Module I
(Natural Health Consultant Certificate)
8 courses 24 credit hours 12 months to complete
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
(ANA) Anatomy and Physiology 3
(AT1) Alternative Therapies I 3
(IBW) Introduction to Body Work 3
(HHN) Holistic Health and Naturopathy 1 3
(MH1) Metaphysics 1 3
(PSY) Psychology 3
(ENG) English Composition 3
(ETH) Medical Ethics 3
(DEC) Major Declaration (*Optional) 0
Course Descriptions:
(ANA) Anatomy and Physiology
Course covers anatomy and chemistry basics including anatomic terminology, Organic Compounds, chemical reactions, tissue, muscles, bones, joints, systems: Muscular, Nervous, Sensory, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Immune, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive. There are chapter quizzes and a final examination. Students must pass all quizzes and pass final exam as requirements of course completion.
This is a Pass / Fail class. Quizzes and final exam may be re-taken 1 time if previously failed.
(AT1) Alternative Therapies I
This course provides a general
overview of many alternative and integrative therapy practices and techniques
currently in use in the United States.
Each subject area includes definitions, history, theory, and basic
concepts and practices. Subjects typically
include Chinese and Tibetan Medicine, Ayurveda, Aromatherapy, Energy Healing, Essences,
Color, Sound and Music, Qi Gong, Reiki, and Homeopathy.
The objective of this course is to develop ability to converse factually and intelligently about numerous alternative health and integrative medical modalities and issues.
A series of short answer worksheets, paragraphs, essays, reading summations, and a short paper (3-5 pages) on various alternative health subjects are required for course completion.
(IBW) Introduction to Body Work Techniques
This course consists of an overview of the basic theory and practices pertaining to many alternative and integrative bodywork therapy practices and techniques currently in use in the United States such as Relaxation and Therapeutic Massage, Yoga, Cranial Sacral Work, and Reflexology.
The objective of this course is to develop ability to converse
factually and intelligently about numerous alternative health
and integrative medical body work modalities.
A series of worksheets, paragraphs, and reading summations on these various alternative health subjects will be required for course completion.
(HHN) Holistic Health and Naturopathy
This course provides a general overview of Holistic and Naturopathic theories, practices and techniques currently in use in the United States including definitions, history, theory, basic concepts and practices. Subjects include Chiropractic Arts and Sciences, Osteopathy, Herbology and Herbalism, Detoxification, Nutrition and Supplements, Iridology, Hypnotherapy, Guided Imagery, Metaphysics, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
The objective of this course is to develop ability to converse
factually and intelligently about numerous alternative health
and integrative medical body work modalities.
A series of worksheets, essays, reading summations, and a short paper (3-5 pages) on various Holistic Health subjects will be required for course completion.
(MH1) Metaphysics I
This course primarily focuses on meditation and meditation techniques for personal self-awareness, stress reduction, development and self-control.
The objective of this course is to provide students with tools and techniques for facilitating self awareness for personal development and to be able to teach techniques to others.
This is a Pass / Fail class. Submit short answer worksheets at the end of program module. All work must be satisfactorily completed in order to pass the course.
(PSY) Psychology
Students will study human psychological stress and its effects on the human body, strategies for counseling and educating others about this subject, and techniques for diminishing or relieving stress on the body and in ones life.
The objective of this course is to develop the ability to converse
factually and intelligently about numerous alternative health
and integrative mental and physical medical modalities as they are applied to physical and emotional stress reduction.
A series of worksheets, essays, reading summations, and a short paper on this subject will be required for course completion.
(ENG) English Composition
This course covers Standard English grammar and style by writing a series of essays, reading summations, and short papers (1-3 pages) on various alternative health subjects which will correspond to required class reading and related assignments.
The objective of this course is to develop ability to converse
factually and intelligently with polish and style when writing about alternative health
and integrative medical body work modalities and issues both in the public and professional environment.
IMPORTANT: These assignments are integral to the other program courses. Failure to complete any part of any assignment affects both courses.
(ETH) Medical Ethics
This course covers the ancient and contemporary issues related to ethics and medical practice. A series of short essays and reading summations on assigned readings in medical, sociological and environmental ethics will be required. All course assignments are required to be completed satisfactorily in order to pass the course. There is a final examination.
