Certificate in Complementary and Integrative Health

Rapidly gaining in popularity, complementary and integrative medicine is used by much of the United States population. This course will help you enhance your professional marketability and ability to serve a diverse population by providing you with a broad understanding of complementary and integrative health care options.

6 Weeks / 24 Course Hrs

Starting May 14, 2025

Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Borough of Manhattan Community College

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Learning method

Self-Guided

$159

No instructor. Study on your own schedule

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Instructor-Moderated

$210

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Starting May 14 | June 11

Details + Objectives

Course code: 0cc

Today's healthcare 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 integrative medicine. Rapidly gaining in popularity, complementary and integrative medicine is used by much of the United States population.

The outcome of this program is for the learner to explain complementary and integrative health therapies, including their uses and their role in health and healing; describe the role of cultural competence in health care; and examine the legal and ethical issues related to complementary and integrative health.

(24 contact hours)

Expiration Date (Next date of course revision): 12/15/2026

No one in a position to control content has conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare for this activity.

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

Accreditation:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

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

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC was awarded Accreditation with Distinction, the highest recognition awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Accreditation Program.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

What you will learn

Describe the role of cultural competence in heath care
Explain key elements of various global traditional healing systems
Describe the role of manual bodywork healing therapies in health and wellness
Discuss how chiropractic supports health and wellness
Describe the impact of yoga on health and healing
Describe the role of acupuncture in healing
Describe how natural products (nutraceuticals, probiotics, herbs, and botanicals) support health and well-being
Explain aromatherapy and the healing power of scent

How you will benefit

Learn how various complementary and integrative healing practices benefit health and well-being in a culturally diverse population
Examine the importance of cultural competence, as well as the legal and ethical issues related to complementary and integrative health
Explore diverse healing options, such as nutraceuticals, animal-assisted therapy, probiotics, herbs, and botanicals
Examine the legal and ethical issues you may encounter in complementary and integrative health care
Discover ways to improve your total health and well-being and positively impact your life and the life of your family
Learn new information that can help you prepare for a career in many areas of health (including health education, public health, nursing, medicine, social work, environmental health, or health coaching) as well as other fields (such as law, political science, advocacy, etc.)
Build your knowledge and expand your skills and competencies so you can advance your career and enhance your professional marketability with training specific to the topics covered
Fulfill continuing education and/or national certification requirements

How the course is taught

Instructor-Moderated or Self-Guided online course
6 Weeks or 3 Months access
24 course hours

Outline

The culturally diverse health care populations in the United States provide health care professionals with tremendous opportunities to bridge cultural gaps, incorporate new treatments and disease prevention strategies into their practices, and learn about different cultural values and cultural belief systems.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe cultural characteristics of major cultural groups in the United States; explore the relationship between language, culture, and health care; identify health beliefs and health care systems; describe cultural competence; and identify specific culturally competent practices.

Traditional medicine has a rich and extensive history dating back thousands of years. Used by the majority of the world's population, traditional healing systems include a diverse collection of philosophies, practices, spiritual and manual therapies, incorporating plant, animal, and/or mineral-based medicines. Most often used by indigenous persons determined to preserve, develop, and transmit their knowledge to future generations, traditional medicine is increasingly popular due to its accessibility and affordability, its holistic focus, and because of its emphasis on community and cultural values.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss major forms of global traditional healing systems including Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, Native American healing, South African healing, curanderismo, and Central and South American healing traditions.

Touch is one of the most primal needs of any human being. Manual bodywork healing therapies address the need for human touch, enhance health, and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Somatic and musculoskeletal therapies for healing include therapeutic massage, (including Swedish massage, rhythmical massage, sports massage, hot stone massage, neuromuscular massage therapy, and Aston patterning); Eastern, meridian-based, and point therapies (acupressure, shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and reflexology); energy-based therapies (Therapeutic Touch ®, Reiki, and Healing Touch); emotional bodywork (Rolfing and Hellerwork); and manipulative therapies (osteopathy and craniosacral therapy).

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the various types and benefits of manual bodywork healing therapies.

Chiropractic is often considered a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. Chiropractic care commonly uses spinal manipulation therapy as a main treatment modality to address back and neck pain, as well as pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches. The goal is to correct alignment problems, ease pain, and support the body's natural ability to heal itself.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the scope of chiropractic practice; examine the philosophies that are part of chiropractic; list key milestones in the development of chiropractic care both in the United States and internationally; and conditions that are commonly treated.

The practice of yoga is becoming increasingly popular as a way to relieve stress, live in harmony with nature, and enhance well-being of the mind and body. One reason for its growing popularity is that more many people are open to it and are using holistic approaches to manage their pressure-filled, fast-paced lives. Yoga provides an integrative, healthy way to connect mind, body, and spirit, resulting in improved physical, mental, and emotional health.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the philosophical foundations of yoga, the eight-limb path of yoga, styles of yoga, Western yoga, benefits of yoga, contraindications and risks of yoga, factors to consider when choosing a yoga class, and the safe practice of yoga for children, adolescents, and seniors.

The ancient Chinese healing practice of acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat many ailments, especially pain. Today, this therapy that addresses disharmony in the body, mind, and spirit is widely practiced throughout China and is used by millions of individuals in the United States and many other countries. This course explores the history of acupuncture, the theories involved in its practice (including yin and yang, qi, the meridian system, and causes of disharmony), the types and benefits of acupuncture, as well as possible complications and contraindications of the therapy and training issues.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the practice, theories, and clinical efficacy of acupuncture.

