Complementary and Alternative Health
Practices Minor/Certificate
(15 units)
The Complementary and Alternative Health Practices Minor program is designed to provide a strong academic understanding of the theory, practice, and effectiveness of complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies. Emphasis is on critical thinking skills and using a scientific evidence-based eye while keeping an open mind. Classes will form the basis for evaluating CAM therapies commonly practiced by U.S. residents.
Professional reasons (for health related careers):
- Prepares you to answer patient/client questions of efficacy and safety of CAM therapies.
- Heightens awareness of dangerous interactions and contraindications when mixing CAM and conventional treatment.
- Advances ability to judge CAM efficacy and safety based on scientific evidence and critical thinking.
- Adds value to your health related degree.
- Enhances your resume.
- Provides basic knowledge of CAM therapies.
- Expands knowledge of CAM usefulness as an effective adjunct to conventional medicine.
Personal reasons:
- Learn about CAM therapies that you might consider using.
- Critically evaluate CAM therapies that are available to you and your friends and family.
- Critically evaluate ads for CAM therapies.
- Facilitate decisions about using CAM therapies when conventional medicine
has failed.
Consult a Health Professions advisor for course selections and sequence. Certificates are issued to all who complete the sequence of courses, whether matriculated with the University or not.
*note [ ] indicate General Education Area
Required Courses (9 units)
HPRF 134: Complementary & Alternative Health Practices
HPRF 135: Health Issues in a Multicultural Society [Area
S]
Select one of the following:
BIOL 54: Human Understanding [Area E], or
PHIL 111: Medical Ethics, or
ANTH 108: Medical Anthropology
Elective Courses
(6 units must be selected from 2 different areas)
Alternative Medical Systems
PHIL 111: Medical Ethics*
ANTH 108: Medical Anthropology*
Mind-body Interventions
RELS 122: Magic, Science, and Religion [Area
V]
RELS 123: Body, Mind & Spirit
KIN 69: Stress Management [Area E]
RECL 197: Facilitation Processes in Therapeutic Rec.
Biological-based Therapies
BIOL 54: Human Understanding [Area E]
NUFS 104A: Cultural Aspects of Food
NUFS 105: Current Issues in Nutrition
Manipulative and Body-based Methods
KIN 50: Tai Chi (Meets PE graduation requirement)
KIN 61A: Beginning Yoga (Meets PE graduation
requirement)
Option
HPRF 180: Individual Studies (topic studied
will determine appropriate area)
* If not taken as a required course.
