ASA Curriculum

Please note: Additional Coursework/Lectures and class activities may be added or scheduled at the directors’ discretion.

NAIC American College of Natural Medicine and Pan American School of Natural Medicine Associates in Sacred Arts Degree Diploma in Traditional Natural Health Required Curriculum:

(Prerequisite Ayurvedic Yoga Therapists Certificate Program- AYT: Click Here For Description of AYT and the SomaVeda® Teacher Certification Program- TCP:
Click Here For a Description of TCP

Please Note: This Associate Degree/ Practitioner Natural Medicine Program can NOT be completed or hours credited without completing the AYT/ TCP level Residential Courses as a prerequisite.

Term 1: Basic Sciences Core: Total Hours: 200 (Approximately three months)

Bio 101. Man, Miracles & Bodily Systems: (Basic Anatomy & Physiology) A general knowledge of body systems is essential for entry into any health care educational program. This course represents a functional view of the body’s anatomy, physiology, and disease mechanisms. It is presented as a conceptual learning approach, emphasizing understanding the body’s complex relationships rather than memorizing scores of facts and figures. A course on Body Systems is now a general requirement or prerequisite for candidates in massage and acupuncture schools, paramedics, practical nursing, and many therapy schools. Throughout this Lesson course, we have drawn on various illustrations from our other formal studies for the user to understand our courses better. This course contains all required text and testing material for the student to complete. (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 102. History of Medicine: A survey of the History of Medicine began with ancient Egypt and China and continued to the early fathers of eclectic medicine. The basis of the course is a short text written by Dr. Alexander Wilder, published by the New England Eclectic Publishing Company in 1901. FORWARD “A history as a record of events should be faithful, ‘impartial and, so far as may be, unimpassioned… Resolved, Dr. Alexander Wilder is requested to prepare a History of Medical Reform during the earlier periods under the authority and with the sanction of the National Eclectic Medical Association. (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 103. Medical Terminology: Because of advances in the medical field and an aging population, the medical industry constantly needs medical professionals, especially those who understand medical terminology. Medical terminology is the specific language used by professionals in the medical industry. Understanding medical terminology is vital when entering several medical professions. A medical dictionary (not supplied) is recommended or can be found online. http://www.online-medical-dictionary.org/ (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 201. Man and our systems of cures: A continuation of the history of medicine, so vital for us to evaluate the rapid spread of ‘alternative’ medicines. An objective assessment of our systems’ foundation, growth, and present status, both ancient and modern: the modern design of medicine, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Unani medicine, a method of nature cure, yoga, faith healing. (Clock Hours: 50)

Term 2: Basic Sciences Core: Total Hours: 150 (Approximately four months)

Bio 204. Man Microbes and Maladies: An introductory medical microbiology and public hygiene course. It portrays knowledge of the various kinds of bacteria that are known to produce disease, the conditions in which they live and multiply, how they invade the tissues, and how the human body should generally be able to resist infection. It explains the ordinary precautions that health personnel should take to combat disease. (Clock Hours: 50)
Bio 205. Man, Viruses, and Vicissitudes: An introductory course on medical virology and public hygiene. It portrays knowledge of the various kinds of viruses that produce disease in plants, animals, and man, the conditions in which they live and multiply, how they invade the tissues, and how the human body should generally be able to resist infection. It explains how viruses were discovered and their impact on clinical medicine. (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 316. Balneotherapy: Clerical Balneotherapy: Of all barefoot Nature cures, the most renowned was the one initiated by the Bavarian pastor, Father Sebastian Kneipp, whose influence survives into this age of antibiotics. Father Kneipp had his interest kindled in youth by a chance reading of a hydropathist manual of Hahn. Also known as spa therapy, water is essential to any detoxification program. Water therapy is given internally, by fasting, by douche, by lavage, etc. The ten-lesson course ends with the basics of parasitology and colon hydrotherapy. (Clock Hours: 50)

Term 3: Basic Sciences Core: Total Hours: 200 (Approximately three months)

