photography and recording. Photographing, recording or streaming classes, procedures, patients or models without the written authorization of USMI and of the persons involved is prohibited.
10.6 Sanctions. Depending on severity, USMI may issue a written warning, probation, suspension, failure of the assessment or permanent dismissal. Dismissal for disciplinary cause is governed, for refund purposes, by Section 9.
10.7 Leaves of absence and re-entry. The conditions for requesting a leave of absence, re-entering after dismissal and repeating modules are set out in the Catalog.
11. Advanced Aesthetics Workshops and Clinical Content
11.1 Educational purposes only. All USMI content, including workshops on facial injectables, PRP, non-injectable facial and body treatments, laser technologies and clinical protocols, is offered solely for professional training purposes. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or a recommendation for any particular patient.
11.2 Scope of practice. The performance of medical and aesthetic procedures (injection of botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, PRP, laser, among others) is regulated in Texas by the Texas Medical Board, the Texas Board of Nursing and other authorities. Participation in a USMI workshop does not authorize the participant to perform any procedure. The participant is solely responsible for determining whether their license, scope of practice and the applicable supervision and delegation rules permit them to perform the procedures taught.
11.3 License requirement. Workshops involving hands-on practice on live models are reserved for professionals holding a current license whose scope of practice permits it, and for students working under the direct supervision of a licensed instructor, in accordance with Texas law. USMI may require proof of licensure and may deny hands-on practice to anyone who cannot provide it.
11.4 Models and practice. Participants who act as models or who bring models must sign the corresponding informed consent. Practice is conducted under the supervision of licensed instructors and following USMI protocols. Each participant assumes responsibility for the technique they personally perform.
11.5 Products, equipment and devices. Products and devices used in workshops are used in accordance with their instructions for use and FDA regulations. USMI does not sell or distribute prescription products to participants. The subsequent purchase and use of products, devices or equipment is the participant’s sole responsibility.
11.6 Assumption of risk. The participant acknowledges that hands-on activities involving needles, cannulas, laser energy and biological agents carry inherent risks, and agrees to follow all safety instructions. USMI may require the signing of an assumption of risk and release of liability agreement as a condition of hands-on participation.
11.7 Continuing education. Unless expressly stated, USMI workshops are not approved for continuing education credit (CE/CME) by any professional board. The participant must verify with their board whether the hours are accepted.
12. Intellectual Property and Use of Materials
12.1 All Materials, the Site, the platform, the name “United States Medical Institute”, the acronym “USMI”, the logos, curricula, protocols, manuals, presentations, videos, question banks and other content are the exclusive property of USMI or its licensors and are protected by the copyright, trademark and trade secret laws of the United States and by international treaties.
12.2 USMI grants the Student a limited, personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable and revocable license to access and use the Materials solely for personal study during the enrollment period and, where USMI so authorizes, for a reasonable period thereafter.
12.3 Copying, reproducing, distributing, publishing, selling, renting, sublicensing, modifying, creating derivative works from, reverse engineering, bulk downloading, recording or sharing the Materials, in whole or in part, by any means, including social media, messaging groups and third-party platforms, without USMI’s prior written authorization, is strictly prohibited.
12.4 Use of the Materials to provide training to third parties, to create competing courses or to train artificial intelligence systems is expressly prohibited.
12.5 Violation of this section is grounds for immediate dismissal without refund (to the extent permitted by law) and may give rise to civil and criminal action. The Student agrees that infringement causes irreparable harm to USMI, which may seek injunctive relief without the need to post bond, in addition to damages and attorney’s fees.
12.6 User content. By submitting assignments, comments, testimonials, photographs or any content to USMI, you grant USMI a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual and non-exclusive license to use, reproduce and display that content for educational and promotional purposes, unless you state otherwise in writing before it is published. USMI will not use your full name or likeness for advertising purposes without your separate written consent.
13. Online Platform and Acceptable Use
13.1 The Site and learning platform are provided “as is” and “as available”. USMI does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access and may perform maintenance, updates or changes of technology provider at any time.
