Mental and emotional well-being shapes how people get through everyday life. When it’s out of balance, even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

That’s where occupational therapy (OT) makes a measurable difference. It offers practical strategies for managing daily life, whether that means getting out of bed, returning to work, or reconnecting with family and community when emotional challenges make things harder.At University of Western States, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program teaches students to follow a function-first, whole-person care approach. Mental and emotional wellness are woven into clinical reasoning across all settings and populations.

Michele Tilstra, Ph.D., founding program director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at University of Western States, emphasizes OT’s unique role in helping people attend to their mental and emotional needs with doable, day-to-day routines.

Here are six ways occupational therapy professionals support mental and emotional wellness.

1. How Occupational Therapists Build Daily Routines to Support Mental Health Stability

When mental health feels fragile, routines unravel. Sleep schedules begin to drift, meals become inconsistent, and responsibilities seem to pile up.

Why Daily Routines Matter in Mental Health Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help people rebuild those daily structures in ways that feel realistic and manageable. This work involves practical adjustments, such as creating concrete routines that reduce anxiety or breaking daily tasks into more feasible steps.

Ultimately, the goal is to create consistency. Over time, these routines provide a sense of predictability, grounding people in their own lives.

Occupational therapy tools might include:

• Visual schedules and checklists
• Timers and reminders
• “Micro-routines”
• Energy planning

Dr. Tilstra notes that in many settings, your routines become major barriers.

“A lot of times it’s not the actual physical act of doing the task that is difficult. The challenge is incorporating it into a consistent routine, because people may forget or get easily distracted.” Dr. Tilstra says, “so we use visual schedules and timers, depending on the client.”

By relying on these practical, personalized methods, occupational therapists rebuild routines step by step.

2. How Occupational Therapists Collaborate in Mental Health Care Teams

Occupational therapists frequently collaborate with psychologists, counselors, physicians, and social workers. Their unique perspective focuses on how mental health shows up in daily life, bridging the gap between emotional experience and functional ability.

By working with interdisciplinary care teams, occupational therapists are prepared to manage patient symptoms and support individualized interventions.

OTs and Counselors Work Together in Mental Health Care

Dr. Tilstra emphasizes that this collaboration works best when the roles are clear and complementary. For example, in her clinic, more than half of the clients attend both occupational therapy and counseling. “We try not to step on each other’s toes, but we’re very collaborative,” she says.

In this dynamic, counselors focus on processing trauma and emotional experiences, while occupational therapists focus on how those experiences affect daily life.

With these kinds of interdisciplinary teams, OTs contribute insight that bolsters more holistic and coordinated care, reflecting a growing understanding that mental health care works best when providers address the whole person.

3. How Occupational Therapy Supports Patients Through Life Transitions and Trauma

Life transitions destabilize even the strongest routines. Major changes like a new diagnosis or losing a loved one deeply impact coping skills, directly affecting mental health in ways that feel uncontrollable.

OTs Support Patients During Life Transitions

Occupational therapists help people adjust to new routines and responsibilities to align with their new reality following a life transition. They create environments that allow patients to redefine roles and reconnect with what is most important to them during difficult life stages.

Dr. Tilstra describes how routine work shows up across many scenarios.

“The rebuilding of routines happens with clients that have had some kind of catastrophic injury or debility,” she notes.

Similarly, when grief changes the structure of an entire household, occupational therapy restores structure and direction and highlights a clear path forward.

“In OT, we’re acknowledging that deep grieving process, but we’re also looking at how this person’s entire life has changed,” says Dr. Tilstra. “That’s when an OT could say: Let’s take this piece by piece and really look at everything that needs to be accomplished in the day.”

Dr. Tilstra says that as routines stabilize, patients feel the effects of this immediately. They begin caring for themselves, managing the household, or reengaging with community in ways that fit their new reality.

4. How Occupational Therapists Teach Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression create barriers to participating in daily activities. Many people can describe what anxiety feels like, but they struggle to manage where it shows up most: workplaces, social events, medical appointments, or even simply stepping outside.

Occupational therapists work with coping strategies that fit within everyday life.

OTs Manage Anxiety and Depression

OTs support coping strategies by:

• Identifying triggers that affect daily functioning
• Practicing grounding techniques in real-world scenarios
• Building step-by-step plans for stressful situations
• Using tools like breathing exercises and sensory supports
• Use planners or digital tools to build social activities into routines

Before stepping into stressful situations, mental health occupational therapy sessions involve planning routes and practicing coping strategies along the way. This attention to detail is a key differentiating factor in occupational therapy, providing a unique path forward for those struggling to cope with anxiety and depression.

This approach allows individuals to build confidence through their own personal experiences, even when symptoms feel difficult to manage.

5. How Occupational Therapy Promotes Social Participation and Community Reintegration

Mental wellness is closely tied to a sense of social connection. Occupational therapists work with clients to rebuild active social participation when anxiety or life changes make relationships feel difficult to maintain.

Occupational Therapy Supports Work, Community, and Social Reintegration

The OT approach varies, tailored to the client’s individual experiences and needs. Whether it means returning to work or engaging with the community, occupational therapists meet patients where they are as they overcome these changes.

This work involves teaching clients to identify their own barriers to connection and working collaboratively to create pathways back to healthy interactions.

“What do you need to be able to do to take care of yourself when you get out of here?” Dr. Tilstra asks clients. “But also, what are safe social activities versus harmful social activities?”

Occupational therapists support social participation by helping clients:

• Practice conversational and social skills
• Build routines that support connection
• Identify safe spaces and supportive relationships
• Use stress management tools before or during social interactions

This work supports healthy social participation that fits the client’s life.

6. How Occupational Therapists Use Mindfulness and Sensory Tools to Reduce Stress

Mindfulness and sensory-based approaches are central to occupational therapy care, especially for clients who feel overwhelmed by their environment. With these tools, clients recognize of their internal experiences and respond with greater self-compassion and awareness.

Starting With Foundational Needs: Regulation and Emotional Safety

Dr. Tilstra emphasizes starting with basic needs and context to ensure patients feel safe and supported.

“The first thing I’m going to ask is, have they eaten? Do they need to go to the bathroom? Are they tired?” she says.

Understanding what the body needs reveals why stress or agitation is escalating. Through mindfulness practices, individuals notice stress responses before they escalate, offering a way to pause and reset. For many clients, these approaches make emotional regulation feel more accessible.

Sensory-Based Interventions for Emotional Regulation in Occupational Therapy

Sensory tools allow clients to feel safer and more grounded by aligning the sensory input to what their nervous system needs in that moment. Dr. Tilstra notes that sensory rooms and sensory-based supports are effective across age groups.

Occupational therapists use sensory tools and strategies, including:

• Movement-based tools
• Tactile supports
• Deep pressure or compression
• Environmental supports
• Comfort items

Dr. Tilstra described the use of sensory rooms across age groups, from children to older adults. These spaces include calming environments or tactile supports that reduce agitation. In assisted living settings, modifying the environment changes behavior by lowering sensory demands.

“In pediatric settings, we have entire sensory room spaces,” Dr. Tilstra says. “There are swings, climbing things, balance boards, but there’s also bubble tubes and different soft things.”

Using these sensory tools intentionally, occupational therapists work with clients to reduce overwhelming feelings, building stronger emotional awareness and self-regulation.

Advance Whole-Person Mental Health Care With a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree at University of Western States

At University of Western States, mental and emotional wellness are woven into future occupational therapy professionals’ training. Our programs prepare students to help people move from simply coping to actively participating again. Whether that means rebuilding routines or collaborating with interdisciplinary care teams, occupational therapy professionals offer practical support.

As mental health needs continue to grow, so does the need for providers who understand the connection between emotional well-being and everyday living. The best OT programs recognize that occupational therapy plays an essential role in grounding individuals in their own lives.

For those drawn to integrative, patient-focused care, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at University of Western States offers a pathway to meaningful, purpose-driven practice.

Discover our occupational therapy program today. Fill out the brief form below for more information.

Explore naturopathic medicine training at University of Western States, including hands-on labs, early clinical experience, and community-focused care.

 

At University of Western States (UWS), based in Portland, Oregon, learning how to become a naturopathic doctor is deeply tied to developing the curiosity, compassion, and critical thinking needed to care for the whole person. Students in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program gain exposure to diverse health conditions, learn how to think diagnostically, and practice evidence-informed care that bridges science and humanity. For many, the experience shapes not just their professional competence, but also their philosophy of healing.

“After 30 years of practice, I can say we offer something really profound,” says Jennifer Means, NMD, faculty member and naturopathic physician. “Our ability to sit down and listen, and really figure out what’s going on with patients, is special.”

What Does Naturopathic Medicine Training Look Like at UWS?

The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program is a graduate-level degree that integrates biomedical sciences with clinical training. The training emphasizes hands-on laboratory instruction and evidence-informed clinical reasoning from the start of the program.

From the beginning, UWS students are immersed in hands-on learning that builds both confidence and capability. Courses like Lab Diagnosis bring scientific principles to life through active participation.

“In my Lab Diagnosis class, we work on each other. We draw blood on each other. It’s very much a hands-on class,” explains Dr. Means.

Beyond memorization, students learn how each test connects to patient outcomes. “By the end of their second term, I want them to be able to draw blood, process blood, and think differentially about what kinds of labs to run,” she says. “If someone’s fatigued, are you checking for anemia, thyroid, or adrenals?”

The analytical skill of linking symptoms to evidence is essential to clinical success. It’s what separates memorization from knowledge and ensures graduates are ready to practice with both precision and empathy.

When Do Naturopathic Medicine Students Begin Clinical Training?

Students in the Naturopathic Medicine program begin clinical education near the end of their second year, progressing from observation to supervised patient care.

How UWS Integrates Classroom Learning and Clinical Practice

Coursework at UWS is intentionally aligned with clinical experiences so students can apply diagnostic and therapeutic concepts in real patient settings.

Clinical education at UWS begins earlier than in many programs. Students transition from observation to supervised patient care around the end of their second year, allowing them to apply coursework to real clinical situations.

“As they’re going into their third year, they’re coming into the clinic,” Dr. Means explains. “They start off observing advanced students then move into hands-on practice under faculty supervision.”

These experiences prepare students for the demands of patient care, including managing schedules and navigating complex health presentations. “You’re managing people,” she says. “You’re managing your time but also learning how to enter into that relationship with focus and care.”

Why Communication Is Central to Naturopathic Training

Effective communication is a core clinical competency in naturopathic medicine, supporting individualized, patient-centered care.

Dr. Means emphasizes that learning to communicate effectively is just as critical as mastering medical skills. “Communication plays a huge role,” she notes. “We’re doing individualized medicine, not just treating depression but treating that person who has depression.”

In the clinic, students learn to listen deeply, convey empathy, and educate patients about their own health. These are all vital traits for a successful naturopathic career.

How UWS’ Teaching Clinic Supports Community Health

UWS’ teaching clinic provides no-cost appointments, expanding access to naturopathic care while giving students experience with diverse patient populations.

The on-campus clinic is central to its support of community health. “The cost of coming into the clinic is zero,” says Dr. Means. While patients may pay for supplements or lab work, appointments themselves are free, making naturopathic care accessible to a wide range of people.

This approach benefits both students and patients. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program gain exposure to a broad spectrum of conditions (from mild digestive issues to complex chronic illnesses) while patients receive personalized care that addresses the root causes of their health concerns.

That variety teaches adaptability and empathy. “You’ve got to meet people where they’re at,” she says. “Sometimes it’s getting someone to eat one vegetable a day, and for someone else, it’s exercising 180 minutes a week.”

This philosophy of meeting patients where they are lies at the heart of UWS’s approach. It reflects the belief that healing starts with understanding, not assumptions.

What Whole-Person Care Means in Naturopathic Medicine Education

Whole-person care in naturopathic education involves addressing physical, emotional, and environmental factors that influence health and healing.

The focus on whole-person health is a defining aspect of UWS’s naturopathic medicine program. This translates to treating the individual, not just the symptoms. Students learn to look beyond the surface to explore physical, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to well-being.