Chem 206. Essentials of Diet and Nutrition: An introductory course on modern dietetics. Provides the student with a basic scientific understanding of the essential aspects of nutrition, biochemical properties, and their interaction with the components of our bodies vital for our health and well-being. Allows the student to make reasonable judgments regarding nutritional claims and fad diets. Provides an essential core of factual data on current controversies regarding food, nutrition, and health. It also covers information on food poisoning, additives, and flavorings and specialized topics on fasting, vegetarianism, obesity, and alcohol. (Clock Hours: 50)
Bio 308. Human Physiology: (An introductory course on Human Physiology) (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 310. Disease and the Human Body: (An Introduction to Pathology) (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 311. Foods and their Medicinal Uses: (Clock Hours: 50)

Term 4: Basic Sciences Core: Total Hours: 200 (Approximately three months)

Bio 315. Animal Parasites in Man: (An Introduction to Medical Parasitology) (Clock Hours: 50)
Chem 312. Toxicology: Hahnemman’s disdain for chemical pharmacy, between the toxicity and the therapeutic action of a drug, and analysis of its ‘provings’ actually began the field of toxicology as we know it today. Hahnemann’s drug development became to be known as homeopathy. A naturopathic precept is that a body that cannot detoxify cannot heal!’ The essentials of the biochemical basis of toxins are covered, including toxidromes and the uncommonly recognized toxins – sugar, fat, and proteins – contributing to today’s epidemical humoral disease – Syndrome X. (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 313. Principles of Detoxification: A naturopathic precept is that a body that cannot detoxify cannot heal!’ The various methods of detoxification, both East and West, are covered in the lessons, including the GI detox, liver cleansings, lymphatic drainage, and ‘draining of the impediments,’ etc. (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 311. Principles of Clinical Nutrition & Healthology: A survey of the vitamins and minerals on a biochemical and nutritional basis, ortho-molecular medicine, various dietary cures, mineral medicines, etc., are covered in 35 lessons with mp3 lecture files as supplements. Data is clinically relevant to natural medicine practice. Also covered are the principles of Healthology and Reams chemistry. (Clock Hours: 50)

(The emphasis of studies in the second two terms is on dietetics, nutrition, and detoxification therapies. Upon completing the second two terms, the student receives a Diploma in Clinical Nutrition.)

Term 5: Basic Sciences Core: Total Hours: 200 (Approximately three months)

Bio 309. Pregnancy and Child Bearing: ( Introduction to Obstetrics and Gynecology) An introduction to obstetrics, gynecology, and midwifery. It covers pregnancy, step-by-step, nutrition facts, standard delivery, miscarriage, and details on various subject areas. It also covers the baby’s immediate care after delivery and aspects of average weight, height, and care at home. (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 318. Natural Medicine Diagnosis: Natural medicine utilizes the functional and physiologic approach to diagnosis, whereas popular therapy emphasizes cellular pathology. This course emphasizes the big picture as an overall means of assessing a patient’s health status: nutritional deficiency and cellular contamination. This course surveys the growing field of ‘functional medicine.’ (An introductory course on Human Physiology) (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 319. Natural Medicine Dolorology: (The Study of Pain) Pain is one of the most basic symptoms that take a patient to a practitioner for relief. Yet, most massage therapists and acupuncturists know little about neurology and pain mechanisms. The pathophysiology and the complexities of pain are covered in the online lessons. (Clock Hours: 50)
Med 317. Natural Medicine Bariatrics : (Management of obesity and allied diseases) Of the many varied diets and exercise programs, statistics show that only 1% may achieve successful Long-term Weight loss. Obesity ruins the quality of life for more than one billion people worldwide. Medical advances have circumvented the natural eugenic selection that previously limited the diabetic/obese to less than 10% of the population. Increases in obesity-prone minorities, high carbohydrate gestation in mothers, and suckling environments with dairy and sugar add to the weight epidemic. Examined in this course are various theories of weight gain and weight loss. (Clock Hours: 50)

Term 6: Basic Sciences Core: Total Hours: 125 (Approximately two months)

