UWS Named a Top School for Online Education in Nutrition

Posted on by Dana Schatz
Best Online Degree Programs

UWS has been ranked one of the nation’s best schools for online degrees and certificates in the nutrition field for 2023. Six percent of regionally accredited colleges and universities earned a ranking position. 

University of Western States has been named one of today’s best schools for online higher education in health care by EduMed.org. UWS’s online programs in the nutrition field earned top honors for their overall quality, affordability and commitment to student success. 

Take a look at the full rankings to see where UWS placed: Best Online Nutrition Master’s Degrees

“Our rankings showcase the schools giving future integrated health care professionals the best chance to succeed from day one in the classroom to day one on the job,” said Wes Harris, outreach coordinator for EduMed.org. “This starts with low-cost tuition, but also includes academic counseling, career placement and other key resources that students need to graduate and get hired.”

EduMed.org’s rankings come at a time when the demand for trained health care professionals is on the rise. According to Mercer, a global consulting leader in health care, the U.S. will see millions of vacancies in critical health care positions by 2025.

“One key to solving the health care shortage is making higher education more accessible,” said Harris. “Online programs open the door to students who may not be able to commit to a campus-based program while working, or to commute to a classroom at all. Each school in our rankings has made online learning a priority.”

EduMed.org researched and analyzed more than 7,700 accredited schools using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and from the schools themselves. The website’s data science team then applied a proprietary algorithm to rank all qualifying schools for each healthcare discipline. Primary data points include: 

  • Academic counseling services
  • Career placement services
  • Student-to-faculty ratio
  • Tuition
  • Percent of students receiving school-based financial aid
  • Amount of school-based aid per student

To be eligible, a school must hold active regional accreditation and have at least one partially online program in the ranking subject. Just 8% of U.S. postsecondary institutions earned a ranking position. 

About EduMed.org

EduMed.org set out in 2018 to support higher education in health care. Our complimentary resource materials are expert-driven guidebooks help students find scholarships, financial aid and top degree programs in nursing, healthcare administration, public health, and dozens of other key medical and health disciplines. Since the site’s official launch in 2019, EduMed.org has been featured by more than 100 premier colleges and universities across the U.S. 

About the UWS Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine Program

The HNFM department at UWS houses the following programs:

These nutrition programs integrate cutting-edge functional medicine clinical tools and resources developed by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the organization that founded and developed many functional medicine concepts in use today. Functional medicine is a science-based, patient-centered approach to achieving and maintaining excellent health through natural methods, with diet and nutrition at the forefront. Founded on a holistic view of health, our functional medicine programs leverage the biochemical and genetic individuality of each patient so that practitioners can treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Our HNFM programs are 100% online. Available to international students, transfers, and veterans. 

Want to learn more about the UWS human nutrition and functional medicine degree programs? Visit the program webpage for more information or contact the admissions department virtually, by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-641-5641.

Obtaining the CMPC® Credential Through the AASP

Posted on by Dana Schatz

University of Western States alumna, Dr. Neva Barno, obtained the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®) credential through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) after completing the doctorate of education in sport and performance psychology, clinical mental health counseling specialization (EdD-SPP, CMHC) degree program.

CMPC Badges

Dr. Barno’s passion for clinical mental health counseling and sport and performance psychology started after experiencing an injury in high school. It left a significant impact on her physical performance and mental health. Dr. Barno currently works as a cognitive enhancement specialist with Thrive Proactive Health, O2X Human Performance, and Blue / Green Training. Her specialties include injury rehabilitation and working with tactical athletes. Obtaining the CMPC® took her injury to a new level.

According to the AASP, “Certification as a CMPC® demonstrates to clients, employers, colleagues, and the public at large that an individual has met the highest standards of professional practice, including completing a combination of educational and work requirements, successfully passing a certification exam, agreeing to adhere to ethical principles and standards, and committing to ongoing professional development.”

Curious how an education through UWS can prepare you to pursue the CMPC® credential? Connect with the UWS admissions department online or by email at [email protected] or call 800-641-5641.

Dr. Christine Girard Elected to UWS Board

Posted on by Dana Schatz

The University of Western States (UWS) Board of Trustees has announced the addition of Christine L. Girard, ND, MPH, to the board. Dr. Girard brings an extensive background and knowledge of integrative medicine.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Christine Girard as a member of the UWS Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Joseph Brimhall, UWS president and CEO. “Dr. Girard’s exceptional background and experience in the naturopathic medicine community, in higher education administration, and in clinical practice, uniquely qualifies her to deliver valuable perspectives for the board governance of University of Western States.” 