“As naturopaths, we get a lot of people that fall outside the box of standard medical care,” Dr. Means explains. “They’re told, ‘Your labs look fine, there’s nothing wrong with you,’ but they still don’t feel well.”

In these cases, students learn how to use labs and patient histories to confirm or rule out possibilities, and to create care plans that combine clinical evidence with natural therapies. They’re trained to think critically, ask questions, and design interventions that consider both data and the patient’s lived experience.

How Students Learn Professional Boundaries in Clinical Training

Clinical training at UWS teaches students how to balance empathy with professional boundaries to support patients without overextension.

Students learn how to care deeply without carrying the emotional burden of every patient. “It’s not my job as a clinician to carry that but to help them navigate it and support them,” says Dr. Means. “That takes practice and inner work.”

These lessons, both scientific and emotional, shape how graduates approach their future patients and communities.

Licensure note:
Completion of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program does not automatically confer licensure. Licensure requirements and scope of practice vary by state and are set by regulatory authorities.

Begin Your Naturopathic Medicine Path at UWS

For those exploring how to become a naturopathic doctor, the UWS Naturopathic Medicine program offers a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice, early clinical training, and a commitment to community wellness. Students develop both the clinical skills and human understanding needed to deliver thoughtful, whole-person care.

Through faculty mentorship and real-world observation, students gain insight into professional practice beyond the classroom. “I have some students who come in every semester to observe what I do in my actual private practice,” Dr. Means shares. Through these experiences, UWS prepares students to serve patients from every background with skill and empathy.

Explore the UWS Naturopathic Medicine program to begin pursuing your career as a naturopathic doctor. Fill out the brief form below for more information.

Explore how Canadian students thrive in UWS’ Chiropractic program, which meets U.S. and Canadian licensure, offering support, training, and global career prep.

Each year, Canadian students enroll at University of Western States (UWS) to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic degree that prepares them for professional practice in both the United States and Canada. With an accredited curriculum aligned to cross-border regulatory standards, UWS offers a practical pathway for students planning to complete licensure and build careers in Canadian health care systems.

UWS’ Doctor of Chiropractic program emphasizes evidence-informed, patient-centered care while meeting the educational requirements necessary for Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) licensure. For Canadian students seeking broad clinical training and professional flexibility, this approach supports long-term career readiness across jurisdictions.

Explore how UWS empowers Canadian students to turn their goals into meaningful chiropractic careers.

Why Canadian Students Choose UWS for Chiropractic Education

Canadians make up 35% of the UWS student population, choosing to study at UWS due to a combination of program accessibility, licensure alignment, and professional preparation. UWS’ Doctor of Chiropractic program provides a more efficient pathway to licensure, allowing students to complete the program in three years. Canadian programs typically are designed to be completed in four years.

Geographic Access and Program Availability

For students from Western Canada, UWS’ location in Portland, Oregon offers a practical alternative to Canadian chiropractic programs, which are largely concentrated in Eastern Canada. Combined with cross-border accreditation, this proximity allows students to train in the U.S. while preparing for Canadian practice requirements. Additionally, the DC program at UWS has two intakes every year, allowing students more flexibility and access to the program.

Small Cohorts and Faculty Instruction

UWS delivers chiropractic education in small class and lab settings, supporting direct faculty instruction and applied learning. Coursework is grounded in evidence-informed care, with a focus on diagnostic reasoning, clinical decision-making, and patient management. This structure allows students to consistently apply foundational science to clinical scenarios encountered later in training.

“It is a great privilege to be a graduate from such an esteemed educational institute,” says. David Peeace, DC, a 1996 graduate of UWS. “This has instilled in me to give back to our esteemed profession.”

Proven Exam Success and Career Flexibility

UWS has a strong reputation for high board exam pass rates, reflecting the academic rigor and personalized support that prepare students for success. The ability to train in the United States while preparing for licensure in both countries offers unmatched flexibility after graduation. Some students return to Canada to care for their communities, others stay in the U.S. to gain experience, and some go on to practice internationally. See where UWS graduates are practicing around the globe.

A Cross-Border Alumni Network

UWS graduates benefit from a cross-border alumni network in the United States and Canada. For Canadian chiropractors, the network provides practical support during licensure, early career transitions, and practice development. These connections help graduates build professional relationships that support long-term career mobility on either side of the border.

Meeting Canadian Chiropractic Licensure Requirements with UWS

Preparing for licensure in two countries requires early planning and regulatory alignment. UWS’ Doctor of Chiropractic program is structured to support Canadian students throughout this process.

• UWS’ program meets the standards of the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) as well as U.S. regulatory boards, ensuring students are ready for licensure on either side of the border.
• Accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), the program meets educational requirements across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories.

For Canadian students, this means their academic training aligns with CCEB exam content and competency expectations.

• Core coursework includes anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, and diagnostic imaging
• Program structure supports eligibility for both U.S. and Canadian licensure exams
• Advisors familiar with Canadian regulatory requirements assist students with exam timelines and documentation

Because licensing requirements vary by province, UWS encourages students to stay informed and connected with their local regulatory bodies. The university’s admissions and advising teams are always available to help interpret requirements and ensure a smooth path to professional practice.

Curriculum and Testing Support

The UWS curriculum is designed to prepare students for clinical practice and board examinations simultaneously.

Students progress through foundational sciences before advancing into technique labs, diagnostic training, and clinical education. All coursework emphasizes evidence-informed practice and clinical applicability.

To support licensure readiness, UWS offers:

• Individualized academic advising
• Small-group exam preparation sessions
• Faculty mentorship for CCEB exam planning and scheduling, helping students stay on track while balancing coursework and clinical training

This combination of rigorous academics and personalized support helps students develop effective study strategies, clinical reasoning skills, and exam readiness prior to graduation.

Hands-On Clinical Training That Prepares Canadian Students to Practice

UWS’s approach to chiropractic education is rooted in experience. Students start gaining practical skills early: first in technique and simulation labs, then through direct patient care.

From Labs to Clinics

Early lab work allows students to build confidence with adjustments and assessments in a low-pressure setting. As they advance, they transition to the university’s on-campus clinic and affiliated health care sites, where they work with real patients under faculty supervision.

Real-World Learning

During clinical training, students treat a wide range of patient presentations under faculty supervision. These experiences support the development of communication skills, diagnostic confidence, and treatment planning, which are essential for independent practice.

Preparation That Travels

Clinical training reflects interdisciplinary and preventive care models common in Canadian health care systems, supporting graduates as they transition back into practice environments across provinces. Canadian students may be able to complete part of their clinical training in Canada. Depending on the province, their clinical training in Canada could be up to nine months.

Resources and Support for Canadian Students at UWS

UWS provides structured support services that address the logistical and regulatory needs of Canadian students.

Admissions, Advising, and Licensure Guidance

Admissions and international student teams assist with visa processes and relocation planning. Academic advisors support course sequencing, exam preparation, and licensure planning specific to Canadian requirements.

Financial Aid and Cross-Border Planning

Financial aid counselors help Canadian students navigate government loan options, UWS scholarships, and external funding sources, providing clarity around tuition and cost planning.

Housing and Student Life Resources

UWS assists students in identifying housing near campus and encourages participation in professional and academic organizations that support networking and career development.

Alumni Network in Canada

Canadian alumni remain engaged with the university through mentorship and professional networking, offering guidance on licensure, clinic development, and career transitions after graduation.

How UWS Graduates Succeed in Canadian Health Care

UWS graduates return to Canada prepared to integrate into a range of chiropractic practice settings. With a strong foundation in evidence-informed practice and patient-centered care, UWS alumni transition smoothly into professional life, whether opening private practices, joining interdisciplinary clinics, or pursuing further research and specialization.

For example, Jennifer Forbes, DC, a 2000 graduate, opened her own clinic in 2002 and now oversees a multidisciplinary practice in British Columbia.

Canadian alumni consistently demonstrate strong CCEB exam performance and report confidence entering practice due to extensive clinical training and academic preparation. Many graduates contribute to community health through patient education, clinic leadership, and professional service.

By combining accredited U.S. training with Canadian licensure preparation, UWS graduates bring adaptable clinical skills and cross-border perspective to the Canadian health care system.

Grow Your Future in Chiropractic Care

For Canadian students, University of Western States offers a clear and practical pathway to chiropractic practice. Through accredited education, structured licensure preparation, and hands-on clinical training, UWS prepares graduates to meet professional standards in both the U.S. and Canada, helping to strengthen access to chiropractic care.

Explore our resource hub for Canadian students at UWS, or learn how UWS can help you prepare for a chiropractic career in Canada and the United States.

For more information, complete the brief form below.

Explore how occupational therapists are redefining mental health care through practical, person-centered support.

Table of Contents

• A Whole-Person, Function-First Philosophy
  • What Does It Mean To Be Function-First in OT?
  • Collaboration and Care Teams: Why Occupational Therapists Belong in Mental Health
  • How Is an Occupational Therapist Different From a Counselor, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Social Worker?
  • What Does OT Care Look Like for Different Age Groups?
  • What Mental Health Conditions Are Supported by Occupational Therapy?
  • Where Do Occupational Therapists Serve?
    • Inpatient and psychiatric settings
    • Community and Outpatient Clinics
    • Creative and Group-Based Therapies
    • Forensic and Correctional Settings
• Looking Ahead: Why the Mental Health Field Needs More Occupational Therapists
  • Why Should Someone Pursue a Degree in Occupational Therapy?
• How UWS Prepares Occupational Therapists for the Future of Mental Health Care
  • Snapshot of the Occupational Therapist Program
• Join the Next Generation of Occupational Therapy Leaders

Occupational therapy professionals (OTPs) have long been associated with physical rehabilitation, but their expertise increasingly plays a vital role in psychiatric care. From managing the impact of trauma to helping individuals rebuild disrupted lifestyles, the role of occupational therapists has become essential, offering personalized support that helps people function in their daily lives.

At University of Western States (UWS), this intersection of mental and functional health is core to the institution’s philosophy. Guided by a whole-person approach to health, UWS prepares occupational therapists to understand the full complexity of a person’s life, environment, and goals, training them to restore practical function.

Learn more about the impact OTPs are making within the field of mental health.

 

 

A Whole-Person, Function-First Philosophy

When mental health conditions take hold, even simple routines can unravel. Getting out of bed, showering, preparing a meal, or sticking to a sleep schedule can feel like monumental tasks. Through trauma-informed care practices, occupational therapists learn to see people as more than diagnoses. Their focus on function helps them empower patients to rebuild routines and reestablish confidence in their ability to navigate life.

“Think of it as the doing therapy instead of the talking therapy,” says Michele Tilstra, OTD, Ph.D. The founding program director for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at UWS, Dr. Tilstra has more than 30 years of OT experience, having practiced in hand therapy, home health, skilled nursing, and mental/ behavioral health. To her, an OTP’s work is grounded in the belief that healing happens through meaningful activity, helping patients reconnect with who they are and what they can do.

By focusing on function, not just symptoms, OTs empower people to rediscover balance and purpose in their everyday lives.

 

What Does It Mean To Be Function-First in OT?

In occupational therapy, every goal connects back to one thing: the functions needed for a patient’s daily life. “Function-first means everything we do has to apply to a daily activity,” says Dr. Tilstra. “Everything you do in your life counts as a function. Sleeping, getting dressed, showing up on time for work or school, sitting at a desk, grocery shopping: These are all functional tasks or your occupations.”

Being function-first means focusing on what people need to do: helping them adapt, stay engaged, and live with purpose each day. For clients living with depression, anxiety, or major life changes, OT care might involve rethinking routines that suddenly feel impossible. For example, “If someone loses a spouse, counseling helps with grief, while OTs look at how that loss affects daily life,” explains Dr. Tilstra. “Was the spouse responsible for paying bills, buying groceries, or keeping track of appointments? How can the patient maintain functioning while still working through their grief? In OT, we step in to help them build systems that make everything more manageable.”

This lens also aligns with the University of Western States commitment to whole–person health, which recognizes how physical, mental, socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors intersect to impact well-being.

