Complementary and Alternative Health
Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative Health
Position yourself on the forefront of health care delivery when you earn your Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative Health from Ashford University.
Degree Focus
Increasing cultural diversity has resulted in growing numbers of people who pursue complementary and alternative health practices. The Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative Health provides you the opportunity to study the history and delivery of major non-allopathic health systems including but not limited to the following: Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, naturopathic medicine, biofeedback, herbal medicines, chiropractic, acupuncture, hypnosis, acupressure, reiki, reflexology, energy systems, and transpersonal health such as meditation, hypnosis, and prayer. You will analyze complementary and alternative health studies as well as identify usage trends and integration into health services and disease management from multi-cultural perspectives.
Career Opportunities
Just a few of the many professional careers that often begin with a Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative Health include:
- Holistic health practitioner
- Wellness consultant
- Massage therapist
- Energy practitioner
- Research assistant
- Auyervedic practitioner
- Pilates trainer
- Music therapist assistant
- Art therapist assistant
- Movement specialist
- Herbal practitioner
- Body worker or trainer
- Herbal practitioner
- Mind/body practitioner
- Feng shui practitioner
- Stress reduction coach or trainer
- Healing environments design assistant
- Detoxification practitioner
- Spa worker
- Guided imagery trainer or coach
- Meditation instructor
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative Health
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative Health degree program will be able to:
- Explore the history and practice of non-allopathic health systems;
- Examine cultural influences as related to complementary and alternative health practices;
- Analyze complementary and alternative health usage trends;
- Differentiate major complementary and alternative health systems;
- Examine complementary and alternative health practices integrated into US health care delivery;
- Analyze research in complementary and alternative health; and
- Examine components of holistic health care service and delivery.
Program Requirements
- Total number of credits required: 120 credits
- General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
- Major Course Requirements: 36 credits*
- Electives: 35 credits
Students must earn a minimum of 30 upper-division credits and a minimum of 21 credits at Ashford University (residency requirement).
*In this program, 3 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.
Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.
Admission Requirements
- Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
- Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
- English Language Requirement
- Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.
Technology Requirements
Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:
- Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
- Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
- Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.
System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required:
- Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
- Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
- Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
- Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
- Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.
Recommended for optimal performance
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
- Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
- Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.
Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 99 semester credits (148.5 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.
If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category.
If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.
If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.
* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.
Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.
Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.
* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.
Payment Options
- Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
- Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
- Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
- Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
- Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative Health
Position yourself on the forefront of healthcare delivery when you earn your Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative Health.
Introductory Courses
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take the Student Success Orientation and one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you are required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.
Student Success Orientation
The orientation is designed to provide students with a complete overview of the Ashford University experience, prepare them for success in their courses, and help them to self evaluate their readiness to succeed in an online classroom setting. Students will be instructed on Ashford University policies and the learner resources that are available to them through interactive videos and assessments. Students enrolled in orientation must successfully complete all assigned activities.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
Major Course Requirements
(36 credits, all courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)
ANT 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Students explore culture in its role of guiding human behavior and providing social order, structure, and stability for individuals and groups of people. Culture is presented as a system of adaptation involving beliefs, behavior, language, customs, socio-political strategies, traditions, and technology that evolve over time.
HCA 415 Community & Public Health
Community and public health is an introductory course exploring community and public health services in the well-being of a population. Regulatory mandates promoting public and community health are explored. The interface among community and public health services and the overall health care industry is explored. Legal and ethical imperatives emergent in public health services are discussed. Financing options are explored recognizing the role of categorical fiscal resources. Health care promotion and prevention strategies are explored in concert with the role of health care institutions and the public sector. Health information data is utilized in the planning of a community and/or public health project.
HCS 323 Health & Wellness Promotion Throughout the Lifespan
This course provides students with a holistic overview of the multi-faceted dimensions of health and wellness across the lifespan. The seven dimension of health: physical, social, intellectual, emotional, occupational, spiritual, and environmental are explored within the context of a wellness lifestyle.
HCS 326 Holistic Health
This course examines health from the perspective of synergism of mind, body, and spirit as opposed to the tenets of the traditional biomedical model followed in traditional health. Divided into three major themes, the course explores strengthening inner resources, developing healthy lifestyle practices, and taking charge of mind, body, and spirit challenges.
