Holistic Health Counselor Certification
Obtaining holistic health counselor certification can be a valuable credential on your resume, but it's important to know that this certification is not a degree in itself. You must already be qualified to deal with patients or clients in an area of traditional, alternative or complementary medicine. To become certified as a holistic health counselor you must complete a holistic studies program in your discipline from an accredited provider. Certification requirements are determined by the individual academic institution.
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Defining Holistic
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Total wellness is emphasized While the term is often associated with alternative or complementary medicine, holistic health care views a client's physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important in determining approaches to treatment. The American Holistic Health Association defines holistic as "... including consideration of the whole person and whole situation, searching for the root cause, and encouraging a partnership between patient and practitioner." Holistic health counselors offer services with an approach that emphasizes total wellness of mind, body, emotions and spirit.
Types of Certification
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Certifications are available in many fields While there is no standardized credentialing, holistic health counseling certification is available for physicians, nurses and professionals in the fields of acupuncture and acupressure, chiropractic, herbalism, iridology, skin care, massage, nutrition, music, homeopathy, midwifery, psychology and most forms of complementary or natural medicine. Certifications are available on undergraduate and graduate levels but should not be confused with a legal professional license.
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Demand
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Patients are requesting holistic care Job growth in all health care fields, specifically those with interests in wellness holistic health care, have been on the rise in the U.S., prompting the National Institute of Health to create The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Demand is expected to continue to rise as medical colleges, hospitals and physicians incorporate holistic wellness programs and services. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics offers comprehensive occupational employment and wage statistics for Health Care Practitioners.
Programs
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Paths to Certification Colleges, universities and specialized natural health and holistic health schools offer Holistic Health Counselor Certification programs in many varieties, from distance learning, online, and weekend programs to graduate school programs, so it's important to do your research. You may focus on your specific modality, or earn a general certificate by taking a variety of courses that give you a balanced understanding of holistic healing. NaturalHealers.com's Career Resource Center offers a "Holistic Health Practitioner Schools and Careers Guide" and other career-related articles.
Getting Started
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Taking the next step Additional information is available about holistic health care counselor certificate programs and professional holistic health and medical associations (See Resources).
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References
Resources
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