Collaboration and Care Teams: Why Occupational Therapists Belong in Mental Health

Imagine someone facing depression who can’t get out of bed to take their medication or prepare a meal, or a trauma survivor struggling to focus at work. OTPs step in to help rebuild routines, adapt environments, and create strategies that make daily life more manageable and meaningful.

This practical, person-centered approach reflects the values of University of Western States where collaboration is at the heart of the educational experience. Students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program learn to think across disciplines, combining evidence, empathy, and real-world understanding to support whole person health. This prepares students for the collaborative nature of occupational therapy. OTPs often collaborate with other mental health providers to create integrated treatment plans that center both clinical and functional recovery.

 

How Is an Occupational Therapist Different From a Counselor, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Social Worker?

Occupational therapy and counseling often go hand in hand: one helps people understand their struggles, while the other helps them live differently because of that understanding.

“Counseling is where you go deep into the ‘why,’ while OT is about the ‘how,’” explains Dr. Tilstra. “We’re always applying what we talk about to daily life.” She notes that more than half of her clients see both a counselor and an OT.

While counselors help clients explore and process trauma, OTPs focus on how those experiences show up in everyday routines. “OTPs are trauma-informed and aware of factors that contribute to behaviors, but we focus on the day-to-day activities people are struggling to accomplish.”

For example, when a client experienced anxiety after being attacked in a grocery store, counseling helped her process the trauma. Occupational therapy focused on the next step: rebuilding confidence to return to the store. “We looked at what was stopping her and created small, practical goals to help her get back to doing what she needed to do,” Dr. Tilstra says.

 

What Does OT Care Look Like for Different Age Groups?

Occupational therapy is a valuable resource for patients across ages and backgrounds. In community-based practice, Dr. Tilstra serves a wide range of neurodivergent clients with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or depression, from toddlers to adults in their 60s. “With the little ones, it’s a lot of sensory regulation: teaching families about sensory needs and how to meet them in healthy ways,” she explains. “For adults, it might be about organization, task initiation, or giving them permission to find strategies that actually work for them.”

Dr. Tilstra recalled working with a college student newly diagnosed with ADHD who struggled with organization and self-doubt. “We went through his syllabi, mapped out his schedule, and built in time for work, exercise, and socializing. It was the first time he had seen his whole life in one view,” she says. “He left with strategies that worked for his brain, and permission to do things differently.”

In school settings and nursing homes, OTPs will sometimes create dedicated sensory rooms (depending on state and institutional resources). For pediatric patients, these rooms might feature climbing features, bubble tubes, swings, soft textures, compression vests, and compression tunnels to help with calming. In assisted living facilities, these rooms might have quiet music, calming scents, bubble tubes, soft textures, and baby dolls.

Beyond the sensory room, environmental modifications benefit patients of all ages, creating comfort and preserving dignity. Dr. Tilstra shares an example of an elderly patient who is hesitant to shower: “Sometimes it’s because they’re embarrassed, cold, or just don’t understand what’s happening,” she says. “It’s amazing what lowering the lights and putting a robe around them to keep them warm can do to reduce agitation and improve some behaviors.”

No matter the age or diagnosis, the goal is the same: helping clients understand themselves, build practical coping tools, and move toward greater balance and independence.

 

What Mental Health Conditions Are Supported by Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy professionals in mental health settings support clients across a wide range of diagnoses. While the specifics vary, here are some of the most common conditions and the functional strategies OTs bring to care:

• Depression: Reestablishing routines, increasing engagement in activities, and overcoming fatigue and low motivation
• Anxiety Disorders: Grounding techniques, calming routines, and trigger management
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Trauma-informed safety strategies, sensory regulation, and gradual reentry into community
• Substance Use Disorders: Healthy-lifestyle routines, relapse-prevention strategies, and reintegration into work, school, or community
• Serious Mental Illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder): Independent-living skills, medication management, social participation, and vocational readiness
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Organizational strategies, time management tools, and sensory regulation techniques

For example, in patients with schizophrenia, OT interventions have been found to improve social functioning and cognitive performance, reducing the duration and rate of rehospitalization. By focusing on function and context, OTPs help clients carry therapeutic progress into daily life.

 

Where Do Occupational Therapists Serve?

Occupational therapy professionals make a difference wherever people need help finding their strength and independence. While many work in hospitals or clinics, OTs serve across a variety of settings. UWS graduates will go on to serve in roles within skilled nursing facilities, transitional housing programs, nonprofit agencies, and more.

 

Inpatient and psychiatric settings

In hospital and psychiatric environments, OTPs lead practical, hands-on sessions that help patients reestablish daily routines like cooking, nutrition, hygiene, and budgeting.

“It’s not always about the physical act itself,” Dr. Tilstra says. “Sometimes it’s about helping someone remember to take care of themselves: bathing, dressing, or preparing meals.”

These activities build life skills patients can carry into everyday life after discharge.

 

Community and Outpatient Clinics

In community-based care, therapy becomes highly individualized as OTPs help clients navigate real-world challenges.

“If someone has panic attacks, it might take us three weeks to work toward going to the grocery store,” Dr. Tilstra says. “We plan together, build familiarity, and practice coping strategies, breaking big fears into manageable steps.”

These sessions combine emotional awareness with real-world problem-solving to rebuild confidence and independence.

 

Creative and Group-Based Therapies

OTs use shared, purposeful activities (such as crafts, cooking, or team projects) to build emotional regulation and social skills in safe, engaging ways.

Occupational therapy has deep roots in creative, activity-based interventions, and those methods are making a comeback. Participating in activities (such as crafts, cooking, or team projects) builds emotional regulation and social skills in safe, engaging ways.

“I might have a group of four adolescent boys building birdhouses,” Dr. Tilstra says. “While they’re working, we’re talking about anger: what happens when you start to feel it, and what you can do differently.”

Using the birdhouse example, Dr. Tilstra emphasizes how activity-based interventions help cultivate problem-solving skills. “If there aren’t enough materials for everyone to make their birdhouses, for example, they learn to share and work together,” she says. “Those are real social skills, and it all falls under the OT umbrella,” Dr. Tilstra says.

 

Forensic and Correctional Settings

In state hospitals, youth detention centers, and forensic units, OTPs often focus on long-term independence and reintegration.

“We work on transitional living skills,” explains Dr. Tilstra. “That is, what it takes to care for yourself, make safe choices, and build friendships that lead to healthier outcomes.”

These sessions often include anger management, stress management, and social skill development, all of which are critical tools for stability and self-sufficiency.

 

Looking Ahead: Why the Mental Health Field Needs More Occupational Therapists

The demand for mental health professionals is rapidly outpacing supply, especially in community-based and rural settings. At the same time, the field continues to broaden its understanding of what effective care looks like.

Effective mental health care extends beyond talk therapy or crisis stabilization. It also requires structured, everyday support that allows individuals to rebuild their lives.

Occupational therapy professionals address such needs. Their training in function, context, trauma, and daily living makes them essential members of any modern mental health care team.

And the workforce need is only growing: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14% increase in demand for occupational therapists through 2032, much faster than average job growth. This is driven by aging populations, increased attention to chronic illness, and expanding recognition of OTP’s role in mental and behavioral health. “There’s a big gap in care,” Dr. Tilstra says. “Currently, there aren’t enough OTPs to serve the aging population.”

 

Why Should Someone Pursue a Degree in Occupational Therapy?

For Dr. Tilstra, the beauty of a career in occupational therapy lies in its remarkable variety. “In more than 30 years, I’ve worked in acute care, inpatient rehab, psychiatry, home health, hand therapy, and even pediatric occupational therapy, something I never thought I’d do,” she shares. “The best part is, I’ve always been an OT.”

Whether working with clients for hours each day in a rehab setting, traveling to patients’ homes, or treating children in a playful, creative environment, Dr. Tilstra found that occupational therapy offered endless opportunities to grow. “If you ever feel stagnant, you can take a continuing education class, attend a conference, or develop a new skill set,” she says. “You can completely change your trajectory and still stay within this field.”

 

How UWS Prepares Occupational Therapists for the Future of Mental Health Care

University of Western States is preparing students to meet this need with the launch of its new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, a flexible, hybrid occupational therapy degree designed with working professionals and career changers in mind. Students complete most of their coursework online with limited on-campus residencies, making the program accessible without requiring relocation.

“As the first occupational therapy program within our system, this launch represents a significant step in expanding our ability to impact health care delivery,” says Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System. “By offering a flexible and forward-thinking pathway into occupational therapy, UWS is preparing a new generation of practitioners to provide care that addresses not just physical needs, but the overall well-being of the individuals and communities they serve.”

 

Snapshot of the Occupational Therapist Program

From the very first semester, students take a four-credit mental health course designed to establish a foundation in mental health that runs through every subsequent part of the curriculum. “We wanted students to start with mental health because it’s the foundation for the remaining coursework in the program,” Dr. Tilstra says. “Mental health is woven into everything: our adult and geriatric courses, pediatrics, and even anatomy.”

Early fieldwork experiences reinforce this foundation. The first Level I fieldwork focuses entirely on mental health, giving students experience interviewing clients, writing evaluations and treatment plans, and leading group therapy sessions. “They plan and run social skills or anger management groups—seeing firsthand how people work through challenges together,” Dr. Tilstra explains.

Students also train through video simulations of challenging client behaviors to build confidence for real-world situations. Just as importantly, they’re encouraged to develop self-awareness and understand their own emotional triggers. “Part of mental health is knowing yourself,” emphasizes Dr. Tilstra. “If you haven’t dealt with your own trauma, it’s going to be difficult when you’re sitting with someone else’s pain.”

This holistic approach extends to advising, too. Each student is paired with both a faculty and a student affairs advisor who check in on academics and overall wellness. “They’re not just students,” Dr. Tilstra says. “They’re whole people. When they graduate, we want them emotionally intact and ready to care for others.”

By combining evidence-based training with a whole-person health approach, the OTD program at UWS equips future occupational therapists to support recovery.

 

Join the Next Generation of Occupational Therapy Leaders

University of Western States prepares students to become thoughtful, evidence-informed practitioners who honor the complexity of human health. Through programs grounded in rigorous science and compassionate understanding, UWS equips future occupational therapists to support recovery with excellent care.

By blending function and research with empathy, today’s OTs are making mental health care more practical and effective.

Learn more about our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program.

 

Explore how UWS faculty blend science, experience, and patient care to teach evidence-informed naturopathic medicine.

By Bryanna Somers

In naturopathy, being evidence-informed means leaning on the best available research while also considering a patient’s lived experience and the emerging science that hasn’t yet made its way into formal guidelines. In doing so, naturopathic doctors (NDs) meet patients where they are and create a plan that’s both safe and deeply personal.

To dig deeper into what evidence-informed medicine means in practice, we sat down with Marcia Prenguber, ND, dean of the Naturopathic Medicine program at University of Western States (UWS). A leader in integrative oncology and naturopathic medicine, Dr. Prenguber explains how evidence-informed care can support patients through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.

What Evidence-Informed Care Means in Naturopathic Medicine

At its core, being evidence-informed means drawing on all the information available to make the best possible decision for a unique patient. In naturopathic medicine, that evidence can include:

• Published research from peer-reviewed journals
• Smaller-scale studies and observational findings
• Traditional knowledge of therapies used safely for generations
• Clinical wisdom from providers’ real-world experience
• Patient presentation and preferences, which shape how care should be delivered

Dr. Prenguber describes the evidence-informed approach as building a pyramid. Each layer of information—research, case reports, clinical wisdom, patient presentation—narrows the choices until the right approach for that individual patient becomes clear. “​​This allows us to build a picture of the person and what their conditions are,” she says. “By the time you reach the top of the pyramid, you have a treatment plan that’s grounded in science and also tailored to the whole person in front of you.”

Whole-Person Health in Naturopathy Training

A defining feature of the UWS naturopathic medicine program is its grounding in whole person health. Students are taught to see patients not as a set of symptoms but as complex individuals whose physical, emotional, social, and environmental realities all shape their health.

Dr. Prenguber shares an example: Two patients may arrive with the same respiratory infection. One is a young athlete living in a sunny climate; the other is an older patient living alone in a damp apartment.

