Associate Degree in Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Program Overview:

The Associate Degree in Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CAT) provides foundational education and hands-on skills in holistic health and natural healing approaches. Students explore integrative therapies like herbalism, aromatherapy, massage, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and more. This two-year program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in wellness centers, spas, or to continue toward a bachelor's degree in health sciences or holistic medicine.

🕒 Program Duration:

• 2 years (4 semesters)

• 60–64 credit hours

🎯 Program Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to:

• Understand the principles and practices of major complementary therapies.

• Apply ethical and evidence-informed practices in client care.

• Integrate CAT modalities into broader health and wellness contexts.

• Perform basic assessments and recommend holistic health interventions.

• Collaborate effectively with conventional and integrative healthcare professionals.

🧱 Degree Structure:

📚 Core Courses (36 credits):

• Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Therapies

• Holistic Health and Healing

• Foundations of Herbal Medicine

• Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

• Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Principles of Ayurveda

• Energy Medicine and Reiki

• Massage Therapy Fundamentals

• Ethics and Legal Issues in Holistic Practice

• Anatomy & Physiology for Holistic Practitioners

• Integrative Health Practices

• Mind-Body Techniques: Meditation, Yoga, and Stress Relief

🧪 General Education (20–24 credits):

• English Composition

• Introduction to Psychology or Sociology

• Human Biology

• Health and Wellness

• Communication Skills

• Math for Health Sciences

📚 Course Descriptions & Syllabus Breakdown

🔹 Course 1: Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Description:
Explores the history, philosophy, and modern use of complementary and alternative therapies. Students examine key CAT modalities and their roles in health promotion and disease prevention.

Modules:

• Defining Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine

• Historical and Cultural Roots of CAT

• Common Modalities Overview (Herbal, Massage, Acupuncture, etc.)

• Regulation, Certification, and Safety

• Research and Evidence in CAT

• Case Studies in Integrative Medicine

🔹 Course 2: Holistic Health and Healing

Description:
Focuses on holistic models of care, including the mind-body-spirit connection and wellness-based lifestyle interventions.

Modules:

• Principles of Holistic Health

• Wellness and Preventative Care

• Spiritual and Emotional Dimensions of Healing

• Lifestyle Medicine and Self-Care

• Environmental and Social Determinants of Health

• Cultural Competency in Holistic Practice

🔹 Course 3: Foundations of Herbal Medicine

Description:
Covers the identification, preparation, and use of medicinal herbs to support health and treat common conditions.

Modules:

• Introduction to Herbal Pharmacology

• Safety, Ethics, and Dosing Guidelines

• Herbal Materia Medica (Top 20 Herbs)

• Herbal Preparation Methods (Teas, Tinctures, Salves)

• Herbal Protocols for Digestive, Immune, and Nervous Systems

• Creating a Personal Herbal Apothecary

🔹 Course 4: Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Description:
Explores essential oils for therapeutic purposes, including blending techniques, safety, and clinical uses.

Modules:

• Chemistry and Extraction of Essential Oils

• Safety, Dilution, and Contraindications

• Aromatherapy for Stress, Sleep, and Mood

• Immune Support and Respiratory Conditions

• Creating Personal Care Products

• Case Applications in Aromatherapy

🔹 Course 5: Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Description:
Introduces key concepts in TCM, including Qi, meridians, yin-yang theory, and basic diagnostics.

Modules:

• History and Philosophy of TCM

• The Five Elements Theory

• Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids

• Meridian Theory and Acupoints

• Introduction to Acupuncture and Moxibustion

• Chinese Herbal Therapy

🔹 Course 6: Principles of Ayurveda

Description:
Covers Ayurvedic approaches to wellness based on doshas, diet, and natural remedies.

Modules:

• Origins and Philosophical Foundations

• The Three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha

• Ayurvedic Nutrition and Lifestyle

• Daily Routines and Seasonal Cleansing

• Common Ayurvedic Remedies

• Application of Ayurveda in Western Contexts

🔹 Course 7: Energy Medicine and Reiki

Description:
Explores the theory and application of energy-based healing techniques, with an emphasis on Reiki.

Modules:

• Energy Anatomy: Chakras and Auras

• The Science of Biofields

• History and Principles of Reiki

• Hand Positions and Treatment Protocols

• Intuition and Client Communication

• Ethics and Professional Practice

🔹 Course 8: Massage Therapy Fundamentals

Description:
Provides a practical introduction to massage theory, basic techniques, and therapeutic applications.

🔹 Course 9: Ethics and Legal Issues in Holistic Practice

Description:
Focuses on ethical considerations, client-practitioner boundaries, confidentiality, and state regulations.

🔹 Course 10: Anatomy & Physiology for Holistic Practitioners

Description:
Covers basic structure and function of the human body with a focus on systems relevant to CAT.

🔹 Course 11: Integrative Health Practices

Description:
Examines how to blend holistic therapies with conventional medicine for client-centered care.

🔹 Course 12: Mind-Body Techniques: Meditation, Yoga, and Stress Relief

Description:
Introduces students to stress-reduction techniques through breathwork, guided meditation, and basic yoga.