Med 320. Essentials of Herbology: (Clock Hours: 25)
Med 321. Essentials of Homeopathy: The study of herbs and their application according to traditional principles. The course covers the basic concepts of using stimulants, nervines, decongestants, diuretics, tonics, etc. Also protected are the Great Secrets of Herbalism and how herbs are formulated to suit the patient. 10 Lessons packed full of information, online lectures, supplemental materials, and links. This course, blending East and West, will provide you with a prior and working understanding of HERBALISM ACCORDING TO MCWILLIAMS, how you can use both Western and Chinese herbs to make the basic formula for the patient’s constitution, signs, and symptoms: The Emperor, The Minister, and the Assistants to ‘drain the impediments.’ It is a system that clinically works in third-world practice and has managed some of the most challenging cases rejected and poisoned by medics. (Clock Hours: 25)
Med 422. Thermotherapy: The therapeutic applications of heat. A lesson on thermotherapy’s benefits: the Finish sauna, temazcal, the Turkish bath, long-wave infrared, and the ozone-thermotherapy sauna. (Clock Hours: 25)
Med 423. Electrotherapy and Lymphology: An introduction to high-frequency physiotherapy and its marked effectiveness to promote lymphatic drainage. A rare manual on Dr. Chapman’s lymphatic drainage points and a video sampler is included. Clinical training includes techniques for the management of infections and lymphedema. (Clock Hours: 50)
(The emphasis of studies in the last two terms is on therapeutics and pain management. Upon completing the final two terms, the student receives a Diploma as a Practitioner of Natural Medicine.)

HH5.4) Six-day intensive crash courses in Traditional Naturopathic Clinical, Medical Assessments, and treatment protocols. (Optional Board: at Students’ additional expense: Location Nevis Island, British West Indies.) Coursework includes practice in Traditional Naturopathy, advanced laboratory medicine and chemistry, clinical nutrition and supplementation, and electro-medicine tools and procedures along the Traditional Naturopathic Clinical Assessment Module in a working clinical environment. (Clock Hours: 50)(Please note: This HH5.4 course is off-site (PanAmerican School of Natural Medicine) and at students’ separate expense. This course costs $1000.00 and is not included in total tuition.)

Module 6 Total Hours: 17 Mandatory + 20 Elective (Students choice) = 40 Hours.
Specialized Naturopathic Physician  Curriculum: Module 6 Curriculum, 15 mandatory sub-modules and included courses make up the compulsory requirement, will be available on confirmed registration.

Traditional Naturopathic Module 1: Introduction to Naturopathy and its Principles

1. Overview of Naturopathy
2. History and Development of Naturopathic Medicine
3. Comparison between Orthodox and Naturopathic Medicine
4. Naturopathic Principles and Philosophy

Traditional Naturopathic Module 2: Cellular Health and Homeostasis

1. Intro: Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
2. Cellular and Molecular Basis of Life
3. Cells and Tissues
4. Molecular Biology and Genetics
5. Exercise: Explore the role of genetics in naturopathic medicine, deepening your understanding of its significance.
6. Homeostasis and Physiological Processes:
7. The Concept of Homeostasis
8. Physiological Feedback Mechanisms
9. Integration of Bodily Systems
10. Exercise

Traditional Naturopathic Module 3: Skin, Bones, Muscles, and Ligaments

1. Introduction: An overview of the Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems
2. Skeletal System: Structural intricacies of the human body’s frame.

1. 1. Anatomy:
   2. Teeth and Oral Health
   3. Bone Health

3. Muscular System:
   1. Anatomy: Understand the structure and function of muscles.

1. 1. Managing Strength: Learn about natural strategies to enhance muscle strength.
   2. Treating Muscles and Ligaments: Acquire insights on how to address common muscular and ligament issues using naturopathic principles.

4. Integumentary System (Skin)

1. 1. Anatomy: Examine the detailed structure and crucial functions of the skin.
   2. Naturopathic Skincare: Learn about holistic practices to maintain skin health.
   3. Treating Skin Conditions: Get equipped with knowledge on how to handle common skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, cuts, and broken skin, using naturopathic approaches.

Traditional Naturopathic Module 4: Circulatory and Nervous Systems

• Introduction
• Circulatory System
  1. Heart Health and Physical Activity
  2. Nutrition, Stress Management, and Lifestyle Modifications for Heart Health
• Nervous System: Learn about the complex network that coordinates the body’s actions and sensory information.
  1. Anatomy: Explore the detailed structure of the nervous system.
  2. Brain Health
  3. Gut-Brain Axis
  4. Neuroplasticity
  5. Mind-Body Connection

• Integumentary System (Skin)
  1. Anatomy: Examine the detailed structure and crucial functions of the skin.
  2. Naturopathic Skincare
  3. Treating Skin Conditions

Traditional Naturopathic Module 5: Hormones and Reproductive Health

1. Introduction
2. Endocrine System: Explore the system that regulates body processes through the production and secretion of hormones.
   1. Anatomy: Grasp the detailed structure of the endocrine system.
   2. Balancing Sex Hormones
   3. Thyroid Health
3. Reproductive System
   1. Anatomy: Gain insight into the detailed structure of the reproductive system.
   2. Fertility: Discover the naturopathic approach to supporting and enhancing fertility.
   3. Menopause: Learn about the natural transition of menopause and how to support women through this phase with naturopathic strategies.
   4. Prostate Health: Uncover the significance of prostate health and naturopathic ways to maintain it.