“The condition might be the same on paper, but the treatment won’t likely be the same,” she explains. “It’s about who the person is.”

Evidence-Informed vs. Evidence-Based: What’s the Difference?

The terms “evidence-based” and “evidence-informed” are often used interchangeably, but in naturopathic medicine, they mean very different things.

Evidence-based care typically relies on standardized treatment protocols drawn from large clinical trials. It asks, “What intervention has been proven most effective for the majority of patients with this condition?” While this approach offers clarity, it can also leave out the unique circumstances, values, and lived experiences of individual patients.

Evidence-informed care, on the other hand, starts with the research but doesn’t end there. It also considers smaller-scale studies, clinical wisdom from years of practice, traditional knowledge, and (most importantly) the patient’s personal story, all of which contribute to whole person health.

Dr. Prenguber explains, “I can gather all the double-blind placebo studies, but those don’t always tell us what we need to know for this particular patient. Evidence-informed care asks us to listen, observe, and think critically about who they are and what will help them most.”

In practice, this distinction matters. Evidence-based care might recommend the same treatment for every patient with a digestive disorder. Evidence-informed care recognizes that one patient’s lifestyle, emotional health, and environment may call for a different approach than another’s, even if the diagnosis is the same.

“No study can tell us who this person is or what matters most to them,” Dr. Prenguber says. “We have to listen, observe, and think critically. That’s what evidence-informed means.”

The Naturopathic Toolkit: Homeopathy, Botanicals, and Beyond

Naturopathic doctors rely on an expansive toolkit that includes homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutrition, physical medicine, and lifestyle care. Each therapy comes with its own kind of evidence, and UWS faculty help students learn how to weigh it all.

Homeopathy, for example, is one of the most individualized therapies. “Two patients with the same respiratory infection might receive different remedies depending on how their symptoms present,” Dr. Prenguber says. “For example, maybe one wants to stay home in bed to recover, while another seeks activity and company.”

Botanical medicine requires creativity too. Students learn not just about single herbs but how to combine them into tinctures that have a driving force, supporting remedies and even considerations such as taste. Nutrition adds another layer of complexity, one in which countless dietary approaches exist, and the challenge is deciding which one best fits a patient’s needs and circumstances.

“We draw from conventional research,” says Dr. Prenguber, “but we also look at smaller studies, faculty and practitioner experience, and what we know about how a patient will respond. It’s about making smart choices based on all the evidence we have.”

This diversity of approaches ensures that UWS students learn to evaluate options, balance evidence, and adapt care to the person in front of them.

How UWS Prepares Students for Real-World Naturopathic Practice

UWS students begin their education with the sciences, including physiology, anatomy, and diagnostics.

As they progress in the program, they learn more about the symptoms that inform the condition (in courses such as gastroenterology, cardiovascular health, homeopathy, botanical medicine, and nutrition). What does it mean when two people share the same diagnosis but experience it completely differently? How does stress or environment change the way an illness unfolds?

By the time students reach the clinic, they’re ready to apply this learning with real patients. Here, they learn to treat diverse cases under the supervision of naturopathic physicians with different specialties.

“This hands-on training is where students learn to bridge the science they’ve studied with the human stories unfolding in front of them,” Dr. Prenguber says. This also helps students see firsthand that there are many safe and effective ways to approach a condition.

Evidence-Informed Care in Action

Dr. Prenguber recalls supervising a student who was working with a cancer patient. The student pressed ahead with clinical questions, even after the patient mentioned the recent loss of her father. With expertise in oncology, Dr. Prenguber took note, then said, “Tell me more about your experience navigating the death of your father.”

“Her grief around her father’s death was impacting her ability to heal,” Dr. Prenguber says. Grief was at the center of the patient’s healing journey, and addressing this grief became just as important as treating her physical symptoms. “Once we realized this, the student was able to help her navigate her grief with a homeopathic remedy, which then allowed her to focus on the health challenges she had with her cancer.”

Moments like these remind students that patient stories are a form of evidence, too. Evidence-informed education trains students to notice those details, to hold space for them, and to integrate them alongside science.

The Impact of Evidence-Informed Naturopathy on Students and Patients

As students grow more comfortable with the evidence-informed model, they begin to see themselves differently. “I see students light up when it clicks,” Dr. Prenguber says. “They walk into clinic and realize, ‘Oh, I can do this.’”

That confidence translates directly into patient care. When practitioners can explain the reasoning behind a recommendation and show how it fits the patient’s life, it builds trust, and that trust becomes part of the healing process itself.

Mentorship and Faculty Leadership in Naturopathy Training

At UWS, faculty are practicing naturopathic doctors with specialties ranging from homeopathy and botanical medicine to nutrition and lifestyle care. Each brings their own perspective into the classroom, which means students see that there are often many safe and effective ways to approach the same health concern.

“We talk openly about our own approaches,” Dr. Prenguber says. “If I get a sore throat, I might reach for one remedy. Another faculty member might do something completely different, and that’s OK. We model openness and humility in our choices.”

This diversity helps students learn to weigh options, evaluate evidence, and trust their clinical judgment.

“We want students to see that there isn’t always one ‘right’ answer in naturopathic medicine,” Dr. Prenguber adds. “What matters is learning how to evaluate evidence, apply it thoughtfully, and remain open to the patient in front of you.”

Faculty also serve as mentors beyond the clinic. They guide students in understanding the day-to-day realities of practice: how to manage uncertainty, how to communicate effectively with patients, and how to stay grounded in compassion when care becomes complex. Dr. Prenguber reminds students that their presence matters as much as their prescriptions: “Sometimes what heals most is that the patient feels heard, understood, and supported.”

Through these relationships, students begin to find their own voices as clinicians. They learn to balance rigor with creativity, to ask better questions, and to see patient care not as a formula but as an evolving partnership.

Ready To Explore a Career in Naturopathic Medicine?

If you’re ready to practice a model of care that sees the whole person, UWS can help you get there.

Learn how a whole-person, evidence-informed approach to care sets UWS students apart in the field of integrative health.

Explore the UWS Naturopathic Medicine program.

 

 

Joshua Rubinstein, ND, explains how naturopathic medicine programs blend science and natural care to prepare future doctors for whole-person health.

By Kim Smart

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Naturopathic medicine blends scientific training with natural, whole-person care to help patients address the root causes of illness.
• Strong naturopathic medicine programs combine rigorous coursework with extensive clinical experience to prepare students for licensure and practice.
• Graduates can pursue flexible careers in primary care, research, education, and integrative health settings.

Joshua Rubinstein, ND, associate dean of Clinical Education, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at University of Western States, describes naturopathic medicine as a gentler form of medicine. “We’re excellent primary care providers,” he says. “We have so many tools and methods that, most of the time, are going to be gentler on the body. This can be especially helpful with patients’ long-term health goals.”

Naturopaths train on the foundations of health and in taking time to understand a patient’s diet, exercise habits, sleep patterns, and how they handle stress. When a patient makes changes in these areas, they often resolve many of their issues. Using both holistic practices and evidence-based research, naturopathic doctors connect emerging evidence with clinical practice, focusing on root causes of illness rather than just symptoms.

1. Why do future doctors choose naturopathic medicine over conventional medicine?

Naturopathic medicine attracts students who want to treat the whole person with natural, science-based primary care.

Naturopathic medicine is well suited for both doctors and patients looking for a more natural and individualized health care experience. “I think medicine, in general, aspires to treat the individual,” Dr. Rubinstein says,” but I feel like naturopathic medicine really excels at that, partly because we have so many different ways of working with that individual.”

“Naturopathic doctors have a comprehensive ability to address a problem, especially chronic conditions,” Dr. Rubinstein adds. “We have the training to put that primary care hat on.” An ND sees everyone from infants to the elderly with visits that are typically much longer than those in conventional medicine. This allows doctors and patients to develop a deeper and more trusted relationship.

2. What should prospective students look for in a top naturopathic medicine school or program?

Choose programs with expert faculty, strong clinical training, functional medicine, and accreditation.

Dr. Rubinstein recommends a program with instructors who’ve practiced naturopathy before, one that offers good clinical experience, and one that teaches students how to safely prescribe both botanicals and pharmaceuticals.

Learning functional medicine in naturopathy is also essential. “Functional medicine is woven into our naturopathy doctoral program, which sets our program apart from most.” Rubinstein explained. “Students learn to use evidence-based research to deliver specific protocols for a given condition. This gives our graduates confidence to go right into practice with the ability to address a wide variety of different concerns, knowing a protocol is backed by science.  Then, as they gain clinical experience, they can diversify and try varied approaches.”

Courses that focus on entrepreneurial and business practices are important for preparing you to have your own practice. And accreditation is essential for those who want to get licensed and practice as a naturopathic doctor. Dr. Rubinstein says UWS currently has candidacy status and hopes to take the last step in accreditation by the end of 2026.

3. How rigorous is naturopathic medical school, and what should students expect academically?

Expect a rigorous, science-based curriculum focused on anatomy, biology, chemistry, and clinical skills.

You should expect a naturopathic program to be rigorous, so a good science foundation will help prepare you. Admissions for naturopathic medicine tend to be similar across programs, typically requiring a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, and specific prerequisite science courses like biology and chemistry with labs.

“I love to encourage folks to take anatomy before they come here as well, because gross anatomy is part of that first-year push,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “That background helps you start on the right foot, because it’s a lot of memorization and the more familiar you are with a topic like that, the easier it’s going to be.”

Skills and coursework needed for ND programs may vary from school to school, but at University of Western States, you’ll have courses in the following areas:

• Philosophy and principles of naturopathic medicine
• Basic sciences
• Foundations of functional medicine
• Clinical, physical and laboratory diagnosis
• Environmental medicine
• Therapeutic modalities including nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, minor surgery, mind-body medicine, stress reduction therapies, injections and intravenous therapy and physical therapeutic procedures and modalities, including articular joint mobilization and manipulation, myofascial and soft tissue therapy.

4. How much clinical and hands-on experience will students get in a naturopathic medicine program?

Students complete more than 1,250 hours of supervised training with diverse patients in real clinics.

Anyone working toward a naturopathic medicine degree needs clinical experience, with an average of 1,100-1,200 hours of hands-on clinical training.

“Students get a lot of clinical experience here at [University of] Western States. We have a no-cost naturopathic medical clinic that allows us to see a wide diversity of income levels and people of different backgrounds who may not otherwise have access to naturopathic medicine,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “We also are in the process of establishing some different off-site clinical shifts that also will expand our ability to work with different communities in the greater Portland area.”

During your clinical rotations, you’ll see patients under the direction of a supervisor  who consults on your diagnoses and suggested treatment plans.

5. What skills and qualities help students succeed in naturopathic medicine?

Curiosity, empathy, organization, and communication skills drive success in naturopathic medicine.

Dr. Rubinstein mentions several indicators of success, starting with a strong academic background, especially in the sciences, and good organizational skills. “You have a tremendous amount of information to learn, so how do you effectively study it? How do you effectively organize the material so you can pull it up for reference later?”

You should also demonstrate a strong interest in natural medicine and possess qualities like empathy and curiosity. “A natural curiosity about the world and the body and how things work is essential,” he says. “Rather than just prescribing something, we really do aspire to understand the underlying physiology and the best ways we can help each patient.”

Good communication skills and a strong ability to connect with people are also important in naturopathic medicine. That’s because patient-centered care means you’ll be helping people feel safe and supported, as well as helping them clarify their objectives and goals.

“The best naturopaths are the ones who’ve been doing their own work on themselves, trying to figure out where their growing edge is,” he adds. “That’s because as you become more and more comfortable with yourself, you can be more present for your patient and really separate their issues from your own.”

Lastly, being comfortable promoting yourself and talking about naturopathic medicine goes a long way toward future success and happiness. “Those who succeed in their careers have a vision for how they want to practice,” he says.

6. What career paths and job opportunities can graduates pursue with a naturopathic medicine degree?

Graduates enter private practice, research, teaching, or public health with flexibility and independence.

The naturopathic doctor career path is wide and varied. “You really can chart your own path,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “Many of our graduates go into private practice, which allows you to determine how you practice, the hours you keep, and where you work. Those are all things you have a lot of freedom to decide for yourself.”

But there’s also much more beyond clinical practice. There are also academic roles, research, entrepreneurship, consulting, and public health, with positions in integrative clinics, hospitals, universities and various healthcare organizations.

“Part of what I love about it is that you’re never going to be bored in your career as a naturopathic doctor,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “There are always new modalities and ways to apply older ideas in a new and novel way, so you’ll never you’ll never run out of things to study and learn as a naturopathic doctor throughout your career.”

“I encourage all folks thinking about applying to our program to go talk to some practicing naturopathic doctors to hear what it’s like to be in practice and get some perspectives. And talk to more than one, because again, there’s a lot of diversity within our profression.” Then he added, “Go see a naturopathic doctor as a patient, too.”

Learn more about earning your naturopathic medicine degree

Ready to take the next step toward becoming a naturopathic doctor? Complete the short form below to connect with University of Western States and learn more about the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. Discover how UWS combines evidence-based science and natural, whole-person care to prepare future doctors for licensure and meaningful careers in integrative health.

The CBCE program places students in internships and preceptorships that provide invaluable hands-on training and needed care to the communities they serve.

As is often the case with people who become chiropractors, Jessie Hrushka learned the value of the field as a patient. While studying nursing in college, she suffered a health issue that led her to seek a chiropractor’s care. “I was getting bad headaches in school and decided to go to a chiropractor,” Hrushka says. Having entered college looking to help others through health care, her positive experience with chiropractic led her to see the field as a potential path for herself. “I thought, ‘Oh, this is an option,’” she adds.

In addition to her experience as a patient, Hrushka encountered the chiropractic field as part of her nursing studies. “I was shadowing a chiropractor and loved it,” she says. Considering the field further, she realized that it aligned with her values as an aspiring health care practitioner. “I was interested in conservative care where I could help provide people with lasting results and not with pharmaceuticals,” she says.

Learning Through Practice

Ben Partridge, DC, a chiropractor Hrushka shadowed had received his degree from University of Western States. When it came time to apply to a chiropractic program, Hrushka was so sold on the UWS program that she never completed her applications to other schools. She says she chose the Portland program because it was more evidence-based than others she considered and because it focuses on the physical therapy and rehab aspects of chiropractic, not merely manipulation. “When I have my own practice one day, I would like to do a lot of the rehab and physical therapy and not just adjustments,” she says.

Hrushka secured her first internship through UWS’ Community-Based Clinical Education website. Looking for a practice near her family in Colorado Springs, she contacted Michael Macri, DC, of Evergreen Spine & Sports Medicine, who is participating in the CBCE program whom she had shadowed in the past.

“I really loved the way that he ran his practice,” Hrushka says. “They did a lot of physical therapy rehab, a lot of soft tissue as well as adjusting.” Additionally, Hrushka appreciated the scope of the practice, which included massage therapy, acupuncture, and a muscle relaxation technique called dry needling. “The literature says that the more modalities you use, the better results you get,” she says. After observing for her first week, she began performing adjustments. By the end of her internship, she was conducting most of the visit.

An Eye-Opening Journey

Having graduated from University of Western States in June 2025, Hrushka is currently completing her preceptorship at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her experience in the VA system, which began in April and which runs through September, has been a stark contrast to her internship in Colorado Springs. The needs of the patients she sees now are much different than those she encountered during her internship, and the community she serves in Fayetteville faces a shortage of doctors.

Fayetteville is home to one of the highest concentrations of veterans in the country, so the chiropractic clinic is almost always at or over capacity, according to Hrushka. This makes it difficult for the two chiropractors on staff to see patients as often as would be best for their recovery. In addition, the VA’s patients are older, and most suffer from chronic pain, so their needs differ significantly from those of the young, healthy athletes Hrushka treated in Colorado Springs.

A typical day at the VA begins at 8:30 a.m. New patient visits begin with Hrushka taking a full patient history. “It’s the most thorough history ever,” she says. After this comes a physical exam and treatment. For follow-up visits, Hrushka asks patients how they have been since their last visit and, in addition to providing adjustments, Hrushka says, “We teach them exercises and stretches to do when they go home, because there’s such a long time in between visits.”

Takeaways for a Future of Service

The CBCE program offers students more than hands-on experience; it also provides flexibility in choosing internship locations, whether close to home or in areas where they hope to practice. This geographic flexibility is intentional, exposing students to varied patient demographics and regional health systems. As Patrick Battaglia, DC, assistant vice president of CBCE, explains, “In our community-based education program, students work with diverse populations, veterans, active-duty military, and Native populations. They’re exposed to a diversity of regions and health systems, big health systems like the VA and small private clinics. Students get a rich exposure across the diversity of the health care system that they will be operating in.”

For Hrushka, her experience in the CBCE program gave her a greater understanding of a chiropractor’s work as well as a grasp of how wide the patient experience can be, depending on the practice. Through the benefit of seeing a large number of patients, she gained confidence in diagnosing and treating people based on their varying needs. “In a sports clinic, if your population is all young, healthy people, you can make them feel fantastic and think, ‘Wow, I just healed this person,’” she says. “With other patients, it’s important to focus on, ‘I’m still helping them even if I can’t heal them 100%.’”

Looking ahead, Hrushka must take the fourth and last part of her board exam. She hopes to get licensed in Colorado and find a clinic to work for. “I am very passionate about the conservative care side of medicine,” she says. “It’s helpful to focus on what the patient can do for himself rather than going to a doctor every week for the rest of his life. I like to teach my patients the exercises and tools they can use for long-term relief.”

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For more information on all programs at University of Western States, please fill out he form below.

Explore how UWS’s focus on whole-person health allows for a comprehensive approach toward patient care, considering all aspects of well-being including physical, mental, and social factors. Learn more about how we teach a whole-person approach for better overall patient care.

Whole-Person Approach to Patient Care

What is whole-person care? Whole-person care is a evidence-based and patient-centered approach, that evaluates the patient’s physical, mental, and social factors. The focus is to treat root causes of disease and dysfunction with holistic, individualized approaches to health and well-being. Teaching future medical professionals to consider the whole person in their evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and patient management, not just suppressing symptoms. This approach factors in physical, mental, and social wellness to guide treatments and patient care management.

Patient-Centered Approach to Nutritional Wellness

Human nutrition is the provision of essential nutrients in food and the process of transforming it into body tissue and energy. Proper nutrition supports good health and bodily functions, whereas poor nutrition can weaken the body and immune system. Poor nutrition typically stems from poverty, food security, or a poor understanding or execution of meeting nutritional requirements for the body.

University of Western States offers a Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine program with a professional certificate, Master of Science, and a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degree. Each program builds students’ knowledge on how to take a whole-person approach to nutrition by using ​​natural methods, specifically diet, lifestyle, and mental or emotional health as a central focus. UWS teaches this comprehensive understanding of whole-person consideration and evidence-driven data as a forefront model for health care practice that seeks to address the causes of disease, dysfunction, and poor nutrition rather than suppressing symptoms.

Patient-Centered Approach to Mental Health Wellness

Mental health is the emotional and psychological well-being of an individual. It influences how one thinks, feels, and acts. This is why it is important to understand a patient’s mental health and how it may affect their stress, and relationships, as it can hinder any healthy habits.

UWS reinforces the whole-person approach in all graduate degrees, including our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Our future mental health counselors learn to provide treatment to individuals, families, and couples for a range of mental health conditions that affect emotional health and relationships. CMHC graduates use a patient-centered approach to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, stress, and suicidal impulses. The methods and techniques for treating each condition are fully adapted to the individual—their life experience, lifestyle, current state of mind, and genetic factors that may contribute to mental illness.

Professional counselors use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people confront the challenges that keep them stuck and develop healthier patterns. This process can be both cathartic and emotional, and counselors are trained to respond to crises such as suicidal thoughts or vocational burnout with skill and compassion. In addition, professional counselors may support clients in building creative outlets that promote well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or other activities that foster expression and creativity. At UWS, our program is uniquely aligned with sport and performance psychology, giving graduates the added ability to support athletes, military and tactical personnel, and other high-achieving professionals in both their mental health and performance needs.

Whole-Person Approach to Social Wellness

Social wellness is the relationships and interactions between people. Maintaining social wellness can be done through spirituality, contemplative practices, and building healthy relationships. Spirituality can be practicing religion or faith and applying the values to real-life scenarios. Contemplative practices include self-reflection and analysis for deep concentration and quieting the mind during times of distress. The goal is to explore the cause and effect of one’s emotions and reactions, breaking it down into understanding, and processing the next steps rather than being overwhelmed. Contemplative practices are practical, radical, and transformative for self-awareness and can be achieved through therapy, meditation, or other reflective practices. Building healthy relationships is made easier through awareness, intention, and boundaries. All of which heavily rely on honesty with oneself and the other, trust, respect, and communication.

If a patient is struggling in one area of physical, mental, or social wellness, it can make it harder to maintain wellness in the other areas. This is why future medical professionals need to take into consideration the whole person, pinpointing the cause of a condition, rather than suppressing the symptoms.

Using a Patient-Centered Approach in Your Career

The University of Western States offers a variety of graduate programs in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. We offer an accredited master’s degree in nutrition that combines holistic and integrative health. Start your journey as a future medical professional with a graduate degree that teaches a whole-person-health approach to patient care.

In this comprehensive guide, future health care professionals will discover the pivotal role of likelihood ratios in clinical decision-making. This article delves into the fundamentals of likelihood ratios and their significance in effectively diagnosing and managing patient care. Learn how likelihood ratios in a clinical setting can improve patient outcomes.

At University of Western States, graduates of the Doctor of Chiropractic program undergo rigorous training that encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Chiropractic science has evolved over more than 100 years, and licensed practitioners incorporate evidence-informed approaches into therapies to help diagnose and treat a patient.

Likelihood ratios are one of the many evidence-informed practices incorporated into the chiropractic medicine curriculum and practicum and UWS to prepare graduates to provide patient care post-licensure.

What are Likelihood Ratios?

Likelihood ratios (LR) express a change in odds in clinical diagnosis and prognosis. They combine the sensitivity and specificity of a given diagnostic test to determine the chances of the patients having an illness, disease, or condition. These predictive values can be used to influence the patient’s treatment and determine the patient’s prognosis with the specific medical condition.

Positive and Negative Likelihood Ratio

The positive likelihood ratio (+LR) indicates the change in odds of having a diagnosis in patients with a positive test result. This change is represented as a ratio, typically greater than one. The negative likelihood ratio (-LR) denotes the change in odds of having a diagnosis in patients with a negative test result. It is typically less than one.

Positive or negative likelihood ratios provide valuable information about the diagnostic accuracy of tests and the ability to alter the odds of having a particular condition based on LR test results. Likelihood ratios can help project the shift in the patient having a specific condition from the initial presumption (pre-test probability) to the likelihood after the interpretation of test results (post-test probability).

How Are Ratios Used in Patient Care?

Likelihood ratios are essential in optimizing patient care through diagnostics, treatment, monitoring, risk eval, and clinical research.

1. Diagnostic Assessment: Likelihood ratios help interpret test results and gauge the probability of a condition, for better or worse.
2. Treatment Decision-making: LR assesses the effectiveness of the treatment and guides treatment choices.
3. Health Monitoring: Ratios track changes in patient health over time, such as blood marker levels before and after treatment.
4. Risk Evaluation: Likelihood ratios assess the risk of medical events, like cardiovascular disease based on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
5. Clinical Research: Ratios like relative risk or odds ratios compare patient groups or interventions in studies and trials.

LR can better inform future medical practitioners throughout patient care, allowing them to use positive or negative ratios to guide their treatment plans.

UWS Doctor of Chiropractic students learn how likelihood ratios can be used to improve patient care through effective clinical decision-making. The odds of the patient having a specific condition can better prepare future chiropractic practitioners on how to diagnose the patient and effectively treat them using the whole-person approach.

