Certificate in Holistic and Integrative Health

The Certificate Program in Holistic and Integrative Health merges traditional healing practices with modern medical advancements to address the evolving healthcare landscape. Recognized by the American Holistic Nurses Association, it highlights the synergy of physical and nonphysical healing techniques.

6 Weeks / 34 Course Hrs

Starting May 14, 2025

Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Boise State University

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Learning method

Self-Guided

$229

No instructor. Study on your own schedule

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Instructor-Moderated

$475

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Starting May 14 | June 11

Details + Objectives

Course code: 0ih

The concepts of alternative, holistic, and integrative medicine have their roots in various healing traditions that have been around for thousands of years. Yet, this philosophy is receiving much attention today due to the changing health care climate, a growing need for a "different" health care system, and a recognition of the benefits of combining the external, physical, and technologic successes of medicine with the internal, nonphysical exploration of healing. This Certificate Program has been endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Association.

The outcome of this certificate program is for the learner to describe holistic and integrative therapeutic modalities and their role in health and healing.

(34 contact hours)

Expiration Date (Next date of course revision): 09/11/2027

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:

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.

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).

What you will learn

Describe the differences between CAM and integrative health
Explain the foundations and healing modalities of Ayurvedic medicine
Discuss the role of energy in healing
Explain the healing effects of physical activity and movement
Describe forms of stress management to support health and healing
Describe the forms of meditation and their role in healing
Discuss the role of spirituality on health and healing
Describe the health effects of humor, music therapy, sound healing, and nutrition on health
Explain how elements of healing environments contribute to well-being
Explain the various therapeutic and bodywork healing therapies and their effects on health and well-being
Explain the foundations and healing modalities of Traditional Chinese medicine

How you will benefit

Understand various topics including holistic stress management, health and the human spirit, energy healing, meditation, healing environments, humor and health, and more
Increase your knowledge about the philosophies of health and healing that unite various healing systems
Enhance your professional marketability with training specific to the topics covered
Open the door to new opportunities as a health and wellness coach
Build knowledge and competencies needed to advance your career and/or improve your personal health and well-being
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
34 course hours

Outline

Stress affects each of us every day and while some of us rise to the occasion, others experience myriad physiological, psychological, and spiritual effects. How we cope with stress can determine the current and future state of our health and well-being. Our bodies react to the signals sent to us by our brains during stressful episodes and these signals affect every system, especially the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

There are many holistic stress management techniques including self-awareness, cognitive restructuring, effective communication, guided imagery, social support, art therapy, and journaling.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the concept of stress and describe holistic stress management techniques.

Spirituality plays an important role in health and healing. This course will explore the forms and expressions of spirituality; discuss culture and its relationship to spirituality; examine the relationship between spirituality and aging; explain spiritual interests within the healthcare system; describe the role of spiritual care providers in administering spiritual care; and describe the relationship between spirituality and health conditions, therapeutic interventions, and healing environments.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe spirituality, health, and healing; discuss the multidimensional aspects of spirituality; describe a spiritual assessment; and describe the vast diversity of spiritual expressions.

The old paradigms of health care are shifting as a growing number of researchers, physicians, nurses, and other health practitioners embrace a new view that includes energy healing. Traditional healers have practiced energy healing methods for centuries and viewed the body as a complex energy system.

With mounting scientific evidence now supporting the efficacy of ancient healing systems, the healthcare community is combining traditional methods of energy healing with modern medicine.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to explore the different types of energy, the concept of energy healing, and the various types of energy healing available today.

Although there are many ways to meditate and many different forms of meditation, they all share the characteristic of intentionally training a person's attention and concentration. Meditation practices are used by diverse cultures, are rooted in the traditions of the great religions, and have been practiced for thousands of years to promote healing.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to explore the practice of meditation, discuss various meditation traditions, examine meditation techniques, and explain the physiological and psychological benefits of meditation.

