Complementary Therapies and Alternative Medicine Training Course

Complementary therapies and alternative medicine are gaining recognition for their role in promoting health and wellbeing. These approaches aim to support the mind, body, and spirit, working alongside conventional medicine to improve outcomes for people who use services.

This free Complementary Therapies online course introduces you to these therapies and equips you with the knowledge and tools to use them effectively in your role. Whether you’re looking to expand your understanding or apply these techniques in practice, this course covers everything from safety considerations to integrating therapies with mainstream medicine.

Designed with the health and social care sector in mind. It highlights evidence-based practices, practical applications, and current regulations in England, giving you confidence in your understanding.

Start your learning today and be part of the movement supporting holistic health in social care.

Why Take This Course?

In recent years, complementary therapies and alternative medicine (CAM) have become more widely used across the social care sector and mainstream healthcare. These therapies can support people who use services in managing physical, emotional, and mental health challenges.

Here’s why this course will benefit you:

• Expand your knowledge: Gain insights into the scope, applications, and benefits of complementary therapies. Understand how they fit alongside conventional medicine to offer people who use services well-rounded care.
• Work with confidence: Learn about the regulation and safety standards associated with CAM. Know how to identify registered therapists and understand their scope of practice.
• Support better outcomes: Complementary therapies encourage positive changes in health and wellbeing. You’ll explore approaches like acupuncture, mindfulness, and aromatherapy that aim to support the individual’s journey.
• Develop practical skills: This course goes beyond theory, giving you tools and strategies you can apply with people who use services. Whether it’s recommending therapies, supporting individual needs, or understanding career options, you’ll leave the course ready to put your learning into action.
• Stay informed about the NHS and private sector: Learn how these therapies are accessed, funded, and administered through the NHS and private practitioners. Master the resources available to find registered therapists and connect people who use services to appropriate care.

Complementary therapies are about tapping into holistic care. By completing this course, you’ll deepen your understanding and broaden your toolkit to meet the needs of people who use services.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll:

• Understand the difference between complementary and alternative medicine, as well as related terms like holistic and natural medicine.
• Explore the different types of therapies, including body-based approaches (e.g., massage, acupuncture), mind-body practices (e.g., yoga, mindfulness), and herbal remedies (e.g., St John’s Wort).
• Learn about accredited regulatory bodies, like the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), and how they enforce safety and standards.
• Know how to access therapies through the NHS or private practitioners, including using tools to find registered therapists.
• Evaluate the clinical research that supports CAM. Understand public perceptions and common misunderstandings surrounding these therapies.
• Discover the challenges and benefits of integrating CAM with conventional treatments in healthcare settings.
• Gain insights into career opportunities in CAM, including working in private practice, social care, or multidisciplinary teams.

This course brings together evidence-based principles, practical skills, and current regulations to give you a comprehensive understanding of CAM in England.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Professionals in social care, including carers, healthcare assistants, support workers, and nurses.
• Individuals working in community roles, such as outreach workers and volunteers supporting vulnerable groups.
• Managers and team leaders in settings where complementary therapies can improve outcomes for people who use services.
• Anyone interested in learning how complementary therapies can be connected to mainstream healthcare.

Whether you’ve been in social care for years or are looking to expand your knowledge, this course gives you practical skills and real-world applications to integrate CAM into your work.

FAQ

How long does the course take?
The course takes around 1–2 hours to complete, depending on your learning pace. It’s online, so you can start whenever you want.

Do I need experience in healthcare or social care?
No. This course is accessible to anyone, whether you have experience in care or are looking to explore CAM for the first time.

Is this course based on UK regulations?
Yes. All the content is rooted in UK laws, regulations, and frameworks, making it directly relevant to your role.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. When you complete the course, you’ll receive a digital certificate of completion to show your knowledge of CAM.

How can I apply this course to my role?
The course is practical, giving you tools and insights to use straight away. Whether it’s recommending therapies or identifying registered practitioners, you’ll leave the course prepared to make an impact.

Is this course really free?
Yes. This course is completely free of charge and accessible online for anyone who wants to learn.

Is this course CPD accredited?
We are currently applying for CPD accreditation and expect to be approved shortly.

This course helps you understand complementary therapies and alternative medicine within the social care sector. Take the first step towards building your knowledge today!