CERTIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

Continuing education is vital in the holistic healthcare field. Working in the healing arts requires a commitment to life-long learning, and formal education, whether distance or hands-on, is a good way to continue this process.

Currently, the holistic healthcare community has gained uneven footholds in our country - some areas embrace natural healthcare as just that and an obvious choice; other areas are quick to cry "quack," "witch," or worse, and shun or outlaw many forms of holistic healthcare. Earning and maintaing certifications, as well as becoming active in professional organizations, is the best way for practitioners to unite and begin changing perceptions in those areas that have yet to embrace us.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you decide to pursue certification:

• Remember that the point of a certification is to WORK in this field; pick an area of study that you enjoy and find invigorating!

• Many organizations offer similar programs; do enough research to determine which organization is most well-known in your desired field. For example, some personal trainer certication agencies focus more heavily on sports training, while others are known for integrating less-conventional instruction in yoga, pilates, training special populations, etc.

• Are you a motivated student who can excel through distance learning, or do you need the classroom experience to learn best? Be honest with yourself, and choose a program that helps you learn best.

• Credible organizations require re-certification every 2-3 years. Re-certification requires time, more studying, and the financial obligation of books, classes, etc. Keep this in mind when deciding if you are ready for certification.

  • Remember, too, that additional certifications may be required to practice. For instance, a personal trainer is required to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications, as well as their Personal Trainer qualilfications.

• Complete a realistic cost assessment. Does your program fee include the following?

  • Books and study materials

  • Certification (some programs are intended to prepare you to take a certification through an outside certifying body; this means that the certification fee, travel costs, etc. are your responsibility)

  • Access to any online databases that may be needed to complete projects and special research

Check out the below to get started!

**Please note: the holding of a certification does not necessarily allow you to offer consultations, see clients, physically touch a person or animal, or use certain terms when describing your services and capabilities. Be sure to thoroughly research your state's laws - they vary drastically across the country, and complying with them is YOUR responsibility.**

 

PERSONAL TRAINER, NUTRITION CONSULTANT, GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR, AND SIMILAR

A variety of nationally-recognized organizations offer certification programs, including:

American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA)- www.afpafitness.com

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) - www.nasm.org

American Council on Exercise (ACE) - www.acefitness.org

These organizations offer big discounts for obtaining multiple certifications at one time, or for applying with a friend. Completing a certification is a great way to reach out to a loved one who also wants to expand their knowledge base!

 

IRIDOLOGY

International Iridology Practitioner's Association (IIPA) - the foremost professional organization for iridologists; offers a multi-level certification program - Iridologyassn.org

 

HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE - GENERAL

Clayton College of Natural Health - this distance learning school offers a variety of self-paced programs, and represents a good way to prepare for the more rigorous exams offered by independent credentialing organizations - ccnh.edu

 

NATUROPATHIC HEALTH CARE

The American Naturopathic Certification Board (ANCB) is the original certication board for traditional naturopathy, and offers a certification process for natural healthcare professionals - www.ancb.net