Reprinted in part, from the Newark Star-Ledger Newspaper, August 8, 2007

UMDNJ Offers Masters Degree with a New
Online Track in Integrative Health and Wellness

NEWARK — Health professionals who are interested in learning about complementary and alternative medicine modalities are invited to apply to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey for a graduate degree program that has an innovative web-based track. The online, 30–credit Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Health Sciences program at the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions features a new track in Integrative Health and Wellness. This track, which was designed by the faculty of the UMDNJ Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (ICAM), focuses on preparing licensed and certified health professionals to expand their competencies in complementary and alternative medicine practices. Emerging evidence-based research regarding complementary and alternative modalities and their relationship to achieving optimal health provides the foundation for the curriculum. Integrative Health incorporates evidenced-based complementary and alternative modalities into Western Medicine, with a focus is on helping each patient achieve optimal health and healing.

“This track was developed in response to the growing demand by health professionals of all backgrounds for evidence-based knowledge on Complementary and Alternative Medicine and effective promotion of healthy lifestyle modification,” said Dr. Adam Perlman, executive director of the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at UMDNJ. “One of our greatest strengths is our ability to draw upon a cadre of experts at UMDNJ who are focused on evidence-based research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine as well as those focused on the promotion of clinically based wellness strategies.”

“A unique aspect of this program is that all courses are offered online. Health professionals, no matter where they live and work, are able to take advantage of this opportunity. The online design of the Integrative Health and Wellness track is unlike any other Masters-level CAM program nationwide. This is the wave of the future,” said Lynn Miller, JD, CYT, CHC, director of education at the Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine at UMDNJ. “Graduates of this program will serve as educational resources whose expertise encompasses unbiased research, and practical information regarding scientifically sound CAM therapies.”  Upon matriculation, each student will be mentored by an academic advisor who is a faculty member of the Department of Primary Care at the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions.

Courses include: Integrative Treatments for Common/Chronic Conditions; Integrative Nutrition; Herbs and Dietary Supplements; and Mind/Body Medicine. Credentialed health care practitioners who have an undergraduate degree are eligible to apply to the program. Individuals who are interested in the program may register for courses for the Fall 2007 on a non-matriculating basis. Applications for matriculation in the spring semester, which begins in January 2008, will be accepted at the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions through October 1, 2007. To obtain an application for admission or request additional information, call the Office of Enrollment Services at the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions at 973-972-5454. Visit http://www.umdnj.edu/icam/education/index.htm.