Christine Girard, ND

Dr. Girard has devoted her career to hospital-based integrative medicine and the education of health care professionals across specialties for more than 25 years. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses for the online programs at the University of Arizona’s Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Dr. Girard also served as past president/CEO of the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, executive vice president of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and past director of naturopathic medicine at Southwestern Regional Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Girard is the co-founder and past co-director of the Integrative Medicine at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Connecticut. While at Griffin Hospital, Dr. Girard served as a clinical research specialist at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center.

“What a great honor to join the Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Girard. “I am delighted to serve alongside such a forward-thinking team of professionals. I have been impressed with the leadership of UWS as it navigates the changing landscape of higher education and health care while remaining constant in keeping the ‘good of the patient’ at the center of care.”

Dr. Girard received her naturopathic degree from National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon and her MPH from the University of Arizona’s Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

Awards include the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust’s Piper Fellows Program (2013), American Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ Physician of the Year Award (2010), and National College of Naturopathic Medicine’s Pioneer Award (2008).

Marshall Named UWS Sports Medicine Program Director

Posted on by Dana Schatz
Marshall

Brent Marshall, EdD, LAT, ATC, CES, PES has been named the program director for the UWS sports medicine degree program.

“Dr. Marshall brings a deep commitment to the quality of the student learning experience – both in the classroom and in the clinical site – to his new role as program director,” said College of Graduate Studies Dean, Dr. Alisa Bates. “As UWS works to redesign the sports medicine program for the future, Dr. Marshall’s expertise in higher education coupled with his knowledge of hands-on sports medicine will prepare the students for long-term success as providers. I am excited to see the future of the program come to life under his leadership!”

Dr. Marshall is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) and holds a Doctorate of Education from Concordia University (Portland, OR/Wisconsin) with an emphasis in higher education leadership, continuous improvement and innovation. His dissertation focused on non-contact sport coaches’ attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of sport-related concussion. He also holds a Masters of Science degree from Weber State University (Ogden, Utah) in athletic training and Bachelors of Arts degree in kinesiology from Whitworth University (Spokane, Washington).

“I am beyond excited and extremely grateful to be named director of the sports medicine program,” said Dr. Marshall. “Together with the help of our faculty, staff and university, we will strive to create a standard of excellence to teach and train our sports medicine students. This will allow program graduates to become highly-skilled, confident and compassionate health care providers to their patients and greater communities in which they serve.”

Clinically, Dr. Marshall has worked with all levels of athletes including high school, collegiate, amateur, semi-professional and professional. Within the sports medicine program at UWS, in addition to clinical instruction he teaches evaluation, rehabilitation, taping, and emergency care content and courses throughout the program. His research interests include student-learning, student learning outcomes from online and hybrid classrooms, sport-related concussion and educational degree standards for allied health professions. He also has additional certifications for corrective exercise, athletic performance enhancement and others.

Kaeser Named Dean of UWS College of Chiropractic

Posted on by Dana Schatz
UWS dean college of chiropractic

Upon Dr. Kathleen Galligan’s retirement, dean of the UWS chiropractic program from 2018-22, an extensive search and interview process was held to fulfill the role. In spring 2022, Dr. Martha (Marty) Kaeser was named the new dean.

“Dr. Kaeser has a strong background in health care education and is known and appreciated by our community,” said Dr. Dana Sims, UWS provost. “With her understanding of the university mission and vision as well as her collaborative style, we look forward to continued excellence in chiropractic education under her leadership.”

Dr. Kaeser previously served as UWS associate dean since 2018. Dr. Kaeser is a collaborator, a listener and a contributor with a strong record of research, publication and presentation. She holds a chiropractic degree, a master’s degree in adult education and bachelor’s degrees in life science, special education and anthropology.

“I am greatly honored to be entrusted with the Dean position in the College of Chiropractic,” said Dr. Kaeser. “I am in awe of how hard the faculty and staff work to ensure that there is a deliberate focus on students and the core values. Additionally, I am excited to continue the good work of being student focused, innovative and creative. I could not ask for a better job or work with a better group of people.”

Prior to her work at UWS, Dr. Kaeser served Logan University in a variety of roles including assistant dean, director of academic assessment and clinical assessment skills center director.

UWS Release New inTouch Magazine

Posted on by Dana Schatz

Check out the Winter/Spring 2022 edition of inTouch alumni and friends magazine!

Intouch magazine cover winter spring 2022

inTouch news includes:

  • News about the newly launched doctor of naturopathic medicine degree program. 
  • Updates from Bola Majekobaje, director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), on the university’s DEI efforts.
  • Information on a revamp of the UWS business partner program. 
  • News about the relaunch of the UWS associated student body.
  • A profile highlighting Dr. Stephen Salaz and Dr. Jacob Salaz and their shared practice, Mt Hood Chiropractic in Troutdale, Oregon. 
  • A call for nominations for the 2022 UWS Alumni Recognition Award.
  • and much more!

Read past editions of the inTouch alumni and friends magazine.