Practitioner education provides academic and practical support to students who are interested in becoming practitioners in the field of natural health. The CCNH curriculum ensures a strong content knowledge base in natural health or holistic nutrition for student mastery learning and practitioner skill development specifically directed toward becoming a successful natural health practitioner. The master’s level holistic nutrition and doctor of naturopathy programs include a practitioner block, which provides experiential learning activities to practice adult learning approaches. Objective tests, products, performance checklists, and audio/videos provide evidence of skill mastery, culminating in the final project for all students who have chosen a practitioner education track, the consulting practicum.
CCNH leads the field in training natural health practitioners. The skilled practitioner in the field of natural health seeks to serve clients from an educational, or empowering, perspective. This calls for an alternative to the medical model of care. In response to this, the department of practitioner education created The Clayton College of Natural Health Model of Empowerment. This model emerged through the years as a practical approach in working with clients. Viewing the individual as a whole person instead of a set of symptoms, this model embraces the belief that through imparting knowledge the practitioner can empower the client to take greater personal responsibility for his or her health. Within this model, the practitioner puts into practice the principles and ideals of traditional naturopathy by educating clients about the body’s innate healing abilities and offering recommendations about personal choices to improve health.
“This has been such a positive experience that I am rethinking my goals. Rather than incorporating natural health into an existing business, I intend to start a new consulting business. CCNH gave me the confidence and knowledge to make my mark in the natural health world. Thanks for the wonderful coaching, superb classes, and flexivility, all hallmarks of my education!” —Melanie Shaw, M.S. in Holistic Nutrition, 2003; N.D., 2004 middle school counselor
Faculty members author a column in the quarterly newsletter devoted to promoting the profession of traditional naturopathy and holistic nutrition where students and graduates learn, share their expertise, and expand their understanding of the need to become involved locally, nationally, and globally. Quarterly online news and resources are available to students and graduates of the practitioner track programs. These updates offer information for practitioners who look to CCNH for support and ongoing educational offerings as they work to build successful practices.
CCNH also offers students and graduates the opportunity to use the Natural Standard© database, a world-class source of information on complementary and alternative therapies. Natural Standard© is a valuable resource for the natural health student and professional practitioner alike.
To demonstrate commitment to the profession, the practitioner builds credibility by joining professional association and becoming appropriately credentialed by recognized organizations.
