Complementary Health Care Certificate (CHC)

This program focuses on complementary health care philosophy, theories, and practices, offering an innovative opportunity to study complementary/holistic approaches to maintaining health and supporting recovery from injury or illness. Training in several modalities such as Reiki, Reflexology, Yoga, and stress management are offered. This program is an excellent option for those who are: working in healthcare, human resources, teaching, or other professions and wish to enhance their skills; professionals who need college credits to meet Continuing Education Unit requirements to maintain licensure in nursing, physical therapy, counseling, teaching, or other careers; students who wish to gain a comprehensive background in complementary health care as a focus toward a future degree; and those who are interested in complementary health care for their own personal growth. Benefits of MWCC’s program include: a comprehensive, leading edge curriculum; highly-skilled instructors; courses that award academic credit; practicum experience; networking opportunities; and job placement assistance.

Students completing this certificate program may want to consider advancing to the Complementary Health Care Degree program and completing the massage therapy coursework.

Campus/format: This program can be completed during the day or evening at the Gardner Campus.

Transfer options: Courses may be applied to MWCC’s Complementary Health Care and Massage Therapy Degree (CHD). Consult with your academic advisor.

Special requirements: Students must meet technical standards and additional requirements including immunizations, CPR certification, liability insurance, and a Criminal/Sexual Offender Records Information (CORI/SORI) check (see pages 34-35 of the college catalog).

Please Note: All BIO, MTC and PTA courses require a grade of “C+” in order to be eligible for promotion to the next level.

Career options: Coordinating programs at wellness centers, health centers, or spas. This certificate is a valuable addition to a degree in human services, nursing, physical therapy, or massage therapy.

Earning potential: Varies by position.

Elective courses by abbreviation

Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

Students entering one of these programs must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
2. Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
3. Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
4. Continuously (2-4 hours) stand in place, twist, scoop, bend at the waist, pinch or grasp with hands, reach with arms overhead.
5. Lift, handle and carry massage therapy equipment including table, chair which can weigh up to 50 pounds.
6. Manipulate clients for positioning requiring lifting up to 40 lbs.
7. Demonstrate tactile ability commensurate with assessing muscle tonicity. In addition, tactile sensitivity to hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, hardness/softness.
8. Demonstrate fine and gross motor skills commensurate with sustained pressure using thumbs, wrist and hands for up to 60 minutes.
9. Respond to spoken verbal communication, as well as sounds that indicate changes in the patient’s physiological condition (i.e. breath sounds, slurred speech).
10. Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s life or safety, and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.
11. Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.
12. Exhibit behavioral and ethical skills appropriate to professional interactions.
13. Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close personal contact.
14. Function without causing harm to self or others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications.