The Wholistic Therapist Diploma Program is an ideal program for those students who want the opportunity to personalize their studies while acquiring fundamentals in Herbology, Nutrition and Iridology. This program requires students to complete a "core" selection of courses while gaining additional knowledge and skills in complementary healing possibilities. Traditional Native healing customs and Shamanic practices are examples of some areas that may be explored.

In combination with assessment tools such as Iridology, and a repertoire of counselling skills, Wholistic Therapist graduates may work with clients to determine their unique situation and make appropriate recommendations. Students choose between correspondence or classroom course work, or a combination of both. Please note that some program requirements are not achievable via correspondence. A description of program requirements follows, but please refer back to the homepage to look-up the course details, including prices, either in correspondence format or through our classroom. Please note that only the current semester of classroom courses is posted. Students can anticipate an average cost of $6,000 plus GST to complete the Wholistic Therapist through classroom study. This amount can be reduced when correspondence courses are taken.

PROGRAM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Students are advised to complete the Biology and Physiology courses early in their program studies as these will provide fundamentals of the human body which will be helpful in other courses.

INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY:

This introductory course is an overview of basic concepts such as inorganic and organic chemistry, cellular function, chemical and biological evolution, and ecology. This course is offered in-class in the Fall term and also the Winter/Spring term if there is sufficient demand. This course is currently being re-written for correspondence and will be available in the new year.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY:

This course is a comprehensive review of the major physiological systems of the body and an introduction to anatomical terminology and surface anatomy. This course will be taught over two semesters. This course is currently being re-written for correspondence and will be available in the new year.

HERBOLOGY I:

Folklore and modern herbal research combine in this exceptionally complete course – the cornerstone of the diploma programs. Learn basic botany for identifying plants, review each body system’s function and design, and discover herbal formulas for the treatment of each system. Both the novice and the studying practitioner will benefit from this course. It provides essential groundwork for practice and practical information for self-treatment. Herbology I offered in-class in both Fall and Winter/Spring terms. Available in correspondence format.

HERBOLOGY II (Pharmacognosy):

In this advanced course, the chemical properties of herbs are discussed, as well as their responsibility for the therapeutic and nutritional values. Expanded knowledge is presented on the reasons for various biological effects of herbs with up-to-date research material. The energetics and alchemy of botanicals is also reviewed. Herbology II offered in-class in the Winter/Spring term and also the Fall term if there is sufficient demand. Available in correspondence format.

NUTRITION I:

This course provides an overview of macronutrients, micronutrients and phytochemicals utilized by clinicians in the treatment of disease. Nutrition I offered in-class in both Fall and Winter/Spring terms. This course is currently being re-written for correspondence and will be available in the new year.

NUTRITION II:

This course is a review of the clinical application of dietetics and nutritional supplementation. Nutrition II offered in-class in the Fall term and also the Winter/Spring term if there is sufficient demand. This course is currently being re-written for correspondence and will be available in the new year.

IRIDOLOGY:

Iridology is the science of assessing the status of bodily health by examining the iris of the eye. Discovered in Europe in the 19th century, it was brought into practical clinical usage in the 1940’s by Dr.Bernard Jensen. Students will learn the technique of identifying the presence of inflammation, its degree of severity, inherent body strengths and weaknesses, drug accumulations, infections, nutritional deficiencies, poor circulation, tension, toxemia, and acidity levels. Photographic slides are used extensively. Physiology is a pre-requisite to this course, and Herbology I is recommended. Available in correspondence format.

Wholistic Therapist Elective Hours

To satisfy the ASSESSMENT elective requirements, students must complete ‘hands on’ courses, which provide training in health assessment techniques. Examples are Reflexology, Rayid, Pulse & Tongue Diagnosis and Kinesiology. A minimum of 74 hours of Assessment course work is required.

To satisfy the COUNSELLING electives, students must complete courses such as Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy or any other course teaching a modality of healing. A minimum of 42 hours of Counselling course work is required.

To satisfy the GENERAL INTEREST electives, students are to take courses relating to the realm of natural healing or take additional Assessment and Counselling courses. Alternatively, students may take a course found in one of the other diploma programs such as Herbal Pharmacy or History of herbal Medicine. A minimum of 70 hours of course work is required.

Wholistic Therapist Thesis Project

W.T. students must propose a topic related to health and healing and write a 30 page, double-spaced paper. Example papers can be viewed at the college administration office. Thesis proposal forms are available upon registration and payment of the thesis fee.

NOTE: Correspondence students may choose to travel to the College for Elective courses, or to complete suitable courses offered from other institutions. Students may also propose a project-based alternative to the College director in order to satisfy some program elective courses. W.T. students are welcome to participate in practicum as an Assessment elective option. Students must meet the Practical Herbalist prerequisite before participating.

Details of the Wholistic Therapist Diploma program are subject to change.

April 2006