College Distance Learning Programs in Natural Health

Several colleges offer distance learning programs in natural health.

Over the past decade, natural health practitioners have become more mainstream in the United States as people incorporate practices such as yoga, massage and natural remedies into everyday habits for healthy living. Many perceive natural medicine as a complement to Western medicine. According to Natural News, natural health focuses on treating underlying problems rather than reacting to symptoms. Several online and correspondence distance learning programs are available to those who wish to pursue a career in this popular field.

Clayton College of Natural Health

Clayton College of Natural Health has offered distance learning programs in natural health and holistic nutrition for over 30 years. Clayton College's distance learning program is offered online through the Blackboard Learning System as well as through correspondence. Some courses require proctored exams. Most courses take 16 weeks to complete, but course work can be done on students' own schedules. A program adviser is assigned to each student and serves as a coach to help students complete the program. The school offers bachelor's and master's degrees in natural health and holistic nutrition, and a doctorate in holistic health and wellness. Clayton College also offers certificates in natural health fields such as herbalism, iridology, companion animal studies and natural wellness studies. Clayton College is certified by the U.S. Distance Learning Association and approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.

Clayton College of Natural Health
2140 11th Ave. S. Suite 305
Birmingham, AL 35205
800.995.4590
ccnh.edu/

Alternative Medicine College of Canada

The Alternative Medicine College of Canada provides distance learning programs through online courses and correspondence courses through the mail. Correspondence courses allow students to work at their own pace, using print and online texts. Coursework is monitored and evaluated by a tutor. Diplomas, certificates of attestation and training are available in the natural health fields of holistic medicine, homeopathy, holistic medicine, bioenergetics and Chinese medicine. The Alternative Medicine College offers diplomas, certificates and non-accredited doctorates with the titles of Natural Health Consultant, Natural Health Technician, Naturopath or Homeopath Practitioner, Naturopathic or Homeopathic Doctor, and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Students can also take single courses on a particular topic, such as electromagnetism, vitamins and minerals or aromatherapy.

Alternative Medicine College of Canada
204-1408, Jean Talon E.
Montreal, QC H2E 1S2
514-990-5229
alternativemedicinecollege.com/index.html

Global College of Natural Medicine

The Global College of Natural Medicine offers bachelor of science, master of science and doctoral degree programs in holistic health. The school also offers certificate and diploma programs including holistic health practitioner, nutritional consultant and master herbalist. All coursework is available through distance learning. Distance learning packages include printed lecture materials, texts, self-review tests and exams. Students are required to participate in an online student forum. According to the school's website, programs are "self-paced" and can be completed on a student's own time frame. Undergraduate degrees require completion of 153 semester hours, master's degrees take 74 semester hours and doctorates require 117 semester hours to complete. The Global College of Natural Medicine is approved by the American Naturopathic Accreditation Board and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

Global College of Natural Medicine
250 Natural Bridges Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
800-605-6520
gcnm.com/

Canyon College

Canyon College offers an online doctor of naturopathy degree. The degree requires 68 credit hours to complete. The program is accredited by the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board. All courses are offered completely online. Courses include human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, herbology and advanced disease states. Courses generally take eight to 12 weeks to complete. Classes take place in a virtual classroom. Students and instructors communicate within the classroom through message boards and text, whiteboard and voice chats.

Canyon College
4017 Garfield Ave.
Carmichael CA 95608
208-455-0010
canyoncollege.edu/

Everglades University

Everglades University offers an online bachelor's degree in alternative medicine. Courses are completely online and include scheduled live chats and real-time group discussions as well as asynchronous assignments and message board discussions. The bachelor's degree requires 123 credit hours and includes courses in traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, nutrition and aging, antioxidants, and herbology and botany. Everglade University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Everglades University
5002 T-REX Ave., #100
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-912-1211
evergladesuniversity.edu/

References

• Clayton College of Natural Health
• Alternative Medicine College of Canada
• Global College of Natural Medicine
• Canyon College
• Everglades University

Resources

• Natural Healers: Natural Health Schools Directory
• United States Distance Learning Association