📘 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.