The objective of this course is to develop ability to converse
factually and intelligently in writing about numerous ethical issues which might be encountered in alternative health
and integrative medical environments and practice.
This is a Pass/Fail class. The final exam may be re-taken 1 time if previously failed.
(DEC) Major Declaration (*Optional):
Students will declare and pursue individual major course elections for in-depth study and practice to take place during Modules II and III.
NOTE *Only students who intend to continue through the program to Module II or III must declare a major.
The purpose of this assignment is two fold: (1) to assist AEI in preparing the best curriculum possible for each student according to their genuine interest, and (2) to assist each student in developing and securing the clinical practicum placement best suited to their needs and desires.
This election will be presented in a 1-3 page paper (detailed format instructions will be provided), and must include declaring and defining of the subject, a statement of why the subject was chosen, a discussion of the students background and aptitude for the practice of the subject, a statement of intention and /or plan for making a viable career out of the subjects studied, and a statement suggesting why the student would be an asset to the profession as an individual practitioner or to a group practice in that subject.
IMPORTANT: The Major and Minor Declaration is required at least 90 days prior to registering for or beginning program Module II. A Major Declaration may be changed within the first 30 days of beginning Module II. Major Declarations may be changed one time during the first 60 days of beginning module II. Any change of major to another major thereafter will require re-registration for Module II and a possible 90 day waiting period prior to beginning program.
Module II
(Natural Health Educator Certificate) 14 Hours
6 courses 14 credit hours 6 month to complete
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
(AT2) Alternative Therapies II 2
(ABW) Advanced Body Work Techniques 2
(CAM) Complementary & Alternative Medical Theory 3
(M++) Major Study Program 3
(MTR) Medical Terminology 2
(AMH) Advanced Metaphysics and Hypnosis 2
(SIP) Statement of Intent 0
Course Descriptions Prerequisite: AEI
Module I
(AT2) Alternative Therapies II
More
exotic therapies, which are enjoying a steady or growing influence and place in
alternative and integrative medicine are covered in this course. Topics vary and often include Folk Medicine,
Shamanism, Native American Medicine, Huna, Polarity Therapy, Urine Therapy, Magnet Therapy, Hydrotherapy, and many others.
The objective of this course is to develop the ability to converse factually and intelligently in writing about numerous issues, methods and modalities which might be encountered in alternative health and integrative medical environments and practice. Further, this course is designed to provide students with advanced material for study applicable to their major/minor course elections.
A series of course material summaries, and several short papers (1-3 pages) or projects on various alternative health subjects are required to be submitted for course completion.
(ABW) Advanced Body Work Techniques
This course is an overview of Oriental bodywork theories and techniques such as Acupressure, Acupuncture, Cupping, Moxibustion, Shiatsu and more in depth studies of Auriculotherapy and stress reducing body alignment techniques.
Students will also pursue an individual major course election for in-depth study or practice as declared at the end of program Module I, consisting of more advanced studies of applicable subject(s) covered previously in Body Work Techniques and/or Holistic Health and Naturopathy.
The objective of this course is to develop ability to converse factually and intelligently in writing about numerous issues, methods and modalities which might be encountered in alternative health and integrative medical environments and practice. Further, this course is designed to provide students with advanced material for study applicable to their major/minor course election.
A series of worksheets, written summations based upon course materials and other required reading, and several short papers (1-3 pages) or projects on various alternative health subjects according to the individual student’s major or minor course of study are required to be submitted for course completion.
(CAM) Complimentary and Alternative Medical Theory
Concepts are illustrated with stories that depict real life
anecdotes and experiences applicable to the healing environment. Evidence based practices are explored along
with the research and findings to support and validate their effective
introduction to and the steps to implementation of the concepts and clinical
implications in a hypothetical clinical practice.
The objective of this course is to explore the incorporation of alternative and complementary approaches to healing into the traditional western delivery system of health care.
A series of worksheets, essays, reading summations, and a short paper (3-5 pages) on various CAM subjects will be required for course completion.
(M2+) Major Study Program I
Students will explore individual major course election for
in-depth study as declared at the end of program Module I, consisting of
intermediate level studies of applicable topics.
The objective of this course is to provide students with more focused advanced material in the area of their particular interest.
