A Unique Combination of Focus, Flexibility, Communication and Support, and Structure
At Clayton College of Natural Health, our focus is to provide you with a quality educational experience in natural health, holistic nutrition, traditional naturopathy, and holistic wellness. Our bachelor’s programs include the principles and foundations of natural health, naturopathy, and holistic nutrition. We also offer graduate degrees in natural health, holistic nutrition, traditional naturopathy, and holistic wellness.
Your options are many. The Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition enables you to choose either a practice focus or an academic focus. A doctor of philosophy degree requires you to achieve advanced knowledge and competency in the philosophies, modalities, and research methods in your chosen field of study.
If you are considering becoming a naturopathic practitioner, or if you already practice in a related area, you are encouraged to consider the doctor of natural health or doctor of naturopathy program. Pharmacists, nurses, massage therapists, physical therapists, traditionally trained medical doctors or chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals enroll in holistic nutrition, natural health, or naturopathy programs to enhance their existing practices.
Certificate programs in herbal studies, iridology, companion animal care, and natural wellness for healthcare professionals are available if you are interested in advancing your education in a specialty area without earning a degree.
“Part of improving one’s health is learning how to rest and relax. We all take for granted that one day we’ll catch up on our sleep. Instead, one day it’ll all catch up with us — unless we learn new ways. I’ve had several careers and by far the most rewarding one is teaching people how to be kind to themselves. I now hold dual doctorates from CCNH and I’m helping people every day.” —Teresa Roberson, N.D., 1999, Ph.D. in Natural Health, 2004
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At CCNH, the self-paced programs are designed to fit your schedule, so that any part of the day becomes study time and assignments may be submitted at your convenience. In order to help you organize your studies and “stay on track,” degree programs are divided into phases. Although you must complete the phases of your program sequentially, there is no requirement that you take every course in the order it appears in the phase. It is our expectation that you will complete all phases of each individual degree program within five years. At CCNH, you enroll, study, and progress on your schedule, not ours.
It’s often challenging to narrow your interests in the many topics relating to natural health and holistic nutrition. Knowing that, we have included elective opportunities in most of our programs, allowing you to study additional content areas of interest. For instance, you may enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Natural Health and select your three electives from the Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition elective options. When you enroll in a degree program, you may choose to add a concentration in herbology and/or nutrition and lifestyles for an additional fee.
CCNH’s operations support, academic, and IT departments work together to provide services and assistance from enrollment to graduation. Although you will work independently, the CCNH staff is available by telephone and e-mail. A faculty member is assigned to you shortly after enrollment and is available for help during business hours. The academic department is dedicated to ensuring quality curriculum, excellent student services, and friendly communication.
While distance learning offers the busy adult student an excellent avenue for education, it may sometimes seem isolating. CCNH is constantly looking for ways to connect with you and help you connect with your peers. We want your learning experience to be enjoyable and rewarding, and we will do everything we can to help. For example, faculty hosted chats provide a forum for discussing pertinent topics and for getting to know CCNH students and graduates.
To assist your independent study, we offer a range of services on the CCNH Web site. The site is updated regularly and offers news, events, links to research sites, and peer/alumni groups throughout the world. Student services and communication avenues include:
“It has been an inspiration to my children to see Mom in school! We have spent many, many hours studying together.” —Lynn Driscoll, M.S. in Natural Health, 2001, N.H.D., 2004
The structure of each CCNH course provides a pathway for learning and facilitates the comprehensive study of a topic. Soon after enrollment you will receive an orientation packet that includes the Student Handbook and Online Services Manual, which provides detailed information about how to be successful in your program. The handbook is also available online for an environmentally friendly, easy access.
Courses consist of one to four textbooks plus a CCNH-developed study guide. Presented as a series of modules, the guide leads you step-by-step through reading and writing assignments, progress tests or a midterm exam, and a final exam. Most courses require projects that are designed to bring a practical dimension to your studies. In addition, many courses include our own “Natural Reader Notes,” which clarify the CCNH philosophy or provide supplemental information.
Course materials range from college texts and timeless classics to popular literature. In some courses you will find video or audio components. Combined, these may serve as the core of your personal or professional reference library, now and in the future.
You will purchase your textbooks and study guides from our educational partner, ED MAP. As a leading U.S. textbook supplier for distance education institutions, ED MAP offers excellent customer service and reasonable prices in a secure online environment. After enrolling you will receive an enrollment e-mail/letter with details on how to order from ED MAP. The Student Handbook and Online Services Manual also includes detailed ordering information.
