Completing A Holistic Nursing Program Can Help Improve Your Career

Holistic medicine originated over 5,000 years and has been used as primary treatment by various Eastern civilizations. Its principles are based on the idea that the physical, mental and emotional states must be considered when treating the human body. Since the 1980’s, the number of Americans using holistic medicine has steadily increased. As a result, holistic nursing programs have been established nationwide for both introductory and Continuing Education (CNE) certification courses to educate Registered Nurses on this complementary medicine.

Because holistic medicine encompasses many of Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, Registered Nurses who attend an introductory Holistic Nursing Program can expect to learn the basics of Western Bodywork, Physical Arts, Herbalism, Nutrition, and Asian Bodywork with a Western approach to ailments. While curriculum can vary from one school to another, these holistic modalities are often taught because they help promote and maintain the patient’s physical health. Similar to the principles of TCM, holistic medicine focuses on restoring the patient’s physical, mental and emotional health by balancing their qi, or flow of energy.

New York College of Health Professions offers a Continuing Education Holistic Nursing Program, which consists of a 412.5 clock-hour program and a supervised, 50 hour clinical internship over a time span of 4 terms. Open only to Registered Nurses in the State of New York, students learn to integrate holistic nursing theory with Oriental clinical assessment and diagnostic techniques. Some additional required courses are Western Bodywork, T’ai Chi Chuan, Asian Bodywork and execution of holistic nursing theory to clinical practice. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the NCCAOM exam for National Certification in Asian Bodywork. Upon successful completion of the NCCAOM exam, the candidate is granted the title of Diplomate of Asian Bodywork.

Registered Nurses have found the knowledge of holistic medicine to be an asset to their careers and often their personal health. In fact, many registered nurses choose to study holistic medicine because of its positive effects on themselves and their families’ wellbeing. Furthermore, holistic medicine allows for Registered Nurses to further assist their patients, many of which request complementary therapies such as massage therapy or Asian bodywork. These newly attained skills also encourage some Registered Nurses to further their education and careers in other holistic fields including Oriental medicine.

Acquiring a Quality Massage Therapy Education

Massage therapy originated in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Its practice was first recorded in an ancient Ayurvedic text, which described various natural remedies utilized by ancient Indians. Ayurveda and massage therapy continue to be a part of primary healthcare in India today. Although it did not become a popular complementary therapy in the United States until the 1980’s, massage therapy is one of the fastest growing fields today.

Due to the Western society’s growing interest in natural therapies, the demand for licensed massage therapist is steadily increasing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 30, 000 new jobs are to be open to licensed massage therapists by 2020, an above average growth rate of 20% since 2010.  As a result of the growing demand, more states are beginning to regulate massage therapy education and practice. In New York, an individual interested in pursuing a career in massage therapy, must first obtain quality massage therapy education from an accredited institution such as New York College of Health Professions.

New York College is a pioneer in massage therapy education. The massage therapy program’s curriculum includes Asian Bodywork, Medical Massage and Swedish massage, Oriental anatomy and physiology as well as Western health sciences. Additionally, students are required to gain hands-on practice during clinical internships and take classes in T’ai Chi Chuan, Yoga and Qi Gong to help them better understand their own body’s movements and abilities.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates receive an Associate in Occupational Studies degree and are qualified to sit for the New York State licensing exam. In order to practice in the State of New York, a therapist must successfully pass the exam. With its main campus in Syosset, New York and 3 locations in New York City, New York College is conveniently accessible to most students residing in New York’s tri-state area.

Licensed massage therapists have a number of employment opportunities. While many choose to be employed in wellness spas, clinics, or hospitals, others prefer to open their own practice or work independently. Due to the many benefits of massage therapy for various ailments, an increasing number of Western physicians are referring their patients to massage therapists. In fact, over 30% of Western physicians refer their patients to at least one complementary therapy. Therefore, it is advised for a licensed massage therapist to build a network of contacts in the medical world.

Overall, massage therapists can enjoy rewarding careers in a variety of venues.