A
series of worksheets, essays, reading summations, and a short paper (3-5 pages)
on various relevant subjects will be required for course completion.
(MTR) Medical Terminology
Students will study the language of medicine and medical practice including the vocabulary of technical terms and usages. Students must pass all quizzes and the final exam as requirements for course completion.
The objective of this course is to develop the ability to converse professionally and accurately in speaking and writing about numerous methods and modalities which might be encountered in alternative health
and integrative medical environments and practice.
This
is a Pass/Fail class. Quizzes and the final exam may be re-taken 1 time if
previously failed.
(AMH) Advanced Metaphysics and Hypnotherapy
This course primarily focuses on teaching and sharing healing energy and meditation techniques for self- awareness, stress reduction, personal development and self- control with other individuals close by, others at a distance, or with small or large groups of people.
The objective of this course is to provide students with tools and techniques for facilitating self awareness for personal development.
This
is a Pass / Fail class. Short answer
worksheets and a completed project report (1page) will be submitted at the end of the program
module. All work must be completed and submitted in order to pass the course.
(SIP) Statement of Intent (Clinical Practicum Election)
Assignment:
Declare modality to be practiced, outline goals and objectives to be
reached, identify placement preference, develop
and list the strategy for acquiring placement, and (self monitoring students
only) create a verifiable process for completing the clinical practicum. Detailed instructions will be provided.
IMPORTANT: Many
States require at least 40 hours of
supervised / actual hands on practice of certain body work modalities prior to
certification or licensing. AEI's
stated mission requires that students be prepared to actually practice on the
general public as a result of completing our basic program of study. Our 60 hour clinical program is purposefully designed to exceed state minimum requirements.
The Clinical Practicum is similar to an internship or apprenticeship in that it can be a paid or unpaid position, and that it must be supervised and /or monitored by a suitable authority. This suitable authority is usually a person certified or licensed by the state in which the practicum will take place. Some students might elect to self monitor their own practicum. This privilege is usually extended to older students who have already established themselves as practitioners in their community but who have now sought formal education and certification in their chosen profession. Students who intend to self-monitor a practicum must provide a description of verifiable procedures that will be consistently complied in order to achieve and prove program completion.
IMPORTANT: Students who elect to self monitor their own practicum will do so with the understanding that their practicum might not meet the local law standards of the state where they ultimately intend to practice regardless of holding course completion certificates or diplomas from AEI or national certification. The supervised practice generally applies to Massage Therapists or persons intending to hold themselves out to the public as any kind of “therapist" or "body worker". Students are urged to check with the local laws of the state where they intend to establish themselves as a professional after graduation prior to receiving approval to begin their practicum.
Students who intend to self- monitor a practicum must provide a description of verifiable procedures that will be consistently complied in order to achieve and prove program completion.
The purpose of this assignment is to assist each student in securing a clinical practicum placement or in designing a self -monitored clinical practicum best suited to their needs and desires. This election presented during Module II will serve as a statement of intention for both the practicum provider and AEI regarding goals and objectives to be achieved as a result of the time investment.
Module III
(Natural Health Technician Certificate) 12 hours + 60 hour clinical practicum
5 courses 12 credit hours 6 month to complete
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
(BLP) Basic Business Law and Practice 2
(CPT) Combining and Proscribing Therapies 3(CPR) Clinical Practicum 2
(CIP) Complimentary and Integrative Practice 2
(M3+) Major Study Program 3
(Optional FREE course)
(CXP) Certification Exam Prep and Review 0
Course Descriptions Prerequisite: AEI Module II
(BLP) Basic Business Law and Practice
This course is designed for health professionals. Topics covered include marketing, client retention, professionalism, referrals, planing, insurance, billing, start-up, choosing advisers, ethics, designing promotional materials, self-management, finding a business location, time management, diversification and networking.
Students will complete required reading assignments, worksheets, and submit a final project. The final project is to design and complete a real or hypothetical business plan or grant application, as satisfaction of course requirements.
The objective of this course is to provide students with tools and techniques for creating a successful and enjoyable career.
This is a Pass / Fail class. Short answer worksheets and a completed project will be submitted at the end of program module. All work must be satisfactorily completed and submitted in order to pass the course.