What Is the Number Needed to Treat Used for?

The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) is the measurement of the impact of a medication or treatment based on the number of patients needed to be treated to have an impact on one person. NNT is statistical guidance to project the outcome. In other words, if a drug has an NNT of 12, then 12 people need to be treated with the drug to prevent one additional bad outcome.

Using Stats to Improve Patient Care

Likelihood ratios these ratios help project shifts in probability, guiding clinical decision-making. Integrating LR into medical practice can help diagnose patients, treatment plans, monitor and manage care, risk evaluation and clinical research. Use likelihood ratios for a higher standard of patient care and informed medical decision-making.

At University of Western States, the goal of our Doctor of Chiropractic program is to prepare skilled chiropractors to provide evidence-informed, whole person, individualized health care for the betterment of patients and society. Learn more about how you can learn the evidence-based practices, such as likelihood ratios and number needed to treat, into your chiropractic education in preparation for medical practice. Apply today to take that next step.

University of Western States’ Dr. Chris Browne explains how to become a nutritionist and unlock the healing power of functional medicine for your clients.

SUMMARY

• Pursuing nutritionist careers is a meaningful way to promote individual and community wellness.
• Nutritionists work in varied clinical settings and may be eligible for licensure, depending on where they practice.
• Nutritionists apply their tools and training to help clients overcome serious illness.

We humans must eat to live, but the picture is more complicated than that. It’s also possible to use food and natural supplements to improve our wellness and prevent illness. “Recognizing that nutrition is not just a passive requirement to stay alive but also shapes our physiology makes us wonder about how we could use it more specifically or in a more targeted fashion for health care goals,” says Chris Browne, DC, MS, program director of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and Doctor of Clinical Nutrition at University of Western States.

For anyone who wants to make a difference as a health care clinician in a way that helps clients to take control of their wellness, a career as a nutritionist in the field of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine is a viable path. If you are wondering how to become a nutritionist, here are five steps to becoming a leader in this growing branch of integrative health care.

1. Study science, especially biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.

Chemistry is at the heart of nutrition and functional medicine both within the human body and in the foods we eat.

Understanding the microbiome, issues surrounding metabolism, and hormone regulation is vital to treating the chronic diseases that are a major cause of disease and death in the United States. A clinically focused course in nutritional biochemistry will be one of your first steps.

“To make sure that everybody is starting on a similarly solid foundation, we begin with some of the foundations of what is functional medicine and how it’s different from what we might call traditional or conventional health care approaches, and then what they have in common,” Dr. Browne says of his program at University of Western States, “because we are trying to take the best of what’s already been done and continue to improve it.”

2. Earn a post-graduate degree such as a master’s degree or a doctorate.

An advanced degree is crucial to a thorough grasp of the field, professional credibility, and, in some cases, the ability to practice in your community.

Nutritionists are clinicians who deliver health care to their clients and can benefit from the most current training available as they would get from a master’s degree to pursue nutritionist job opportunities. Some programs, such as the Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine (MS-HNFM) from University of Western States, utilize cutting-edge clinical tools and informational resources developed by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).

 RELATED: UWS Named a Top School for Online Education in Nutrition

Advancements are being made every day in the field of human nutrition and functional medicine and a master’s degree or a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) will give you the background to apply a science-based, patient-centered approach to helping clients achieve their health and nutritional goals.

3. Education requirements for nutritionists vary, so you will need to know your state’s requirements.

An important part of being a clinician is being aware of any regulations governing your practice.

“In most states, our graduates can apply their knowledge in some direct way with the people that they serve,” Dr. Browne says. Those with an advanced degree bring a lot of knowledge to our expanding understanding of nutrition and functional nutrition.

When it comes to practice, a nutritionist career path may include licensure, often as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). The process will require completing supervision hours required by the state and the passing of a certification exam. The practice rights and scope of practice vary for nutritionists from state to state, that is why students interested in pursuing a career in clinical nutrition should verify educational and practical experience requirements with the American Nutrition Association.

UWS’ online master’s in nutrition program satisfies all coursework requirements for graduates to sit for other national certification exams such as Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) and the Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN).

4. Find nutritionist job opportunities that suit your skills and interests.

The most common nutritionist job openings are in private or group practice.

What does a nutritionist do? Nutritionists treat clients for a range of serious conditions, including obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, and hormone imbalances. Developing a client base and a professional reputation is a pathway to success in the field. Integrated Connections, an organizationthat supports integrated and functional medicine practitioners, reports steady growth in the field .

RELATED: Functional Medicine, Past, Present, and Future

“There are now more opportunities than there used to be for students to join a functional health practice or another kind of clinic or health center,” Dr. Browne says. “In our master’s program, we have an elective course to support an entrepreneurial skill set and to provide an understanding what it takes to operate a successful business.”

5. Expand your knowledge into the science of human nutrition and wellness.

A Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degree will position you as an expert in the field.

An important part of being a nutritionist is keeping up with the newest information and research in the field and relaying that knowledge to clients and to the public, and a nutritionist receiving a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition “should be recognized as holding a terminal degree in their field as the highest level of expertise in clinical nutrition,” Dr. Browne says.

Once you’ve achieved your goal of becoming a certified nutritionist, an important part of the profession will be keeping up with the newest breakthroughs that may affect your clients. Among the innovations that are currently influencing the field of nutrition and functional medicine are discoveries in nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics.

“Nutrigenetics centers around how differences in genetic makeup change an individual’s nutritional needs,” Dr. Browne says. “The genomics side of the field focuses on how nutrients, how food and supplements, impact our genes.” These new theories fit in with the functional medicine approach of individualized nutrition plans for each client.

As we approach this year’s Deaflympics, the quadrennial event at which deaf athletes compete at an elite level, University of Western States faculty members Sarah Castillo, Ph.D., and Gily Meir, Ph.D., are helping lead an initiative focused on supporting the mental performance and well-being of the event’s deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes. As faculty mentors, Dr. Castillo and Dr. Meir are working alongside UWS doctoral students to provide culturally competent, evidence-informed care that addresses the unique needs of athletes in Deaf sports.

What is your specific role as a mentor for the Deaflympics?

DR. MEIR: My role with the Deaflympics is twofold. First, I’m a member of the team that will provide support to the athletes and coaches preparing for and attending the games. Second, as a UWS faculty mentor and an approved mentor by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), I am also charged with assuring our students can develop their competence to become effective mental performance consultants while meeting the needs of the athletes and coaches.

DR. CASTILLO: My role is in a more behind-the-scenes capacity. I’m making sure all the administrative things, contacts, etc. on the UWS side are taken care of. I attend the meetings and keep abreast of how training is going.

What strategies or methods do you use to prepare students to work with athletes at the Deaflympics?

DR. MEIR: I work with students on developing competencies for working with all clients, including all members of the delegation representing the USA in the Deaflympics. I observe and provide feedback to students on their service delivery and execution of different techniques intended to enhance performance. I also work with them on developing content to be delivered to the athletes while accounting for relevant factors that can influence performance with this unique population.

Why is this an exciting opportunity for students in the Sport and Performance Psychology (SPP) programs?

DR. CASTILLO: What we’re doing here is unprecedented. Not only are students gaining the experience they need to move forward in their careers, but they’re doing it in a way that shows them how consulting work is developed and executed from the ground up. This population of athletes has never been able to take advantage of a dedicated team of performance consultants as part of their Deaflympic experience. SPP students and faculty have committed themselves to learning a new culture, new sports, and a new language in order to be available and effective in helping these elite athletes achieve their goals.

What do you hope the students will take away from their Deaflympics experience?

DR. CASTILLO: First and foremost, our students should recognize how much it takes to truly be “of service” in our profession. Our effectiveness as professionals depends not only on what we know but also on our humility, our willingness to learn, and our ability to prepare for the unique challenges faced by our clients. Those lessons might take years for most young consultants to learn, but our students are in the thick of them right now as they train. The benefit of that knowledge now and in the future is just immense.

DR. MEIR: One of the core values and missions of UWS is providing services and support to underserved populations. I am excited that our students have the opportunity to serve this population in such a meaningful fashion while also being able to experience the Deaflympics games being fully immersed in a Deaf environment.

What are some of the unique considerations when working with athletes who are deaf?

DR. MEIR: First and foremost, communication. As we are learning more about Deaf culture, it becomes very clear that deaf athletes are usually those who need to make the adjustments and invest much effort to communicate with hearing people in the world of sport. Working with the Mental Performance Team, we ensure that we, the consultants, are not putting the burden of clear communication and required adjustments on the athletes but on ourselves. I and all members of the team have started learning ASL, and while I do not anticipate I will be proficient in a year, I recognize that it is on us, the Mental Performance Team, to communicate with the athletes effectively and in a way that they can feel both comfortable and seen.

How has UWS supported you and the SPP students in this opportunity?

DR. MEIR: UWS has supported all learning opportunities for ASL that have been presented. Further, we get full support for the use of translators when communicating with deaf athletes and sports-related community members. This has permitted us to bring in many speakers from the Deaf community that help us prepare for this work and understand the unique needs of the Deaf population and how we can best support them.

DR. CASTILLO: I cannot say enough about how immediately and thoroughly supportive the entire university has been in this effort. University of Western States is truly committed to living its mission, and as we’ve moved deeper into the training and preparation, more and more of the UWS family has stepped up to support the effort. We’re so proud to have the opportunity to represent UWS and the SPP programs in this effort.

Rebecca has been battling chronic migraines for years. Despite visiting numerous specialists, no one can pinpoint the cause. Each provider focuses on treating the symptoms, prescribing medications that offer only temporary relief. No one asks about her home, nestled in a valley frequently blanketed with wildfire smoke, or her office, located near an industrial zone known for poor air quality. Unless her physicians know to look for these pieces of the puzzle, the connection between Rebecca’s environment and her migraines will go unnoticed.

As environmental health threats become more prevalent throughout the United States, our most vulnerable communities are often the ones that suffer the most.

To improve health outcomes, providers must consider how environmental factors contribute to patient health. That’s why University of Western States emphasizes a whole person approach to care, helping clinicians consider not just the immediate symptoms but also the broader context in which their patients live.

Learn how you can stay informed about environmental impacts on health—and how you can use this knowledge to adopt a whole person approach to health care.

A Whole Person Approach to Treatment

Rather than isolating individual symptoms, clinicians who adopt a whole person approach take into account the physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors influencing a patient’s well-being.

At the UWS, degree programs in naturopathy and chiropractic prepare students to take a holistic and individualized approach to health.

For example, naturopathic medicine includes an emphasis on nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and detoxification strategies to help patients manage chronic diseases influenced by environmental stressors.

In chiropractic care, practitioners often explore how lifestyle and environmental conditions impact the musculoskeletal system, integrating techniques such as spinal adjustments, exercise therapies, and ergonomic counseling to reduce the risk of chronic pain.

Environmental Factors in Patient Care: Practical Applications for Clinicians

Incorporating environmental considerations into clinical practice requires vigilance and adaptability. Utilizing the following strategies, clinicians can make a significant impact on their patients’ overall health, aligning care with a whole person approach.

Ask About Environmental Exposures During Assessments

Incorporate questions about a patient’s environment into your intake process. This could include asking about:

• Air quality in their area (e.g., exposure to pollution, wildfire smoke)
• Potential exposure to harmful environmental factors in the workplace
• Proximity to environmental hazards (e.g., mold, pests, or extreme weather conditions)
• Access to clean water and healthy food sources

Monitor Local Environmental Conditions

Stay informed about environmental conditions in your region, particularly if you’re practicing in areas prone to wildfires, drought, or high levels of pollution.

Tracking local air quality, water contamination levels, or pesticide use can help you tailor your care. For example, during periods of poor air quality, you might advise patients with respiratory conditions to stay indoors and use air filters.

For example, the state of Oregon has the Oregon Tracking Program, designed to “provide data and information on environmental hazards, exposures, and health effects in an effort to promote public health action and reduce the burden of environmental-related health conditions.”

Address Nutrition and Detoxification

Many environmental toxins accumulate in the body through food and water sources. Some health care providers can encourage patients to follow a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods to help the body combat environmental stressors.