Our diet has a profound impact our health and well-being, yet many of us are not aware of where our food originates from and even less of us are aware of exactly what is in these foods. Many individuals eat foods sprayed by numerous pesticides, grown in depleted soil, "enhanced" with hormones and antibiotics, or obtained from countries thousands of miles away from our home. How can we change our eating habits and become more conscious of what we eat, why we eat it, and how it is prepared? How can we use that information and select healthy "natural products" designed to support our diet and support our health?

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe what "natural products" are and how they support health and well-being; and explain the role of nutraceuticals, probiotics, herbs, and botanicals in a healthy diet.

Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative therapy that uses essential oils to promote both physical and psychological health. It is often used in conjunction with massage, meditation, and other therapies to achieve healing.

Aromatherapy has gained in popularity in recent years, and clinical aromatherapy (the use of specific essential oils for the prevention and treatment of health conditions) is being incorporated into treatment plans by naturopathic physicians, medical doctors, registered nurses, licensed massage therapists, and licensed acupuncturists as well as other healthcare providers.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the historical use of fragrance and aromatherapy for healing, the methods of essential oil extraction and application, the clinical effects of essential oils using a body systems approach, the research about using aromatherapy for specific conditions, contraindications regarding the use aromatherapy, and the key elements of some of the most common essential oil monographs.

Naturopathic medicine has a long, complex history. Considered a way of life and a system of healing encompassing many different modalities, naturopathy is experiencing a resurgence today as a result of the dissatisfaction many Americans feel about conventional medicine and the growing interest and respect for alternative and complementary methods of healing.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe naturopathy, its history, the principles and schools of thought which comprise this healing system; the training and educational requirements of naturopathic practitioners; and the issues inherent in the future of naturopathy.

Animals have been a part of our lives as long as we have been on the planet. The health benefits of the human-animal bond are far reaching. From guide dogs, to watching fish in an aquarium, to swimming with dolphins, animals provide us with companionship, assistance, exercise, a sense of calmness, sensory stimulation, and a level of acceptance that is often difficult to find from any other source.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the purpose of animal-assisted therapy, the theoretical background of the therapy, the benefits of this type of therapy for humans, several common types of animal-assisted therapy, and guidelines for developing an animal-assisted therapy program.

The chakra system has been practiced by yogis for thousands of years as an integral part of healing. Recently, interest in this ancient system has exploded within the health care profession and the general population. Chakras are spinning vortices of energy positioned in seven centers of the body from the coccyx to the crown of the head. This course will provide an overview of the chakra system, chakras, and elements of chakra balancing.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the chakra system, the seven chakras, (where they are believed to be located within the body, their purpose, and associated colors) as well as the factors involved in chakra balancing.

Patient use and acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in the United States is increasing. However, many legal issues remain unresolved surrounding provider oversight, inconsistent legislative mandates regarding definitions about standards of care and scope of practice, liability issues for providers and organizations, and lack of knowledge about CAM therapies.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the major legal issues facing biomedical providers and integrative health providers, state laws relating to the regulation, credentialing concerns, malpractice and liability issues, and third-party reimbursement.

There has been a dramatic rise in the use and acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in the United States. However, there are ethical issues that remain unresolved surrounding provider oversight, inconsistent legislative mandates regarding definitions about standards of care and scope of practice, liability issues for providers and organizations, and lack of knowledge about CAM therapies.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the major ethical issues facing biomedical providers the rise of Integrate medicine, specific ethical theories, and the relationship between culture and ethics.

Instructors & Support

Cyndie Koopsen

Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-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, accreditation consultation, 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 (with Caroline Young) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Caroline Young

Caroline Young, M.P.H., 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 (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Completion Requirements:

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

FAQ

Instructor-Moderated: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each Exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or a cumulative final exam.

Instructor-Moderated: Once a course session starts, two lessons will be released each week for the 6 week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends. You will interact with the instructor through the online discussion area. There are no live sessions or online meetings with the instructor.

Self-Guided: You have 3 months of access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. You will have the opportunity to interact with other students in the online discussion area.

You can complete each lesson at your own pace. There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within your course access period. You must complete the mandatory course evaluation within the duration of your course to access your certificate of completion.

Instructor-Moderated: Students enrolled in a six-week online class benefit from a one-time, 10-day extension for each course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Self-Guided: Because this course is self-guided, no extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

Yes. This course is acceptable for continuing education contact hours in all states. However, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

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

NURSING

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

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS (CNAs) & CERTIFIED HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIANS (CHTs)
The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.

CERTIFIED MANAGED CARE NURSE (CMCN)
The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

DIABETES EDUCATORS

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors(NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

Instructor-Led: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Self-Paced: You can start this course at any time your schedule permits.

Instructor-Led: You will have access to all lessons at the start of your course, and an instructor available if you have any questions.

Self-Paced: You have three-month access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. An instructor is not available for assistance within this course.

Instructor-Led: An automatic 10-day extension is provided immediately after the session end date. No further extension can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Self-Paced: No extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for CE contact hours in all states, however, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

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

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

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

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

The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

Reviews

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.

This course provided me with a better understanding of complementary and alternative medicine theories to support the use of some of these modalities in the self-care stress management courses I coordinate and/or teach.

I have an expanded understanding of other cultural beliefs and will be better able to meet my patient's holistic needs.