13.2 The User is responsible for having the equipment, software, internet connection and technical skills needed to use the platform.
13.3 The following is prohibited: (a) using the Services for unlawful purposes; (b) introducing viruses, malware or harmful code; (c) attempting to gain unauthorized access to systems, accounts or data; (d) using bots, scrapers or automated tools; (e) impersonating another person or USMI; (f) posting defamatory, obscene, discriminatory content or content that infringes third-party rights; (g) interfering with the operation of the platform or with other students’ use.
13.4 Links to third-party sites (Certifying Agencies, testing centers, payment providers, videoconferencing, etc.) are provided for the User’s convenience. USMI does not control and is not responsible for their content, availability, security or policies.
13.5 USMI may remove content and suspend or terminate platform access for any breach of this section, without prejudice to other legal remedies.
14. Privacy, Data and Communications
14.1 The processing of the User’s personal data is governed by USMI’s Privacy Policy, available on the Site, which forms an integral part of these Terms. USMI complies with applicable Texas law, including the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA) and the data breach notification provisions of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, to the extent applicable.
14.2 Academic records. USMI keeps academic records confidential and discloses them only with the Student’s written consent, to Certifying Agencies and clinical sites where necessary for the program, or where required by law or a competent authority (including the TWC).
14.3 Communications. By providing your telephone number and email address, you consent to receive administrative, academic and emergency communications from USMI by email, SMS, WhatsApp or phone call. You may opt out of promotional communications at any time by following the instructions in each message or by writing to info@unitedstatesmedicalinstitute.com. Carrier messaging rates may apply.
14.4 Recordings. Online classes and practice sessions may be recorded for academic and quality-control purposes. By participating, you consent to such recording. Recordings are the property of USMI and are subject to Section 12.
14.5 Patient information. During practice and externships, the Student may have access to protected health information (PHI). The Student agrees to comply with HIPAA and with the clinical site’s confidentiality policies. Any violation is grounds for immediate dismissal.
15. Academic Records and Issuance of Certificates
15.1 USMI will retain student academic records for the period required by the TWC and by Texas law. The Student may request a copy of their record in writing; the first copy of the certificate and transcript is free, and additional copies cost $25.00 USD per document.
15.2 The certificate of completion is issued only when the Student has met all academic, attendance, clinical practice and financial requirements of the program.
15.3 USMI may correct administrative errors in grades or certificates and may revoke a certificate obtained through fraud or through proven subsequent failure to meet the requirements.
15.4 Verification of certificates to employers or third parties will be made only with the Student’s written authorization, except where required by law.
16. Advertising, Representations and Representatives
16.1 USMI undertakes that its advertising will be truthful and not misleading, in accordance with Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code, Chapter 807 of Title 40 of the Texas Administrative Code and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices–Consumer Protection Act (DTPA).
16.2 Only representatives registered with and approved by the TWC are authorized to recruit and enroll students in regulated programs. The Student may request the representative identification of any person offering enrollment.
16.3 The only representations binding on USMI are those contained in the Catalog, the Enrollment Agreement, these Terms and written communications officially issued by USMI. Oral statements that contradict those documents do not form part of the agreement.
16.4 If the Student believes they were induced to enroll by a misrepresentation, they are entitled to the refund provided in Section 9.2 and may file a complaint under Section 20.
17. Disclaimer of Warranties
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE SERVICES, THE SITE, THE PLATFORM AND THE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
USMI does not warrant that the Services will meet the User’s particular needs, that the information will be complete, accurate or current at all times, or that the results obtained will be those expected. Nothing in this section limits rights granted to the Student by Texas law that cannot be waived, including the rights set out in Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code.
18. Limitation of Liability
18.1 TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, USMI, ITS DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS, EMPLOYEES, INSTRUCTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, CONTRACTORS AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, OR FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, LOSS OF DATA OR REPUTATIONAL HARM, arising from the use of or inability to use the Services, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
18.2 USMI’S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO THE USER FOR ANY CLAIM RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID BY THE USER TO USMI FOR THE PROGRAM OR WORKSHOP GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM during the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
18.3 USMI is not liable for the acts or omissions of third parties, including Certifying Agencies, testing centers, externship sites, employers, technology providers, payment providers and models.