In the Naturopathy program at UWS, future physicians are trained in evidence-informed natural health care that considers environmental impacts in their whole-person approach. “Our program is designed to address the body, mind, and spirit with a focus on functional medicine,” says Marcia Prenguber, ND, FABNO, dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine. “We aim to provide graduates with a wide array of tools they can use to work with patients, including training in botanical medicine, physical medicine, pharmacology, clinical nutrition, and homeopathy.”

UWS’ Role in Promoting Whole Person Care

At the UWS, we are committed to training health care professionals who see the patient as a whole person—not just a collection of symptoms.

Our programs in naturopathy and chiropractic equip clinicians with the knowledge and tools to implement integrative approaches that include a deep understanding of environmental factors. This training encourages a whole person approach to care, helping clinicians consider not just the immediate symptoms but also the broader context in which their patients live.

By fostering a mindset that acknowledges the significant influence of a patient’s surroundings, UWS graduates are better prepared to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. We believe that healing the body, mind, and environment are intertwined processes, especially in regions where nature and climate shape the health landscape.

Environmental Impact on Health: Takeaways for Clinicians

The environment plays an undeniable role in shaping the health of individuals, particularly in ecologically diverse regions such as Oregon.

UWS’ programs encourage health care providers to adopt a whole-person perspective, empowering them to not only address symptoms but also to identify and mitigate the root causes of illness shaped by environmental stressors.

By integrating environmental awareness into clinical practice, practitioners can offer patients a path that honors the deep relationship between mind, body, and the world around us.

For clinicians seeking to enhance their understanding of holistic health and environmental influences, programs in naturopathy and chiropractic at UWS offer the education and training needed to make a meaningful impact.

Learn more about how you can advance your career and help patients achieve better health outcomes through integrative, whole person care.

Mental health technicians and counselors share similar goals but have differing duties, educational requirements, and professional focuses.

Navigating the world of mental health professions can be overwhelming, given the various roles and responsibilities involved and the vast number of career opportunities rising in the field.

The Bureau of Labor Status predicts that employment in mental-health-related occupations to grow faster than the 3% average of all occupations. Two critical positions in this field are mental health technicians and counselors. Although they work towards the common goal of improving patient well-being, their duties, educational requirements, and professional focus differ significantly.

University of Western States offers multiple programs focused on mental health, including the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Ed.D. in Sport Performance Psychology, CMHC specialization. Both help students to pursue clinical licensure in their state.

At UWS, students learn a whole-person approach to mental health care. Specifically, with our clinical mental health counseling programs, students learn how to assess the emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and intellectual components of the whole person to make functional improvements.

What Is a Mental Health Technician?

The primary job description for a mental health technician is a worker who monitors patients’ behavior and health and works closely with other mental health care professionals to inform a well-balanced treatment plan. They work in settings such as hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient clinics, collaborating with a team of health care professionals to deliver comprehensive care.

What Does a Mental Health Technician Do?

The primary responsibilities of a mental health technician are:

• Monitor and administer medications: Observe medication administration and monitor behavior, taking note of the patient’s behavior before and after administration. Report observations back to health care professionals involved in the patient’s treatment plan.
• Patient behavior and mood monitoring: Identify changes in behavior or emotional states that may indicate a need for crisis management.
• Aiding patients with any necessary physical activities: Assist with daily living tasks such as personal hygiene, grooming, and recreational activities.
• Crisis management: Monitor and recognize any irregularities in the patient’s mood/behavior and escalate to their family and health care professionals if intervention is necessary.
• Arranging transportation: Escort and/or arrange for transportation for patients to and from appointments.
• Recreational activities: Direct patients to participate in recreational and therapeutic activities.

What Is a Counselor?

Professional counselors are trained mental health practitioners who support individuals facing various challenges, including emotional distress, relationship issues, and personal growth. They utilize their knowledge and expertise to get to know clients, analyze their behaviors, and provide solutions to problems they are facing. Professional counselors typically can work in private practices, schools, hospitals, and other various settings.

What Does a Counselor Do?

The primary responsibilities of a mental health counselor are:

• Run counseling sessions: conduct individual, group, or couple counseling sessions tailored to the individual’s needs.
• Utilize evidence-based techniques: Address need-based issues by calling upon evidence-based techniques as a solution.
• Crisis management: Monitor behavior in counseling sessions, and read the reports from other health care professionals working with the client to observe any signs of harmful thoughts/behaviors.

Mental Health Technicians vs. Counselors

While both careers are within the mental health field, there are some key differences between the career responsibilities as well as education and licensing requirements. A mental health technician is a professional who monitors a patient’s behaviors, helps with daily functions, and reports progress to other mental health professionals in the field, such as the clients’ professional counselor. Mental health technicians and counselors have specific roles and responsibilities that differ but work together to treat a patient in need.

Key Differences Between Mental Health Technicians and Counselors

Education Differences

Mental Health Technicians: To become a Mental Health Technician, typically an associate or bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement. This can vary depending on the specific employer/state employed. Similarly, licensure may also be required.

Counselors: To become a counselor, you need a master’s degree in counseling from an accredited program. UWS is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. NWCCU is a recognized accreditation organization by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Licensure requirements vary by state and involve completing supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam.

Salary Differences

Mental Health Technician Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a psychiatric technician is $43,650 a year.

Mental Health Counselor Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a mental health counselor is $59,190 a year. (Note that numbers include counselors who may not necessarily be licensed.) If you get your licensure to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, there is a potential to increase the salary range.

Feature	Mental Health Technicians	Mental Health Counselors
Primary Role	Monitor patients’ behavior, assist with daily living, & report to professionals.	Conduct individual/group counseling, analyze behavior, & apply evidence-based techniques.
Work Setting	Hospitals, residential treatment facilities, & outpatient clinics.	Private practice, schools, hospitals, & various mental health settings.
Education Requirements	Associate or bachelor’s degree (varies by employer/state).	Master’s degree in counseling, meet supervised-hour requirements, & obtain professional licensure.
Average Salary	$43,650	$59,190

Start Your Mental Health Career at UWS

If you have your bachelor’s degree and are looking to take the next step in your career and put yourself on the path to licensure in the mental health counseling field, the UWS Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a great fit. We offer an M.S. or an Ed.D. In Sport Performance Psychology With Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization that can help to prepare you for further advancement in your mental health career. Request more information about which path might be right for you and your career goals.

The sports medicine market is growing, but why? Learn more about what’s driving the surge in demand for sports medicine professionals.

The Master of Science in Sports Medicine at the University of Western States offers online coursework coupled with hands-on laboratory exercises and practical, field-based experiences to prepare students for a professional career in sports medicine.

Why Is Sports Medicine Important?

Sports medicine jobs may include athletic trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and exercise physiology at the adolescent, high school, collegiate, or professional levels. Sports medicine can be applied to those who participate in sports as well as anyone who lives an active lifestyle.

Sports medicine professionals help active people with injury prevention, management, and rehabilitation. Professionals learn to provide quality patient care through physical and mental health techniques, whether it is soft tissue treatment or mental health communication strategies. These methods help athletes recover and maintain health to optimize their athletic performance.

Professionals in sports medicine are important because they implement injury prevention programs and assist in muscle recovery and injury rehabilitation for athletes. The M.S. in Sports Medicine program at UWS includes Rehabilitation and Sports Performance as one of its required program courses. This online class focuses on patients’ rehabilitation and care management to enhance performance while including a brief overview of muscle functions during movement, movement patterns, and functional exams.

The use of the clinical audit process and application of learned knowledge allows our graduates to gain hands-on experience, confidence in the professional field, and practice care protocols in preparation for their role in the sports medicine field.

In conjunction with the Psychology of Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation, a required degree course, graduates will learn theoretical and psychosocial topics that address an individual’s response to injury and rehabilitation. Our sports medicine students will be able to implement appropriate performance psychology techniques to improve adherence and compliance of the athlete or performer during the struggle of recovering from injury and transitioning to return to play.

Growth in the Sports Medicine Market

The growing caution for sports injury prevention and management for all ages and at all levels of play leads to an increased demand for sports medicine professionals. The demand for sports medicine physicians increased by 2.6% on average between 2017 and 2022. As of 2022, the sports medicine market employed 133,635 people and is expected to fill 72,500 new jobs by 2029. This estimate is based on the growing awareness of sports injuries, the increase in research, and the corresponding need for injury prevention and rehabilitation programs in the growing athletic world.

• An average of 30 million children play sports in the United States, and an average of  3.5 million injuries occur each year at adolescence.
• The number of student-athletes competing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) level has increased by over 3,000 athletes in the 2017-2018 academic year compared to the year before.
• There are 62 new teams for men and 64 new teams for women at the college level.

Sports injuries, such as concussions for example, used to go undetected due to variable presenting symptoms, lack of education around this brain injury, and the late effects of brain trauma a concussion can have. With the rise in athletic participation, there is a correlating rise in injuries, including concussions. Now, there are updated recommendations for athletic trainers for concussion management through education, assessments, and return to academics and play.

Given the importance of concussion awareness and the rise in frequency of concussions, sports medicine professionals, including athletic trainers, can benefit from UWS’s Evidence-Based Concussion Management and Care elective. This online class provides students with up-to-date evidence about sports-related concussions, analyzing various organizations’ position statements, concussion laws, and standards of care for athletes to be able to return to a place, academics, and optimal health. Should our students choose to pursue a career in sports where concussions are prevalent, the program can be customized with elective courses to provide the best preparation for their desired career.

Impact of Sports Medicine Research

Sports medicine professionals can treat any individual who is injured while being active, in sports, or in independent exercise. Therefore, the demand for sports medicine physicians has been increasing with the push of a healthy lifestyle. However, to be able to keep up with the growing number of active people and competitive athletes, research is constantly conducted and studied, providing insight on common injuries in specific sports such as the cause, potential preventative measures, and how to manage care and rehabilitation.

Following the concussion example from above, research on sports-related concussions has dramatically increased in recent years with growing awareness and precautions taken in sports like soccer and football. In addition to the concussion management course UWS offers, the elective course, Research Applications, teaches students how to utilize current research to form evidence-based conclusions in patient care. UWS graduates focus on research applications to gain a deeper understanding of the research process, preparing future sports medicine professionals for independent research to exceed professional competency in the field. Studies are constantly being published, influencing injury rehabilitation methods. Sports organization regulations and medical treatments are everchanging, adapting to the sports injury data. This is why sports medicine professionals stay updated on published research and adjust their treatment plans if necessary.

There are several hot topics in sports medicine research. The common injuries found in athletes from various athletics are constantly being studied:

• ACL prevention
• Concussions
• Ankle Sprains
• Heel pain for growing athletes

Looking to Join the Sports Medicine Field?

The M.S. in Sports Medicine at UWS is a degree for individuals who already hold a a professional degree (e.g., MD, DO, DC.) and license in health care. A variety of career options are available for those with a master’s degree in sports medicine with other higher education and certifications. The growing demand for sports medicine professionals is expected to continue, opening the market to a significant amount of job openings in the future. This sports medicine market growth appears to be a steady incline for the next several years, offering career opportunities in research and clinical work. Learn more about the sports medicine degree options available at the University of Western States to get started on your career path.

Learn about the evolution of chiropractic care, evidence-based chiropractic techniques, and typical chiropractor training.

Chiropractic science dates back to the late 19th century, with the most notable early practitioners being Daniel David “D.D.” Palmer and his son, Bartlett Joshua “B.J.” Palmer. Like all health care fields, chiropractic science has evolved with new scientific discoveries and developments over the years.

University of Western States’ origins date back to the beginnings of chiropractic science in 1904, making it the second oldest chiropractic college in the world. Here, chiropractic students learn modern chiropractic theories and techniques in addition to learning how to treat the whole patient rather than merely treating their symptoms. We blend hands-on clinical experiences from chiropractic internships, preceptorships, and working at our on-campus clinic, with practical knowledge and research. We have a strong reputation with our community in Portland, Oregon, helping our Doctor of Chiropractic students network and gain real-world experience in preparation for their licensure exams.

