Choosing a naturopathic and holistic medicine program can be a difficult and time-consuming choice. There are about 1,300 schools offering massage therapy alone! At first you will need to make many decisions: whether you wish to pursue a degree, diploma or certificate; study on a full-time or part-time basis; what areas of specialization interest you; how important special features such as internship and facilities are to your decision; and the importance of cost, location and other similar factors. Once you have decided on these, you will still need to undertake a significant exploration and consultation to focus your interests and choice of a program in naturopathic and holistic medicine.
Here is a step-by-step process to help you evaluate each program:
Visit the website of the university, college, school or program department. Most institutions provide detailed information about their programs - i.e., which degrees, diplomas/certificates are offered, amount of tuition and fees, admission requirements and intake times, faculty qualifications, industry experience and accreditation and more! Often the university's, college's or school's website will provide a "Q&A" or FAQ page which will answer the most common questions about it and its programs.
Visit the university, college or school. Campus visits allow you to learn things about the institution that might not be obvious from its marketing materials, such as facilities, campus lay-out, transportation and how it feels to be on campus. If the university, college or school is in your home-town or nearby, you can always take an informal tour on your own and visit the admissions or program office to ask questions. Even if the college or school nearest you is not the one you are considering, an information-gathering visit can help you get a sense of what you are comparing your other choices to.
Speak with an admissions counselor or academic advisor: they have a thorough knowledge of the curriculum and study programs that can lend a perspective to your decisions, and sometimes lead you in new directions.
Research other sources of information. There is a wealth of things that you can do here:
If you know past graduates of the university, college, school or program, talk with them about their experiences while a student.
Sample their services. Many naturopathic and holistic medicine schools run spas or clinics open to the public. Want to find out how good their massage therapist program is, for example? Then why not go get a massage!
Check the school's accreditation, as well as the certification and licensure of the instructors.
Search the Internet for information on awards and achievements bestowed on naturopathic and holistic medicine programs - competitions won, faculty honors, research grants, etc.
Look up any professional associations in the field you're considering: their websites may have information about schools that help you decide which ones to put on your list--and which ones to avoid.
Consult Facebook and other social networking sites that may provide testimonials and other student comments on specific naturopathic and holistic medicine programs and the universities, colleges or schools that offer them.
Then match these facts and figures against the specific naturopathic and holistic medicine programs you are evaluating.
Illinois Wesleyan University Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is a highly selective liberal arts university with an enrollment of 2,100. IWU has long been known for its outstanding faculty, distinctive liberal ...
