Naturopathy is a system of treatment for disease that uses sunlight, air and water, along with therapies such as massage. Some naturopaths go further by using non-scientific procedures, such as acupuncture and homeopathy. Despite the fact that none of these treatments have been shown to be helpful in any scientific or professional study, test or legitimate research, there are still people who believe strongly in this practice. Homeopathy, vitamins and diet play vital roles in naturopathic treatments, and many seek degrees in this alternative medicine field online.
As you seek information on these schools, keep in mind that the field comes with controversy. It is called alternative medicine, because studies and testing haven't been conclusive enough to bump the techniques up into the realm of traditional medicine. In fact, $800 million has been spent on government-sponsored research on naturopathy since 1991, but the efficacy of a single naturopathic treatment was never proven.
Clayton College of Natural Health
Clayton College of Natural Health in Birmingham, Alabama, offers an undergraduate and a graduate online naturopathic degree. The Bachelor of Science in Natural Health requires 120 credit hours, 60 of which are general education courses, while the other 60 credits make up the core curriculum. Core courses include The Meaning of Health, Therapeutic Herbology, and Stress, Moods, and Eating.
The postgraduate Master of Science in Natural Health has 70 credit hours required. Prerequisite courses account for 25 of these credits, while 45 credits come from the core courses. Core curriculum courses include chemistry and the fundamentals of holistic nutrition. A completed bachelor degree is a prerequisite for admission to this program.
Clayton College programs are not accredited, which means they cannot be used to obtain professional licensure or to validate professional practice. The Quackwatch Website deemed the school a scam, even daring to state, "Its credentials are a reliable sign of someone not to consult for advice." As with any naturopathic school, make sure to look into it thoroughly, to make sure that any school is the right fit for you.
Clayton College of Natural Health 2140 11th Avenue South Suite 305 Birmingham, AL 35205 205-323-8232 ccnh.edu
Everglades University
Everglades University in Boca Raton, Florida, offers a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine online degree. The program was designed especially with those with backgrounds in health care or personal care services in mind. It involves 123 credit hours. General education courses make up 60 of those credits. Core courses include antioxidants and traditional Chinese medicine.
Everglades University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). However, a number of consumer advocate Websites cite problems with this school, and its important to make sure the naturopathic school of your choice is the right on for you. A great place to start looking is the Better Business Bureau Website, and you should check student message boards for what real students are saying.
Everglades University 5002 T-REX Avenue, #100 Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-912-1211 evergladesuniversity.edu
Canyon College
Canyon College in Carmichael, California, offers a Doctor of Naturopathy degree online. The program involves 63 credit hours, with a minimum of one elective. Core courses include pharmacology, herbology, and addictions and disorders. Those lacking a health care background must take a prerequisite medical terminology course.
This degree is accredited by the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board, and graduates may apply for certification from the American Naturopathic Certification Board (ANCB). However, keep in mind that these credentials are not respected in the traditional medical field. They should never be represented as such. The degree accreditation is not nationally recognized, and the degree will likely be considered invalid for licensure and professional validation.
Canyon College 4017 Garfield Ave Carmichael CA, 95608 208-455-0010 canyoncollege.edu
