Program Overview

Introduction to the Certificate in the Study of Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches

The Certificate in the Study of Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches is a unique program offered by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This certificate program explores and evaluates the most common forms of Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) modalities, which advocate for patient-centered, healing-oriented care that utilizes therapeutic approaches originating from conventional and alternative medicine.

Program Type and Format

The Certificate in the Study of Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches is an Undergraduate Certificate program, offered online. This format provides flexible scheduling options, allowing students to balance their academic pursuits with other responsibilities.

Program Overview

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of CIH practices, including their history, cultural applications, evidence-based use, and ethical considerations. Students will critically evaluate the current and future use of integrative health care and expand their knowledge to work in various healthcare settings, such as nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Required Courses

To complete the certificate, students must take the following required courses:

• BMS 260: Introduction to Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches (3 credits, offered in Fall and Spring)
• KIN 365: Health Aspects of Mind and Body Practices (3 credits, offered in Spring)
• KIN 368: Study of Intervention Strategies in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (3 credits, offered in Fall)
• KIN 400: Ethics & Values in the Health & Fitness Professions (3 credits, offered in Fall and Spring)

Elective Courses

Students must also choose one elective course from the following categories:

General Focus

• BMS 245: Client Diversity in Health Sciences: An Interdisciplinary Perspective (3 credits, offered in Spring)
• COMMUN 381: Health Communication (3 credits, offered in Fall and Spring)
• PHILOS 244: Ethical Issues in Healthcare (3 credits, offered in Fall and Spring)
• PSYCH 254: Physiological Psychology (3 credits, offered in Fall and Spring)
• SOCIOL 331: Sociology of Healthcare (3 credits, offered in Fall and Spring)

Health & Wellness Focus

• BMS 232: Introduction to Nutrition (3 credits, offered in Fall and Spring)
• KIN 556: Multilevel Approaches to Changing Physical Activity & Eating Behaviors (3 credits, offered in Spring)
• NUTR 235: Introduction to Nutrition for Health Professionals (3 credits, offered in Spring)
• NUTR 241: Why We Eat What We Eat (3 credits, offered in Fall)
• NUTR 245: Lifecycle Nutrition (3 credits, offered in Spring)
• NUTR 355: Modifying Nutrition & Eating Behavior (3 credits, offered in Spring)

Active Learning (Experience) Focus

• SPT&REC 296: Energy Vinyasa Yoga (1 credit, offered in Fall and Spring)
• SPT&REC 298: Mind Body Awareness (2 credits, offered in Fall and Spring)
• SPT&REC 298: Meditation with a Touch of Yoga (2 credits, offered in Fall and Spring)
• SPT&REC 298: Running with the Mind of Meditation (2 credits, offered in Fall)
• SPT&REC 298: The Art of Healing: Introduction to Self-Care Practices (1 credit, offered variably)
• SPT&REC 298: Wellness: Conscious Living (2 credits, offered in Fall)

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must complete the program within 5 years of starting their first certificate course and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on all required coursework.

Admission Criteria

To enter the program, students must be enrolled in a UWM undergraduate degree program or hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree.

Program Details

• The certificate requires 15 credits to complete.
• Courses are taught by highly skilled and expert instructors.
• The program is one of the few undergraduate certificates in the Study of Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches in the country.

Career Opportunities

The Certificate in the Study of Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches prepares students for careers in various healthcare settings, including nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, where there is a growing demand for complementary and integrative medicine.