Clayton College of Natural Health

Clayton College of Natural Health History & Reputation

Did you know that Clayton College of Natural Health (CCNH) is the largest natural health college in the world with almost 30 years of experience educating the future leaders in the industry? They have a large onsite staff and faculty with backgrounds spanning many areas of natural health education and training — someone is always available to help you. Additionally:

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  CCNH has a strong presence in the natural health community, making regular appearances throughout the country at industry trade shows.
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  CCNH was awarded Quality Certification by the USDLA (United States Distance Learning Association) in April 2008.
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  CCNH has a history of working with students to make a natural health education affordable.
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  CCNH is currently in the application process for accreditation with an agency that's recognized by the United States Department of Education. Their potential accreditation will provide external validation of what they already know to be true. It will confirm CCNH's commitment to even higher standards.

Commitment to Academic Excellence

CCNH is committed to offering the most current, relevant natural health curricula available. CCNH integrates the teachings of traditional naturopathy into all its programs, insuring that students receive a balanced education consisting of classical natural health philosophies and modern scientific data. In addition:

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  CCNH offers the only EdD in holistic health and wellness in the field of natural health education.
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  CCNH offers certification opportunities and professional development.
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  CCNH has successful graduates who, through their work, highlight the capabilities of our students.
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  CCNH is the only natural health school to offer The Natural Standard© database.
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  CCNH features live weekly chats and conference calls with faculty and our educational partners.
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  CCNH faculty and program advisors contribute to The Natural Reader, the college's academic department's blog.
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  CCNH offers online testing and e-activities through WebCT©.
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  CCNH students work in terms, which offer more flexibility than a traditional semester. Terms help keep students on pace, help students finish courses more quickly, and allow for greater ease in scheduling time to study.

Student & Alumni Community

Clayton College recognizes the need for students and alumni to feel connected when studying via distance education. The college offers several opportunities to meet peers:

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  CCNH offers chat rooms that are available for student or alumni use at any time.
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  CCNH hosts a vibrant Ning social networking community where students and graduates may share ideas in forums and in blogs, and post their personal stories, photos, and videos.
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  CCNH posts student and graduate events, accomplishments, and achievements in the Student & Graduate Events Blog.
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  CCNH has active communities at several popular social networking sites including Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
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  CCNH offers an alumni association and several independent, active student and graduate groups around the country that are coordinated by volunteer students and graduates.
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  www.ccnh.edu features a reference map where you can meet students and graduates in your state, visit their Web sites, send e-mails, or view student and graduate spotlights.

Professional Development and Certification

CCNH students and graduates are encouraged to participate in professional organizations that nurture and serve natural health practitioners. Some of these associations offer professional certifications, while others promote natural health or work toward supporting health freedom of choice.

Student Memberships

In keeping with their commitment to professionalism, CCNH provides students the opportunity to begin professional networking through student memberships in the American Herbalists Guild, the International Iridology Practitioners Association, and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Students enrolled in the herbology and iridology certificate programs as well as the M.S. in Holistic Nutrition programs are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.

Professional Certification Opportunities

Clayton College programs provide graduates with the eligibility to seek certification or other professional credentials from a number of national organizations.

The American Naturopathic Certification Board offers two recognized designations after the successful completion of board examinations:

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  CTN®: Graduates of the MS in natural health program are eligible to become board certified as traditional naturopaths.
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  CNW®: Graduates of the MS in holistic nutrition program are eligible to become board certified in nutritional wellness.

The National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) has approved graduates of the CCNH master of science in holistic nutrition program for eligibility to apply for a national board credential and to become registered with the organization. Once credentialed, the professional is allowed to use the designation, “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition.”

The International Organization of Nutritional Consultants has approved the CCNH master of science in holistic nutrition. Graduates qualify to become members of the IONC. Active members are allowed to use the RNCP (Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner) designation.

Because the International Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA) has approved the Clayton College iridology program, graduates of the CCNH program (who are current members of IIPA) are immediately eligible to take the IIPA certification examination. Upon successfully passing the exam, they can use the designation CCI and “Certified Comprehensive Iridologist.”
Professional Organizations and Affiliations

CCNH holds memberships in the following organizations:

American Herbalists Guild
American Holistic Health Association
American Holistic Nurses Association
Canadian Health Food Association
Coalition for Natural Health
International Iridology Practitioners Association
International Organization of Nutritional Consultants
National Association of Nutrition Professionals
National Center for Homeopathy
National Health Federation
Natural Products Association
Organic Consumers Association
United Plant Savers
United States Distance Learning Association
Vegetarian Resource Group
Weston A. Price Foundation

Quality Standards Certified

Clayton College has been awarded the Quality Standards Certification by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), the nation’s premier distance learning professional association. USDLA/QS certification is “a standards based program that recognizes excellence across a range of distance learning settings,” according to Dr. John Flores, USDLA Chief Executive Officer. Clayton College is certified as an Alternative and Continuing Education provider under the Quality Standards program.

Clayton College is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education.