Every individual has the capacity to enhance their healing process (or the healing process of clients) through the creation of healing environments – spaces that support the individual's inner healer and utilize the environment to maximize its healing effects.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the importance of healing environments, their historical evolution, and their unique elements. Specific considerations for designing healing environments for children are briefly discussed, and the role of communication, education, and healthcare providers in developing healing environments are explored.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest continuously practiced professional medical systems in the world, with origins dating back more than 3,000 years. TCM emphasizes the holistic view of the human being and encompasses many different treatment modalities such as acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, and Qigong.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to provide an overview of traditional Chinese medicine and the role of the basic substances and the meridian system in health, as well as causes of disharmony, types of diagnostic methods, and common treatment methods.

Ayurvedic medicine is a highly sophisticated religion, philosophy, and system of medicine that has been practiced in India for over 2,500 years. As with other forms of complementary and alternative medicine, it focuses on the whole individual and one's relationship to one's environment. Health, vitality, and longevity are achieved through a balance within the body and between the body and the external environment.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the basics of Ayurvedic medicine, including principles of Ayurvedic medicine, causes of disharmonies and diseases, diagnostic methods, and treatment methods.

How many times have you felt better after laughing? Humor and laughter make people feel alive and bring a unique perspective to life. They relieve stress and connect people to one another. Humor is a complex phenomenon and an essential part of human nature. Anthropologists have never found a culture or society that did not have humor as a part of it.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the historical perspective of humor; describe the components of humor; and examine the types, theories, and senses of humor as well as ways in which humor is used in health care.

In an age where people increasingly turn to holistic methods of healing, music therapy and sound healing have entered mainstream health care and can be used successfully with people of all ages and disabilities.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the principles, interventions, therapeutic uses, and physiological and psychological responses of music therapy and sound healing.

What people eat profoundly impacts their health and well-being, yet many people eat when they are rushed; they don't know where our food originated; we eat toxic, irradiated, or genetically altered foods; and we eat more than we need. How can we revise our eating habits and become more conscious of what we eat, why we eat it, and how it is prepared?

The outcome of this course is for the learner to provide an overview of the role of food and health in human history. The various elements of nutrition, some of the most common types of diets, and the roles of nutraceuticals and supplements are explored. Types of toxins and the effects of irradiation, genetically altered foods, and food allergies are discussed. Finally, the role of herbs and herbalists, herb processing, how herbalists are trained, and issues facing herbal use are reviewed.

Health care is evolving and integrating the healing therapies of alternative and allopathic medicine. Therapeutic massage and bodywork healing methods are being integrated in many health care organizations. This course will describe somatic and musculoskeletal therapies (therapeutic massage, which includes Swedish massage, sports massage, Esalen 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 (chiropractic and osteopathy).

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

Physical activity and movement are essential elements of any program designed for obtaining or maintaining health and well-being. While most individuals associate physical activity with aerobics, many activities comprise a well-rounded and interesting physical fitness and movement program.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to examine the profound physical and psychological benefits of physical activity and movement.

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 11 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

This course validated the need for further education and tools for all heath care providers. Many populations have still not grasped the idea of integrated health and yet are searching for alternative methods for prevention and intervention treatments.

The course was well balanced and organized.

I enjoyed the information provided, it was very useful. I think online was the only way to cover so many topics.

Having a better understanding of alternative practices, gives me a broader selection in customizing suggestions for clients.

Excellent course, very informative and helpful.

I took this for personal growth and enlightenment. I learned a lot and hope to implement a lot of what I learned into my daily life.

I will be more aware of the different approaches to going about making patients more at ease through such things as light, sound, atmosphere, humor and make sure they are comfortable mentally, physically, emotionally, and at the soul level. Thanks for the course!

I found this course very informative. I will be able to work more effectively in the integrative health field area.

As a result of this course, I have a better understanding of how settings, routines, and practices can affect an individual's needs. I also have a broader understanding of alternative therapies which i can recommend.

The course has helped broaden my knowledge. There are many more ways to care for a patient than simply Western medicine. It is good to look at an individual as a whole - mind, body, spirit.