18.4 USMI is not liable for loss, theft or damage of the Student’s personal belongings on its premises or at clinical sites.
18.5 These limitations apply to all theories of liability (contract, tort, negligence, strict liability or otherwise) and are an essential element of the agreement between the parties. Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations; in that case, USMI’s liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.
19. Indemnification
The User agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless USMI, its directors, shareholders, employees, instructors, representatives and affiliates from and against any claim, demand, loss, damage, fine, cost or expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of or relating to: (a) breach of these Terms, the Catalog or the Enrollment Agreement; (b) violation of any law or of third-party rights; (c) the User’s performance of clinical or aesthetic procedures outside their scope of practice or without the required license, supervision or consent; (d) misuse of the Materials; (e) content submitted by the User; or (f) the User’s negligent or willful conduct on USMI premises or at clinical sites.
USMI reserves the right to assume the exclusive defense of any matter subject to indemnification, in which case the User will cooperate fully.
20. Complaints, Dispute Resolution and Arbitration
20.1 Internal complaint procedure
USMI values its students’ concerns. Any complaint must be submitted in writing to compliance@unitedstatesmedicalinstitute.com or at USMI’s office, stating the student’s name, program, a description of the facts, dates and the resolution sought. The School Director or their designee will respond in writing within ten (10) business days. If the Student is not satisfied, they may request in writing a final review by USMI’s management, which will respond within ten (10) additional business days.
20.2 Complaint to the Texas Workforce Commission
The Student retains at all times the right to file a complaint directly with the TWC, without having to exhaust USMI’s internal procedure. Contact details are provided in Annex A. Nothing in these Terms limits that right or the TWC’s authority to investigate and impose sanctions.
20.3 Good-faith negotiation
Before commencing arbitration, the party with a claim shall send the other party written notice describing the dispute. The parties will attempt to resolve it in good faith for thirty (30) days.
20.4 Binding arbitration
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Enrollment Agreement, the Catalog or the Services that has not been resolved under the preceding sections shall be resolved by final and binding individual arbitration, administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules, or by another administrator agreed by the parties in writing. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.) and, where not addressed, by the Texas Arbitration Act (Chapter 171 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code).
The arbitration shall take place in Harris County, Texas, or virtually if both parties agree, in English or Spanish at the Student’s preference. The arbitrator may award the same remedies as a court on an individual basis. USMI will cover the portion of the administrative arbitration fees that exceeds the cost of filing a lawsuit in a Texas court, where the administrator’s rules so require.
20.5 Class action and jury trial waiver
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, CONSOLIDATED OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. THE PARTIES FURTHER WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL.
This waiver does not limit the right provided in Section 132.121 of the Texas Education Code or any other non-waivable right conferred by law.
20.6 Exceptions
Either party may: (a) bring individual claims in a small claims (justice) court of Harris County, Texas, if they qualify; (b) seek injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction to protect intellectual property rights or to prevent unauthorized use of the Materials or Services; and (c) file complaints with the TWC or any government agency.
20.7 Opt-out right
The Student may opt out of the arbitration agreement by sending written notice to compliance@unitedstatesmedicalinstitute.com within thirty (30) days after signing the Enrollment Agreement, stating their full name, program and the phrase “I opt out of arbitration”. Opting out does not affect the remainder of these Terms.
21. Governing Law and Venue
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas and the applicable federal laws of the United States of America, without giving effect to conflict-of-laws principles. Subject to Section 20, the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Harris County, Texas, for any action not subject to arbitration, and waive any objection based on inconvenient forum.
22. Suspension and Termination
22.1 USMI may suspend or terminate the User’s access to the Services, in whole or in part, with or without notice, for breach of these Terms, the Catalog or the Enrollment Agreement, for non-payment, for conduct that endangers the safety of persons or property, or where required by law or a competent authority.
