Natural Health Focus

The Canterbury College of Natural Medicine (CCNM) is a leading provider of professional training in natural health.

CCNM offers a range of full and part-time courses in clinical herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, aromatherapy, reflexology and therapeutic massage.

The diploma courses are designed to educate students to deliver a range of career opportunities from private or group practice to employment with sports teams or within the natural health retail industry.

Last year, the college completed an academic restructuring to continue to meet the increasing needs of its students and the natural health profession.

“The level of competency required for natural health practitioners across all therapies has increased dramatically over the last decade,” says college director Jenny Cookson. “As people become more aware of their natural health options, our graduates find they are required in the course of their work to collaborate more with the medical sector and other natural health practitioners. “Practitioners are also seeing an increase in the complexity of cases seen in their practice. Students at the college receive an in- depth knowledge of medical sciences, therapeutic skills and referral practices.”

The Diploma in Massage Therapy, along with two other qualifications offered by the college, has been extended to an 18- month programme of study, where previously it could be completed in 12 months.

“Under the restructuring, moving clinical practice from the first to the second year, students will be well equipped in terms of knowledge and skills to function in a professional and therapeutic environment.”

Across all professional qualifications delivered by the college, the restructuring means students can cross-credit more easily across diplomas, providing them with great opportunities to qualify in a number of specialties within the shortest amount of time.

* For more information, phone 366-0373, or see www. ccnm.ac.nz

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