Participants in the Integrative Health and Wellness program will learn the fundamental concepts, philosophies, and methods of integrative health, and will compare these to those of conventional medicine.
They will analyze the empirical research on the use, benefits, and effects of integrative approaches to healing, as well as experience and practice integrative mind-body interventions and the key skills of health coaching. Participants will also learn how to apply their knowledge of integrative health and wellness to assessment and treatment planning.
Program Structure
Integrative Health and Wellness is a 12-credit, four-course graduate certificate program offered in an asynchronous, 100% online environment. This means that we offer maximum flexibility to meet the needs of working professionals. There are no online meetings or set times when you'll need to log in; just submit your coursework before the posted deadline, and check back in for feedback from your instructors and classmates.
As a student in this program, you will acquire expertise in integrative health and wellness. Your classmates will most likely be practicing professionals with a health, scientific, or academic background who are employed or seeking employment in positions requiring this specialization.
Is an Online Course Right for You?
Program Completion Timeline
- All four courses will be offered at least once each year to enable individuals to complete the program in 9 months.
- Participants begin the program in the Fall term.
- Participants can take more than a year (up to three years) to complete the program if they wish.
Educational Objectives
Our goal is to provide you with advanced knowledge and practical training so that what you learn is both relevant and applicable to your professional context. We have designed the program so that you will develop the expertise in integrative health and wellness. By the end of the program, you will be able to do the following:
- Describe the fundamental concepts of integrative health and wellness, including the history, philosophies, theories, and methods of prominent integrative therapies.
- Compare the principles and applications of allopathic medicine and integrative medicine.
- Explain the interaction among emotional, physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of health and well-being.
- Compare the types, uses, benefits, and potential adverse effects of commonly used mind-body approaches in the United States.
- Critique the strengths and limitations of the empirical evidence for the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of integrative health therapies.
- Demonstrate basic proficiency in communicating and educating patients about integrative health and wellness approaches.
- Interpret scientific evidence for clinical decision-making, treatment recommendations, and outcome evaluation.
- Contrast integrative assessment with conventional medical assessment. Develop an integrative treatment plan.
- Critique the application of integrative approaches for the treatment and prevention of common and chronic diseases in various case studies.
- Describe how you will apply the philosophy and fundamental principles of health and wellness coaching in your chosen health care profession.
- Use knowledge of health behavioral change theories to formulate client coaching strategies.
- Reflect upon the use of integrative approaches for health and healing through guided experiential learning and self-practice.