28 contact hours

Today's health care system is evolving in its approach to the health and care of a culturally and ethnically diverse client population. In the United States, the aging population, an increasing public awareness of major risk factors contributing to chronic illness, and the public's growing desire for alternative health care options are just a few of the factors behind the expanding interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Rapidly gaining in popularity, CAM is used by more than 40% of the U.S. population.

The demand for knowledgeable providers to meet the needs of this population is dramatically increasing, resulting in the development of new jobs and the creation of new services. To gain a broad understanding of these therapies and to stay current with emerging trends, health professionals who work with diverse populations will need continuing professional education. The ability to understand the many types of therapies available is essential to providing safe, effective care in any setting.

Program Benefits:

The Certificate in Complementary and Alternative Medicine is designed to provide a multidisciplinary educational experience. Your CAM certificate will distinguish you as a knowledgeable, skilled, and committed professional in the field of complementary and alternative medicine. This program will:

• enhance your professional marketability;
• build your skills and competencies;
• fulfill continuing education requirements for many professionals; and
• introduce you to an interdisciplinary, multicultural perspective on health care.

Career Opportunities:

The CAM certification program will provide you with the knowledge and skills to effectively meet the needs of a diverse patient and client population in a wide range of careers. Today, opportunities exist in the fields of nursing, teaching, service, administration, and research. Opportunities also exist within government programs and agencies; public and private institutions that provide health, education, and social services; research centers; special interest groups; colleges and universities; and corporate human resources divisions.

Participants:

This certificate is relevant for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed vocational nurses, practical nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, administrators, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, dieticians, educators, personal care assistants, volunteers, physicians, physician's assistants, chiropractors, clergy, physical fitness professionals, and adult children of aging parents.

Curriculum:

The Certificate of Complementary and Alternative Medicine consists of a total of six courses:

1. Energy Healing
2. Health and the Human Spirit
3. Cultural Competence in Health Care
4. Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Healing Therapies
5. Ayurvedic Medicine: Ancient Foundations of Healing
6. Traditional Chinese Medicine: An Ancient Approach to Healing

Accreditation:

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply Commission on Accreditation approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for CE contact hours in all states.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

California Board of Behavioral Sciences Provider Number PCE 1564. This course meets the qualifications for the stated hours of continuing education credit for MFCCs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are approved for continuing education credit for diabetes educators. All ANCC accredited courses are accepted for continuing education credit by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE).

See Course Description.

Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser. Certificate program must be completed within six weeks of the start date.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Cyndie Koopsen and Caroline Young.

Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HN-BC, RN-BC is a nurse who has cared for patients in acute care settings, community clinics, and the home. Her professional nursing career has involved nursing executive leadership and administration, staff development and education, community education and wellness, and holistic care. She has designed, developed, and presented numerous educational programs for audiences covering integrative health, promotion and wellness, and chronic disease management and prevention. She is the co-author of Spirituality, Health, and Healing and Integrative Health: A Holistic Approach for Health Professionals.

Caroline Young, MPH, has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author of Spirituality, Health, and Healing and Integrative Health: A Holistic Approach for Health Professionals.

These authors/presenters are the Co-CEOs of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC. They have no affiliation or financial involvement that conflicts with the material or information presented in this activity. No commercial support has been received for this activity. All applicable local, regional, state, and/or national laws and regulations have been followed in the development and delivery of this activity.

“ I have a private counseling practice, and use my training in music therapy and psychology in that setting. I gravitate to wellness, and natural means of healing; I'm enjoying learning more about them in this overview class. ”

“ The class will help me make better informed personal health decisions, and will help me better guide my clientele to beneficial CAM treatment. ”

“ This topic was my favorite for this certificate! I enjoyed the cultural competency information. ”

“ I learned very valuable information about other cultures. Thank you! ”

“ As someone with a bachelor's degree in music therapy, I particularly liked the lesson in music therapy ! I use it quite a lot in my current practice. ”

“ I feel as though I will now offer more knowledgeable and compassionate care for my patients using my new broad understanding of these complementary and alternative modalities. I have my attention now on a more culturally competent form of care. Understanding the history and organization of these alternative modalities opens wide the spirit doors of whole body wellness. ”

“ I enjoyed learning about other cultures. I especially enjoyed the lesson on healing therapeutic interventions. I will be able to share information with my students about complementary and alternative medicine. ”

“ After completing this class, I have an even stronger belief that the need to treat an individual in a holistic manner is more important than ever. I believe alternative therapies should be pursued by many patients and promoted by many Western medicine doctors. ”