Diploma in Naturopathy & Herbal Medicine

NZQA accredited - Level 7

Head of Department - Lizzie Gilbertson

Lotus diploma students can upgrade to the Bachelor of Natural Medicine (Western Herbal Medicine Pathway) by completing two papers by distance learning, and gaining recognition of prior learning for other Lotus modules successfully completed, through South Pacific College of Natural Therapies (SPCNT), Auckland.  The two degree papers cover traditional practices and mind/body medicine.

Course Descriptor

The Diploma in Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine at the Lotus Holistic Centre provides you with detailed knowledge of natural medicine history, wellness concepts, basic medical sciences, herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, acute homoeopathic prescribing, core body therapies, communication skills, interview methods, diagnostic methodologies, research methodology and practitioner/patient interaction. 

Course Objectives

The objective of the naturopathy and herbal medicine training at the Lotus Holistic Centre is to graduate students that are competently prepared to enter into practice as naturopathic and herbal practitioners within the community. This level of competency includes the ability to enter into ongoing education (post-graduate diplomas and degrees), to be eligible for entry into professional associations, to be competent to work within an integrative medical environment, to be prepared for a professional life that includes statutory regulation and to be able to meet an expected increase in required competency standards.

Course Outcome Statement

Graduates will have extensive skills in holistic natural medicine methods and be able to enter private practice as naturopaths and medical herbalists within the community.

This is a three-year full time course designed to give graduates an in-depth knowledge of the various aspects of naturopathy such as herbal medicine, diet and nutrition and bodywork, underpinned by a theoretical base of anatomy, physiology and pathology together with a knowledge of clinical practice in a complementary therapies setting.  Part-time students can complete their study over a maximum of seven years.

Graduates can register as a Naturopath (http://www.naturopath.org.nz/) and a Medical Herbalist (http://nzamh.org.nz/).

Requirements

• Three years of full-time study (or up to 7 years part time) in face-to-face tuition at the campus over 33 weeks each year

Dates and times

• Year 1: 7 February - 7 December 2012, observing school holidays
• 9.00 am - 12 noon, or 9.30 am - 11.45 am, 12.45 pm - 2.45 pm Monday - Thursday
• Timetables available on request from the office

Costs

• Current tuition fees are provided in our prospectus, or enquire at our office.

Modules - year 1

Semester 1

• Anatomy and Physiology 1
• Nutrition 1
• Introduction to Research
• Communications
• Naturopathic first aid

Both semesters

• Herbal Medicine 1A
• Herbal Medicine 1B
• Bodywork - wellness massage, polarity, reflexology

Semester 2

• Anatomy and Physiology 2
• Health & Wellness
• History & Philosophy
• Homeopathy 1

For year 2 and 3 modules click here

Enrolment process

• Complete an enrolment form - available from the office or click here to request
• Complete a personal profile form, and ask two people you know (not family members) to be independent referees and complete a brief form to return to our office
• Attend a brief interview at Lotus (or by phone if you are out of town) to discuss your aims

After your interview you will be contacted by phone or in writing to confirm your place on the course. Enrolments are generally accepted until the start of term 1 - Monday 7th February 2012. However, places are limited and enrolments are confirmed on a first in, first placed basis.

Click HERE for Year 1 course module information

Click HERE for Year 2 course module information

Click HERE for Year 3 course module information

Qualifications Gained

On the successful completion of year one a student will have fulfilled the requirements of :-

1. Lotus Holistic Centre Certificate in Herbal Studies

On the successful completion of year two the student will have fulfilled the requirements of :-

1. Lotus Holistic Centre Certificate in Nutritional Studies
2. Lotus Holistic Centre Certificate in Massage Modalities
3. Lotus Holistic Centre Fundamentals of Homoeopathy

On the successful completion of year three the student with a current first aid certificate will have fulfilled the requirements of :-

1. Lotus Holistic Centre Diploma in Naturopathy & Herbal Medicine
2. Lotus Holistic Centre Certificate in Movement Integration
3. Lotus Holistic Centre Certificate in Iridology

First Aid

cost approx. $180

Sudents must have a current first aid certificate at the time of graduation. This is taught at the college, but can also be completed in a public first aid course such as Red Cross or St John’s.  The cost is not included in your course fee, but must be paid separately.

Modules - Year 2

Semester 1

• Pathophysiology 1
• Clinical Practice 1
• Nutrition 2 – biochemistry of foods
• Herbal Medicine 2A
• Nutrition 2A

Both semesters

• Bodypath

Semester 2

• Pathophysiology 2
• Clinical Practice 2
• Herbal Medicine 2B
• Nutrition 2B
• Homoeopathy 2

Click HERE for more details on Year 2 course modules

Modules - Year 3

Semester 1

• Naturopathic Therapeutics
• Allopathic Medicine
• Differential Diagnosis
• PNI / Bach Flowers
• Iridology
• Movement Integration

Semester 2

• Clinical Practice 3, 4 & 5
• Research Literature Review
• Managing a Professional Practice

Click HERE for more details on Year 3 course modules