Traditional Naturopathic Module 6: Energy, Elimination and Immune Systems

1. Introduction
2. Digestive and Urinary Systems

1. 1. Anatomy
   2. Supporting The Liver
   3. Caring for the Gut
   4. Elimination Systems

3. Respiratory System

1. 1. Anatomy
   2. Sinus and Respiratory problems
   3. Nose Breathing vs Mouth Breathing

4. Immune System

1. 1. Anatomy
   2. Strengthening the Immune System

Traditional Naturopathic Module 7: Energy, Elimination and Immune Systems

• Introduction: Embark on your journey through the vast landscape of nutrition and the intricate processes of metabolism.
• Macronutrients and Micronutrients
• Metabolic Processes and Interactions
• Water and Hydration

Traditional Naturopathic Module 8: Detoxification and Naturopathic Approaches

• Intro: Overview of Detoxification and Naturopathic Approaches: Set the stage for your exploration of detoxification and its significance in maintaining health.
• The Role of Detoxification in Health
  1. Types of Toxins
  2. Detoxification Pathways
  3. Exercise
• Detoxification Techniques:
  1. Naturopathic Diet and Food Supplements
  2. Fasting and Cleanses
  3. Lymphatic Drainage
  4. Chelation Therapy
  5. Breathing Techniques
  6. Exercise

Traditional Naturopathic Module 9: Physical Therapies and Hydrotherapy Introduction: Begin your exploration of the vital physical therapies utilized in naturopathic practice and the profound effects of hydrotherapy on health and well-being.

• Religious Therapeutic Massage
• Yoga
• Reflexology
• Hydrotherapy

Traditional Naturopathic Module 10: Physical Therapies and Hydrotherapy Introduction: Begin your exploration of the vital physical therapies utilized in naturopathic practice and the profound effects of hydrotherapy on health and well-being.

• Religious Therapeutic Massage
• Yoga
• Reflexology
• Hydrotherapy
• Naturopathy Module 11: Botanical Medicine and Homeopathy includes:
• Introduction: Begin your exploration of two powerful, time-honored disciplines within naturopathic medicine – botanical medicine and homeopathy.
• Botanical Medicine:
  1. Delve into the basics of botanical medicine, learning about herbal classifications and actions.
  2. Master the skills required in herbal preparations and administration, along with gaining knowledge on commonly used herbs and their applications.
  3. Engage with a series of exercises designed to provide hands-on experience in this field.
• Homeopathy:
  1. Get an introduction to the intriguing world of homeopathy, understanding the nuances of homeopathic remedies and potencies.
  2. Discover the process of case taking and remedy selection and familiarize yourself with commonly used homeopathic remedies and their applications.
  3. Engage with exercises to deepen your understanding and hone your practical skills in homeopathy.

Traditional Naturopathic Module 11: Naturopathic Lifestyle Management

• Intro: Overview of Basic Lifestyle Requirements for Health
• Diet and Exercise:
  1. Physical Exercise
  2. Healthy Eating
• Rest and Relaxation:
  1. Sleep
  2. Relaxation
• Environmental Factors and Personal Hygiene:
  1. Environmental Factors
  2. Personal Hygiene

Traditional Naturopathic Module 12: Drug, Food, and Supplement Interactions

1. Intro: Overview of Drug, Food, and Supplement Interactions
2. Actions and Side Effects of Conventional Drugs:
   1. Major Classes of Drugs
   2. Accessing Information on Pharmaceuticals
   3. Summary
   4. Exercise: Research a specific drug and its potential interactions to deepen your understanding.
3. Food, Drug, and Supplement Interactions:
   1. Nutrient-Drug Interactions
   2. Supplement-Drug Interactions
   3. Food-Supplement Interactions
   4. Summary
   5. Exercise