(CPT) Combining and Proscribing
Therapies
This course is designed to familiarize students with the art, science and practical aspects of patient interviewing and evaluation, planning individual and combination treatments and the follow up of prescribed treatment plans.
The objective of this course is to provide students with tools and techniques for creating successful treatment plans for themselves or clients/patients. Assignments will cover individual treatment plans, combined therapies, and integrative treatment plans.
A
series of worksheets and project papers (3-5 pages) are
required for course completion.
Satisfactory completion of assignments is critical for this course.
Students will explore their individual major course subject for in-depth study of advanced practices and materials usage (if required) as applicable.
The objective of this course is to provide students with more advanced studies material in the area of their particular interest to prepare them for Clinical Practicum and professional practice.
(CAM) Complimentary and Integrative Medical Practice
This is the practical companion course (the CAM Theory course) from Module II. This Module III level course focuses specifically on the issues and practices that are most applicable to mainstream medicine. Students will cover social and scientific issues such as science and the interface of conventional and CAM systems such as Ayurveda, acupuncture, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy.
The objective of this course is to explore the common conditions seen by physicians in primary care and the complementary or alternative medicine systems or modalities proscribed along with indications and precautions utilized to responsibly care for patients. It is designed to correlate to the Clinical Practicum experience.
(CPR) Clinical Practicum
This component of Module III program requires various elements for satisfactory completion which will depend upon the practicum secured or elected. Basic requirements include completing at least 60 hours of actual practice of alternative health techniques on others (not your relatives) under the supervision of an appropriate supervisor, writing a 2 page summary of the experience, receiving satisfactory remarks from the practicum provider and/or clients, and turning all these materials in, along with a completed time sheet including appropriate signatures at the end of the practicum.
All
clinical practicum applicants must receive the prior written approval of either
the Director or assigned Dean before practicum
commencement. Detailed instructions for compliance will be distributed in advance.
The program election presented during Module II will serve as a statement of intention for both the practicum provider and AEI regarding goals and objectives to be achieved as a result of the time investment. Further, students who intend to complete a self- monitored practicum must have a fully outlined statement of goals and objectives, as well as a description of procedures that will be consistently complied with in order to achieve and prove program requirements have been met.
This is a Pass / Fail class. All work must be satisfactorily completed and submitted in order to pass the course.
OPTIONAL: Certification Exam Prep and Review
This
course covers the material that is most likely to be on the National
Certification Examination (NCE). This
course is optional for all students whether or not they intend to sit for the NCE. It is offered free of charge and is not included in the cost of tuition.
The objective of this course is to two fold: (1) It serves as a final comprehensive examination of materials
covered by the entire program, and (2) it serves as a review of materials likely to be covered by the NCE. AEI prides itself on the high passage rate of its students; and this review program, we believe, is primarily responsible for consistently high marks.
A series of worksheets and a practice exam must be completed based upon materials which the student has compiled during previous courses. This is why we advise students to keep copies of all their work! The practice exam is not graded toward program completion requirements, but will be graded for purpose of showing students where more study effort might be applied for optimum results.
There is no charge for this course. We just want you to succeed!
***
AEI Graduate Studies in Alternative Health
Taking the National Certification Exam is NOT a criterion for admission to our graduate programs. Completing the AEI Basic Studies Program is a prerequisite for admission to our graduate programs.
Naturopathy, BN (Bachelor of Naturopathy) or
BioEnergetics, BE (Bachelor of BioEnergetics)
(48 additional academic credit hours required. Graduates of AEI’s basic program can apply 6 life experience credits toward their bachelor degree, deducted from their major course program, if they successfully completed the clinical practicum program at AEI).
This bachelor program is designed for students who appreciate the importance of having a bachelors degree in their academic record for many jobs and professional/social situations, or for those who desire more structured education as it relates to alternative health.
Our program is designed to round out the Basic Studies 3 Module program offered by AEI, which is a prerequisite for admission to our bachelor's degree program, with more traditional curriculum found in any arts and sciences college program, along with a corps of advanced materials as they relate to alternative health modalities.
Candidates
for bachelor degrees must take US History (3 credits), World History (3 credits), biology (3 credits),
earth science (3 credits), and sociology (3 credits). Each of these courses will involve reading required texts, completing short written assignments and passing a final exam.