SOC 313 Social Implications of Medical Issues
This introductory course provides learners with a basic foundation of human biology, as it applies to health and human services providers. This course explores basic human biology and its relationship to selected socio-cultural domains, grounded in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model of Human Development.
HCS 321 Foundations of Complementary & Alternative Health
This course introduces students to basic definitions and classifications of non-allopathic complementary and alternative health systems. Content includes the history and development of practices, practitioner nomenclature, usage trends, and cultural influences of the major systems.
HCS 316 Cultural Diversity in Health & Illness
This course explores the complexities and dimensions of health and illness through diverse cultural perspectives. Traditional health beliefs and practices among selected populations are presented along with the influences of social, political, and demographic changes impacting issues and perceptions of health and illness in a multi-cultural society.
HCA 430 Special Populations
Special Populations is a topics course exploring health care services for special populations. The populations include clients/patients in the following groups: those with mental health issues, substance addiction, in rehabilitation, geriatric populations, and clients/patients utilizing selected specialty services. The course is problem focused emphasizing access, cost-quality issues and financing considerations. Health information data is utilized as resources for the analysis of demand, quality and cost-efficiency. Historical perspectives are presented as shaping factors influencing the present models of health services for special populations. Government mandates, categorical services, legal, ethical, and reimbursement issues are presented as driving forces in the provision of special population health services. Multidisciplinary models of special population health service models are discussed. Learners will develop a model program for a self-selected special population.
HCS 435 Spirituality, Health, & Healing
This course explores the connections between spirituality, culture, health, and healing. Students examine spiritual rituals and practices from multi-cultural perspectives, in addition to examining elements of spiritual care in a variety of health settings and contexts.
HCS 338 Integrative Health
This course explores the use, integration, and applications of holistic health practices in promoting wellness and managing health challenges. Elements of different health systems are presented with a person-centered approach to health care and wellness promotion. Clinically proven complementary and alternative practice modalities are studied that encompass the mind, body, and spiritual aspects of health and wellness.
HHS 460 Research Methods for Health & Human Services
This course is a survey course encompassing the application of research methodology. It prepares students to critically evaluate published research. The nature and history of the scientific method, research tools, data collection and analysis will be reviewed. Although key statistical concepts are covered, the focus of the course is helping students gain a conceptual understanding of the components of sound research, and to understand the steps and procedures involved in ethical research of the content area.
HCS 495 Complementary & Alternative Health Capstone
This course is a synthesis of the major ideas, perspectives, and concepts gained from the study of complementary and alternative health. A substantive paper is developed which requires students to critically analyze their experiences and integrate knowledge gained throughout the program.
SPECIALIZATION
You may also choose to delve deeper into other areas of health care when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits each. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program. Choose the following specialization:
Health Informatics
HCA 401 Introduction to Health Care Informatics
This course provides an overview of health care informatics including basic vocabulary, concepts, technology, uses and practices. The history, background, and development of health care informatics are presented, as well as academic, private, and government influences.
HCA 417 Electronic Health Records
This course begins with an exploration of the evolution of electronic health records (EHRs) and then delves into the current forces driving the adoption of electronic health records. The components of EHR’s are reviewed and the core functionalities of the EHR are examined. Major consideration is given to HIPPA and confidentiality regulatory requirements in terms of EHR management. In addition, the different methods of data capture and recording of data are reviewed, as well as a comparison of contents for an inpatient versus an outpatient EHR.
HCA 419 Current Topics in Informatics
This course examines trends and emerging technologies involved in health care delivery and information systems/technology management within diverse health care settings. Content includes the following health care applications: process improvement and innovation for computerized provider order entry (CPOE), telemedicine, imaging systems, bio-surveillance, genomics, bioinformatics (methods used to process data from biological experiments), robotic surgery, and pharmacogenomics. In addition, ethical and legal considerations and aspects related to the use of computerized technology and information systems in the delivery of health care are reviewed.
HCA 435 Informatics Applications
This course provides a broad overview of the various components of informatics and the practical usage focusing on administrative and clinical functions across diverse health care and health care delivery settings. Emphasis is given to process improvement, control, and management of health care data. Topics covered include the following: evidence-based medicine, information retrieval, decision support systems, security and confidentiality, bioinformatics, information system cycles, key health information systems and standards, and medical devices.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Ashford University Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information contained below.
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