Integrative health is one of the fastest growing areas in the health care industry. Through a series of online courses, students will learn about integrative health care and the role it plays in modern medicine. Diet, exercise, and access to a healthy environment are essential to human health and well-being. The aim of the Integrative Health Certificate Studies (IHCS) program is to promote, prevent and enhance patient experience as well as improve population health while reducing costs and health care workforce burnout. The program is built on five main pillars:
- Introduction to Integrative Health Care (required for IHCS Certificate)
- Trends in Integrative Health
- Mind and Body
- Mindfulness
- Narrative Care
Program Content and Structure
The Integrative Health Certificate Studies (IHCS) is a series of five 6-week online courses consisting of 50 student learning hours. The courses may be taken individually or combined (three of the five) for completion of the IHCS. The IHCS 101 Course - Introduction to Integrative Health Care is required for the IHCS Certificate. The courses are instructed 100% asynchronously online or entirely at a distance. Students will complete weekly modules on their own schedule and should anticipate spending approximately 1.5-2.5 hours per week for online instruction and assignments. Successful completion of the program will require satisfactory assessment of learning outcomes. Next Cohort To Be Announced.
Intended Audience
The IHCS is a non-credit program offered by UWG Continuing Education and is open to the community. The IHCS is designed for anyone in the health-care industry (especially those who are at the bedside), hospital administrators, practitioners, mental health-care personnel, social workers, professionals in the field of education and interested individuals.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
The IHCS will prepare students to learn and develop how to implement fundamental principles of integrative health care to be better providers and practitioners.
Program Leadership
IHCS Program developer and facilitator Dr. Richard La Fleur earned his Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Consciousness and Society) from the University of West Georgia, where he currently teaches various courses in psychology. Dr. La Fleur’s research concentration has been narrative works (narrative psychology), mattering, the experiential reintegration process veterans experience post-deployment from the combat zone (phenomenology) with an emphasis on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other psycho-spiritual difficulties such as, Moral Injury. Through his ten plus years of research, Integrative Health has been a strong alternative form of care, for people who are seeking ways to find healing. Dr. La Fleur is a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP).
Program Flyer Available for Download
Technology Requirements
The IHCS course are instructed 100% online through CourseDen requiring the following: Windows PC or Apple MacIntosh OS, Internet Access with Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome Web Browser, Adobe Flash, Speakers, and Printer. Please use the System Checker on the Course Den Home Page.
Program Contact
If you require additional information or clarification, please contact Erika McClain at emcclain@westga.edu or 678-839-6611.