Traditional Naturopathic Module 13: Red Flag Symptoms and Referrals

1. Intro: Overview of Red Flag Symptoms and Referrals
2. Identifying Red Flag Symptoms:
   1. Red Flag Symptoms in Various Systems
   2. Assessing Urgency
   3. Summary
   4. Exercise
3. Referral to Conventional Care:
   1. When to Refer to Conventional Care
   2. Building Collaborative Relationships with Conventional Healthcare Providers
   3. Summary
   4. Exercise: Develop a referral plan based on a case study to practice your skills.
4. Managing Client Expectations and Support:
   1. Advising Clients on Treatment Outcomes and Discomforts
   2. Supporting Clients During Change and Monitoring Progress
   3. Summary
   4. Exercise

Traditional Naturopathic Module 14: Naturopathic Assessment and Treatment Plan

1. Intro: Overview of Naturopathic Assessment and Diagnosis: Set the stage for your exploration of the critical aspects of naturopathic assessment and treatment planning.
2. Taking a Naturopathic Case History:
3. Lifestyle Assessment
4. Physical and Emotional Assessment
5. Nutritional and Biochemical Assessment
6. Summary
7. Exercise
8. Naturopathic Assessment and Evaluation:
9. Test Interpretation and Application
10. Forming a Naturopathic Assessment
11. Developing a Treatment Plan
12. Summary
13. Exercise

Traditional Naturopathic Module 15: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Naturopathic Practice

1. Intro: Overview of Legal and Ethical Considerations: Set the stage for your investigation of the legal and ethical aspects of naturopathic practice.

• Professional Codes of Practice:
  1. Scope of Practice and Professional Standards
  2. Confidentiality and Informed Consent
  3. Summary
  4. Exercise
• Legal Requirements and Responsibilities:
  1. Regulations and Licensing in Naturopathy
  2. Malpractice and Liability
  3. Summary
  4. Exercise
• Ethical Decision Making:
  1. Ethical Principles in Naturopathic Practice
  2. Navigating Ethical Dilemmas
  3. Summary
  4. Exercise

Please note you are limited to taking no more than five courses simultaneously. You cannot add new courses until you complete and pass the preceding course. In addition to their twelve courses, once completed, you have an optional sixteen elective courses for additional credit hours!

Total Clock Hours for A.C.N.M. Associate of Arts Degree – Major: Traditional Natural Health including all 6 Terms, Clinical’s and Residency (SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Teacher Certification Program) = 1943 clock hours./ 54 Semester Credit.  There are 865 clock hours of academic (online) study, with 1,078 hours of in-class/hands-on courses and clinicals. Practitioners of the healing arts, e.g., chiropractics, Acupuncturists, Holistic Nurses, Licensed Massage Therapists, Nutritionists, etc., may apply for advanced status and life experience. Each candidate is appraised on individual situations. Please note: A.C.N.M. Does not guarantee acceptance of previous experience or course work that does not meet our eligibility criteria as a Holistic, Natural Medicine practice. All considerations for advanced placement will be on a case-by-case basis. All determinations by the Director will be final. If you would like care for advance placement or credit transfer towards any N.A.I.C ., A.C.N.M. Degree program, please send your request to the office or request a personal interview or phone consultation.

Click Here for A.C.N.M. Associate in Sacred Arts Degree in Traditional Natural Health Description!

Click Here for A.C.N.M. Associate in Sacred Arts Degree Program Tuition!

The State of Florida Department of Education

Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities

Native American Indigenous Church, College of Natural Medicine (NAIC) operates in compliance as a degree-granting institution through exemption by the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities under Section 1005.06 (1) (f), FLA Statutes. Like other states, the state does not require accreditation or theological accreditation for our religious education-based programs. N.A.I.C. is an IRS Compliant 508(c)(1)(a) Compliant FBO (Faith Based Organization)

Important: Please Note! N.A.I.C. Inc./ American College of Natural Medicine/ Thai Yoga Center Cancellation and Refund Policies apply to all registrations and reservations for courses and programs. N.A.I.C./ Thai Yoga Center Programs are not public. They are offered exclusively under-expressed ecclesiastical/ private associations. Accepting these Posted Refund and Cancellation Policies and RPGs is a precondition for approval and participation in any program or course of study. Click Here for the Refund and Cancellation Policy

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