Candidates must also complete work in advanced studies for their major/minor programs (33 credit hours)*, and
complete a research paper prior to degree award. Prior approval of research paper topic is required before beginning assignment.
*Advanced Major/Minor Study and Research
This is the series of required reading and summations, short papers (3-5 pages), quizzes and tests on various alternative health subjects related to the students major/minor program from the following topics that are required.
These assignments will be the basis of evaluating satisfactory course completion of major/minor course work.
Required and suggested reading will be assigned pertaining to:
The Concept of Healing
History and Future of Healing
Market Forces
Alternative and Complementary Approaches to Healing
Integrative Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Homeopathy
Naturopathy
Mind and Body Therapies
Energetic Therapies
Eastern Therapies
Miscellaneous Therapies
The Process of Becoming a Healer
Healing Ourselves and Our Environment
Posture and Mobility
Touch Therapies and Bodywork
Body-Mind-Spirit Connection to Health and Illness
Stress and its Consequences
Bolstering the Immune System
Health Care Lobbying and Governmental Relations
Research Paper
3,500
word research paper on a topic of your choice according to degree sought. Topic approval by faculty adviser or Dean prior to beginning of term paper is
required.
ADVANCED DEGREE STUDIES AT THE INSTITUTE: Masters and Doctoral Degrees
Taking the National Certification
Exam is NOT a criterion for admission to our graduate programs.
Completing the AEI Basic Studies Program is a prerequisite for
admission to our graduate programs.
Students who wish to continue their studies, regardless of certification status, may apply to our Advanced Studies Department and discuss plans toward a Masters Degree and/or Doctorate of Philosophy Degree
Admission to these levels of study is made by application and must be approved by the Director or Dean.
Applicants who possess a BA or BS degree from other institutions are not eligible for admission to our or MA or PhD programs unless they first complete the 3 Module Basic Alternative Health Program at AEI. Only AEI graduates who have earned a BN or BE will be accepted to our advanced studies program. AEI Graduates who desire a Masters Degree must complete the BN or BE program at AEI prior to application or acceptance to the Masters Program.
Masters Degree Program (MA)
Subject Selection
Program Bibliography
Master Thesis
Program Description
Subject Selection
Students
may pursue a course of study along the lines of their undergraduate major program or elect a
new subject area to study and research. Any
course of study must fall under the umbrella of
alternative/holistic/complimentary health or (if a student has graduated from the Seminary program) metaphysics, religion, comparative religion or New Thought. Written department
approval of student’s subject of study must be received prior to program start.
Program Bibliography
Students will design their own curriculum bibliography or may elect to have reading material assigned by their faculty adviser. This curriculum bibliography will be the basic reference matter foundation for their thesis. Additional research materials and books can and should be used to support thesis development.
Masters Thesis
5,000 words; formal thesis format, with written department approval of thesis statement must be received prior to start. Two copies must be submitted, one will be kept in our archives the other copy will be returned to the student.
Doctorate Degree Program (PhD)
Program Reading and Research
Dissertation
Oral
Defense of Dissertation
Program
Reading and Research
Subject Selection
Students
may pursue a course of study along their undergraduate major program, their
Masters program or elect a new subject area to study and research. Any course of study must fall under the umbrella
of alternative/holistic/complimentary health or (if a student has graduated from the Seminary program, and holds a Masters Degree from INTS) metaphysics, religion, comparative religion or New Thought. Written department
approval of student’s subject of study must be received prior to program start.
Program Bibliography
Students
will design their own curriculum bibliography or may elect to have reading
materials assigned by their faculty adviser.
The curriculum biography will be the
basic subject matter foundation for their doctoral thesis and dissertation. Additional
research materials and books can and should be used to support thesis and
dissertation development.
Dissertation
10,000 words; formal dissertation format. Student’s topic of choice, with written department approval must be received prior to start. Two copies must be submitted, one will be kept in our archives and the other copy will be returned to the student.
Oral Defense of Dissertation
This traditional process is designed to (1) ensure authenticity of research and findings and (2) to rehearse students in the discussion of subject matter and the defense against challenges to their work. Location and format for this time honored experience will be determined after dissertation is complete, submitted and approved.