University of Southern Maine

Certificate Program

FOUNDATIONS OF HOLISTIC HEALTH

Holistic health offers an integrated approach to health and well being. The College of Nursing and Health Professions Foundations of Holistic Health certificate program introduces students to the importance of addressing the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of health. The courses will examine foundational principles of holism; the basic philosophies, diagnostic techniques, and healing methods offered by many complementary healing modalities; benefits and challenges of alternative therapies; and the activities, attitudes, and choices that lead to whole and integrated health over a lifetime.

Note: Matriculation in the University of Maine system is not required, although students may choose to matriculate and transfer credits from the certificate program once completed.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites.

Requirements: Students must take four 3-credit courses for completion of the Certificate program, including two required courses and two electives from the list below.

Application: Application must be completed and submitted to the College of Nursing and Health Professions prior to enrollment in the program. Most certificate programs simply require that students submit an application with a token fee after the courses are completed. Download form here Word doc Or PDF

Grade Point Average: A grade of C or better is required for all courses taken toward completion of the certificate program.

Courses: (Required)

Holistic Health 1 (CON280) – This course explores the realm of holistic health, emphasizing the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Specific techniques and therapies will be introduced, including but not limited to nutrition, stress management, meditation, therapeutic movement and massage, music, and others. Primary goal is to bring greater self-confidence, increased knowledge, and self-responsibility about health into each student’s life.


Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (CON219) – The primary emphasis of this course is to teach students how to take control of their personal health and lifestyle habits. Major areas will include nutrition/weight management, fitness training techniques, flexibility, coronary risk factor management, muscular strength/endurance, stress management and other wellness related topics. (Electives – Note: Other elective courses are currently under development)

(Electives - Note: Other elective courses are currently under development)

Nutrition (CON252) – This course examines the basic concepts of human nutrition and their application to the needs of human beings throughout the life cycle. Discussion of factors affecting food practices and attitudes is included.


Healing and Spirituality (CON283) – Explores the links between spiritual understandings and physical and mental health. Focusing on global spiritual and religious traditions, the course will examine the determinants of health and the healing techniques utilized in each faith. Ways in which religious values and expectations become internalized and affect interpretation of wellness and illness will be explored. Students will have an opportunity to explore spirituality as it relates to healing, both personally and institutionally.

Reproductive Holistic Health (CON 270) - This course will enable the student to look critically at reproductive health options through the lifespan and to weigh evidence related to alternative, complimentary, and natural approaches to managing reproductive health issues. This course will take a life span, growth and development approach, focusing on sexual development briefly while exploring natural family planning methods, discuss contraception and pregnancy from a holistic view, encourage the development of birth support skills, and discuss care of the newborn after birth. In addition, adult reproductive issues will be explored including menopause, erectile dysfunction, sexuality in aging and some common conditions in adulthood related to reproductive health.
Course uses Blackboard: http://www.courses.maine.edu
Credits: 3

An on-line course in health aging will be developed for spring 2008.