Holistic Practitioner Training Prepares Students for Opening Their Own Business

As alternative and complementary medicine gains popularity, people are using these options both during times of life-threatening illness as well as preventative health and wellness, and pain and stress management. This field, which employs Holistic Practitioners, is an adjunct to medical care in which psychological and emotional well being are recognized factors in patient progress. If you are interested in healing the mind, body and soul, this area of medicine may just be for you. However, to enter the field, you must attend holistic practitioner training at a reputable post-secondary place of learning.

Centennial College is based in Toronto, Ont. and offers a three-semester post-graduate program in Complementary Care/ Holistic Practitioner training. Setting it apart from other such programs is the fact that it is the first such undertaking approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. In order to apply, potential students must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program in health or community services. Centennial College may also consider applicants presenting a combination of post-secondary education and relevant work experience. An interview and resumé review may also be required. Lastly, advanced standing is available for registered massage therapists, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.

One of the most important features of this Holistic Practitioner Training is its community placement component. Students are placed in the field in order to apply what they have learned within the program and gain new insight from professional practitioners, with whom they will work side-by-side. It should be noted that in order for students to participate in the Complementary Care – Holistic Practitioner community placement they must have: a vulnerable sector police check, immunization review, mask fit, standard aid CPR level HCP and a flu shot.

Meanwhile, the in-school portion of the training for holistic practitioners, students gain insight into four well-established modalities: reflexology, craniosacral therapy, therapeutic touch and aromatherapy. Courses, however, also take into account: nutrition, business skills, the human body and more. These courses include: Research Literacy, Holistic Nutrition and Pathophysiology. In the clinic portion of the program, students actually get to obtain hands-on experience in a real setting under the supervision of their professors and instructors.

Because holistic practitioners believe that the mind, body and spirit are connected, they seek to heal and treat all three. However, it should be noted that treatment varies from person to person. In order to recommend a specialized program, holistic practitioners consider using: massage, herbology, vitamin supplementation, acupressure, environmental health, yoga, nutritional counseling, meditation, oxygen therapies, organic living, homeopathy and exercise.

Often, a Holistic Practitioner works in conjunction with modern medical providers. In addition, many holistic practitioners choose to open private practice that is based upon a solid foundation of therapeutic modalities. Others yet, choose to work in places such as: long-term care facilities, multi-disciplinary health care clinics, as well as chiropractic and naturopathic offices.