22.2 The Student may withdraw at any time by giving written notice. The financial consequences of withdrawal are governed by Section 9.
22.3 Sections 7, 8.5 through 8.7, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 24 shall survive termination for any reason.
23. Changes to the Terms
USMI may modify these Terms at any time by posting the updated version on the Site with a new effective date and, where the change is material, by notifying active students by email at least fifteen (15) days in advance. Continued use of the Services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
Changes to the Terms will not alter the financial terms, length, or cancellation and refund policies of an Enrollment Agreement already signed, unless they are more favorable to the Student or required by the TWC or by law.
24. General Provisions
24.1 Entire agreement. These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, the Catalog and the Enrollment Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede any prior agreement, proposal or communication, oral or written.
24.2 Severability. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect, and the affected provision shall be construed so as to best reflect the parties’ original intent to the extent permitted by law.
24.3 No waiver. USMI’s failure to exercise or enforce any right shall not constitute a waiver of that right.
24.4 Assignment. The User may not assign these Terms or their rights without USMI’s written consent. USMI may assign them to a successor or acquirer of its business, subject to any notices required by the TWC.
24.5 Force majeure. USMI shall not be liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, hurricanes, floods, pandemics, government orders, power or internet outages, strikes or acts of third parties. In such cases, USMI may reschedule classes or temporarily move to remote delivery.
24.6 Language of instruction. Classes, Materials, assessments and certification examinations are delivered and taken in English. Certifying Agency examinations are taken in the language each agency determines. USMI may provide support, explanations or supplementary materials in Spanish where it considers necessary to facilitate learning, without this constituting an obligation or changing the official language of instruction. The Student represents that they have the level of English necessary to follow instruction and complete assessments.
24.7 Language of documents. These Terms are offered in English and Spanish. In the event of any discrepancy, the English version shall prevail, unless applicable law requires otherwise. Documents required by the TWC will be provided in the language that agency requires.
24.8 Notices. Notices to USMI must be sent in writing to the mailing address in Section 25 or to compliance@unitedstatesmedicalinstitute.com. Notices to the User will be sent to the email address registered on their account and will be deemed received upon sending.
24.9 Electronic signature. Under the Texas Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Chapter 322 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code) and the federal E-SIGN Act, electronic acceptance of these Terms and electronic signature of the Enrollment Agreement have the same validity as a handwritten signature.
24.10 Headings. Section headings are for reference only and do not affect interpretation.
25. Contact
United States Medical Institute Inc. 396 W. Greens Rd, 7th Floor, Suite 786 Houston, TX 77060, United States
Phone / WhatsApp: +1 (346) 855-4600 General information: info@unitedstatesmedicalinstitute.com Compliance, complaints, cancellations and refunds: compliance@unitedstatesmedicalinstitute.com Website: www.unitedstatesmedicalinstitute.com
Annex A — Complaint Notice: Texas Workforce Commission
USMI is in the process of obtaining its Certificate of Approval from the Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools and Colleges. Once approved, USMI will be regulated by that agency. Students who have an unresolved complaint with USMI may contact:
Texas Workforce Commission Career Schools and Colleges 101 East 15th Street, Room 226-T Austin, Texas 78778-0001 Phone: (512) 936-3100 www.twc.texas.gov/programs/career-schools-colleges
USMI must verify the exact wording of the complaint notice and its placement (catalog, enrollment agreement, website and visible posting) against the requirements of Chapter 807 of Title 40 of the Texas Administrative Code in effect at the time of approval.
Annex B — Acknowledgment and Signature
I declare that I have read and fully understood the Terms and Conditions of United States Medical Institute Inc., including the sections on no guarantee of employment or certification (Sections 6 and 7), cancellation and refund policy (Section 9), scope of practice in clinical workshops (Section 11), intellectual property (Section 12), limitation of liability (Section 18) and arbitration with class action and jury trial waiver (Section 20), and that I accept them voluntarily.