The Evolution of Chiropractic Science

During the emergence of chiropractic science, medical care was still at the point of bloodletting and leeches. D.D. Palmer researched alternative methods of medical care. He was the first to theorize that the nervous and human organ systems were connected and developed the method of spinal adjustments. This was the start of chiropractic science.

Today, evidence-based chiropractic techniques are used. As of 2012, 62% of U.S. adults have used complementary and alternative medicine therapies, with chiropractic care being the most prominent. While the focus for modern chiropractic care remains integrative in its approach, the techniques used are grounded in evidence.

Efficacy of Chiropractic Science

Studies have shown that chiropractic care can be effective for managing back pain, neck pain, and headaches. When combined with standard medical care, chiropractic care reduces lower back pain more than standard medical care alone. Studies have even shown a reduced need for back surgery in patients whose first care provider was a chiropractor rather than a surgeon. Chiropractic treatments also improve chronic headaches and neck pain using spinal manipulation therapy and massage therapy.

Chiropractic Education

To become a chiropractor today, one must obtain specialized education and licensing. First, an undergraduate degree is required in a related field such as biology. Next, the candidate must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. At UWS, the doctoral program takes three to four years to complete. After graduation, a candidate must obtain licensure to practice in their state. Licensure requirements vary by state, so be sure to check your state’s requirements.

UWS’ Approach to Chiropractic Education

UWS uses an innovative, patient-centered approach to teach chiropractic students how to incorporate concepts, skills, and clinical and chiropractic sciences to complete whole-person care rather than just treating a patient’s symptoms. Chiropractic students at UWS learn how to apply clinical sciences to perform patient assessments and formulate diagnoses.

Chiropractic education at UWS provides students with knowledge of spinal biomechanics, landmark palpation, spinal and pelvic anatomy, soft tissue techniques, chiropractic theories and evidence-based practices. The doctorate program requires students to complete an internship with clinical hands-on training with a preceptor. During this portion of the program, students apply their studies to real-life scenarios in which they review and refine their physical examination and treatment skills.

Using all their theoretical and clinical knowledge, UWS graduates are equipped to provide whole-person care, focusing on more than just symptom management. Their goal is to provide high-quality health care with proven results.

Once students are taken and pass their state’s required licensure exams and become practicing Chiropractors, they will need to meet the continuing education requirements. UWS offers online CE courses for first-year, second-year, and active chiropractors practicing in the state of Oregon.

Pursue a Career in Modern Chiropractic Care

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a chiropractor, start your journey today at the University of Western States. UWS is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and its Doctor of Chiropractic program is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). As the second oldest chiropractic school in the world, UWS commits to preparing graduates to provide chiropractic care in a conservative, whole person, and integrated health care approach. Apply today.

Discover what sports chiropractors do, and how they differ from regular chiropractors. Learn what education is needed, the average salary, and job outlook.

Chiropractors specialize in addressing health issues concerning the musculoskeletal system, including conditions affecting bones, muscles, and joints. Sports chiropractors undergo specific training to diagnose, treat, and prevent sports-related injuries, while also aiding athletes in their rehabilitation process.

The Doctor of Chiropractic program at University of Western States prepares graduates with a systems-based, whole-person approach to health and a dedication to care that is “for the good of the patient.” Students in the program are offered an option that combines it with the M.S. in Sports Medicine program, creating a unique path toward a rewarding career as a sports chiropractor.

What Is a Sports Chiropractor?

A sports chiropractor aids athletes in maximizing performance, preventing injuries, and expediting recovery from injuries. Chiropractic care offers a medication-free approach to enhance overall health, promoting efficient bodily function and healing. Approximately 90% of professional and Olympic athletes reportedly integrate chiropractic care into their training and recovery routines.

What Type of Education Is Required for a Sports Chiropractor?

A sports medicine chiropractor career typically requires completing a minimum of three years of undergraduate education. It’s advisable to pursue degrees like human biology, exercise science, or kinesiology, which have a strong focus on biological sciences.

Register for a Doctor of Chiropractic degree program, which typically takes 3 to 5 years to finish the 4,200 instructional hours. The chiropractic program should be nationally accredited, spanning over four years, and include hands-on training through laboratory sessions and clinical internships.

For post-graduate education to achieve the sports level of chiropractic care and specialization, you need to acquire further education and pass the required examinations.

This may vary by employment industry and region:

• National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams and state-specific licensure
• Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP)
  • minimum of 100 hours from a CCSP program
  • post-graduate hands-on emergency procedures course
  • Healthcare provider-level CPR certification
  • written exam
• Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)
  • Written exam
  • 6-station practical exam
  • written project
  • 250 hours of practical field experience.
  • Must have the CCSP certification in order to receive this certification.

Students in the University of Western States chiropractic program must complete the standardized clinical skills assessment (CSA) which evaluates students’ attainment of clinical competencies.

• First eligibility to sit for NBCE Part I occurs in correlation with completing Q5.
• First eligibility to sit for NBCE Part II occurs in correlation with completing Q9.
• First eligibility to sit for NBCE Part III occurs in correlation with completing Q9. Also requires successful completion of NBCE Part I.
• First eligibility to sit for NBCE Part IV occurs in correlation with completing Q10 and requires successful completion of NBCE Part I.

How to Pursue Sports Chiropractic Care With UWS

The M.S. in Sports Medicine at UWS is an excellent companion to the Doctor of Chiropractic program to provide specialized learning in sports-related areas and practical training. It better equips chiropractors with the knowledge to assist athletes’ unique health needs.

The Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at University of Western States is awarded programmatic accreditation by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). UWS provides a route to combine the M.S. in Sports Medicine with the Doctor of Chiropractic program with strong values in integrative health to better prepare students for career opportunities in sports injury chiropractic care.

Chiropractic Week brought together faculty, students, alumni, and practitioners to learn from each other and grow the profession.

University of Western States opened its fall quarter with the inaugural Chiropractic Week. The brainchild of Martha Kaeser, DC, dean of the College of Chiropractic, the event highlighted current aspects of theory and practice in the profession. The result was a series of activities that brought together experienced professionals in the field, including alumni, to provide students with a window into their professional futures.

Scheduled during the student lunch hours, the weeklong event featured food, presentations, information tables for student clubs and organizations, hands-on demonstrations, guest speakers, all culminating with a white coat ceremony on Friday.

A Homecoming for Some

Opening the week was a panel discussion by long-time doctors of chiropractic Daniel Mutter, DC, and UWS alumnus Jason Young, DC. Dr. Young saw the panel format as an opportunity to inspire students and future chiropractors about the journey that they have embarked on.

“It immediately sparked memories of all the things I was excited and insecure about when I was sitting in their position,” Dr. Young says. In the weeks leading up to the event, he reflected on how far the profession has come in the 17 years he has been practicing. “UWS has had no small part in the recent evolution of chiropractic because of the people working in the institution as well as those who have been educated there.”

Faculty member Rebecca Bell, DC, who gave a hands-on presentation during the week, says her students enjoyed the event for the sense of community it fostered.

“They especially enjoyed the Community Day activities and the chance to hear about subjects they get less exposure to in the regular curriculum,” Dr. Bell says.

A Glimpse of Future Opportunities

For UWS student Colin Paradis, the week’s activities served two purposes.

“One, it exposed me to several doctors and their perspective on practice, which helped guide me in how I see myself practicing in the future,” Paradis says. “Two, I was able to learn many practical chiropractic skills regarding assessment, adjustments, and soft tissue treatments from highly skilled professionals.”

Paradis, one of several Canadian students at UWS, found the presentation by Board of Trustees member Jennifer Forbes, DC, who lives and practices in British Columbia, to be particularly informative.

“Her presentation, which was very candid and straightforward, shifted my original opinion of initially practicing in the U.S. after graduation and then moving back to Canada,” Paradis says.

Jake Salaz, DC, concluded the week with a presentation on how to create a comprehensive exam that establishes a framework for world-class treatment and management of the patient.

Says Dr. Salaz, “I was hoping to inspire the students to understand that the school gives them a great initial framework, and that by layering in other world-renowned techniques into that framework, they would be able to elevate their understanding of the functional deficits in the patients they are working with.”

The Privilege and Responsibility of the White Coat

Chiropractic Week coincided with a white coat ceremony at which students in their eighth quarter were formally recognized and inducted into the Connected Whole Health clinic to begin patient care.

Nikita Vizniak, DC, who addressed the students, says, “I was honored to be part of the white coat ceremony, which marks such a significant milestone in the lives of these students. My remarks focused on encouraging graduates to embrace their new roles with confidence and humility, highlighting the importance of evidence-informed, patient-centered care, as well as to emphasize the power of empathy in clinical practice.”

The consensus among the participants both at UWS and in the community was that Chiropractic Week exceeded expectations in attracting students, practitioners, and faculty.

“The event provided us with some great practical strategies for patient assessment and treatment, and it was inspiring to hear from individuals who are genuinely passionate about their work,” student Alexandra Nelson says.

Dr. Young recognizes the importance of alumni providing guidance to current students. “The future of the profession is only as bright as our commitment to mentorship, cooperation, and collaboration,” he says.

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Discover three well-known sports medicine careers, salaries, and education requirements. Prepare for your future by studying sports medicine at UWS.

Entering the sports medicine field presents a wealth of opportunities and diverse career paths. Sports medicine professionals work with athletes to prevent or recover from injuries and maintain peak fitness. With a sports medicine degree, graduates can embark on roles such as athletic trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and exercise physiologist. Each of these diverse sports medicine job opportunities includes unique responsibilities, salary prospects, and specialized education to address the needs of athletes.

What is an athletic trainer?

An athletic trainer, a common career for those with a sports medicine degree, provides preventative and rehabilitative care to athletes. They assess athletes’ complaints, diagnose muscle and bone injuries, and create personalized treatment plans to help manage the recovery process.

Depending on the extent of an injury, an athletic trainer may need to collaborate with other health care professionals, coaches, and athletes to treat their clients. This may include consulting specialists for more thorough examinations or ordering  X-rays or MRIs to determine the extent of an injury. When injuries require more thorough treatment, such as surgery, an athletic trainer will consult with the athlete’s primary care physician, surgeon, or other specialists.

Athletic trainers educate athletes about how to prevent or reduce injuries. This includes teaching athletes how to train and condition without overworking their bodies. Athletic trainers also encourage healthy lifestyle choices such as rest and nutrition.

What is the projected job growth for athletic training?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the sports medicine career field for athletic training is projected to grow by 17% from 2021 to 2031*.

*Data gathered in 2023.

What degree do you need to become an athletic trainer?

More than 70% of athletic trainers pursue a master’s degree in sports medicine, athletic training, exercise science, or another related field. The Master of Science in Sports Medicine degree program at University of Western States provides learning opportunities that allow graduates to better integrate with sports medicine health care teams, providers, and athletes. Additional certification may also be required by some employers.

What is a strength and conditioning coach?

A strength and conditioning coach works to develop and implement programs that improve athletic performance while reducing the risk of injury. To do so, the coach must first conduct a fitness assessment to identify the strengths and weaknesses of an athlete to detect areas to improve on.

Strength and conditioning coaches develop personalized training plans to include purposeful sessions, proper technique, and development tracking. The focus is to put the client in the best position to achieve success and higher performance. Strength and conditioning coaches may also collaborate with the sports coach, sports medicine professionals, and other support staff to optimize the athlete’s training.

What is the projected job growth for strength and conditioning coaches?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% increase in sports medicine careers for fitness training and instructing from 2021 to 2031*.

*Data gathered in 2023.

What degree do you need to become a strength and conditioning coach?

It is commonly preferred by employers to have a master’s degree in exercise-science-related fields. Strength and conditioning coaches often obtain professional certifications or attend educational conferences to stay up to date on new scientific developments. According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a bachelor’s degree is a minimal requirement, but strength and conditioning coaches typically are expected to hold more advanced degrees such as a master’s degree in sports medicine.

That is why UWS includes high-performance leadership and performance nutrition concentration options in the sports medicine master’s program. The UWS master’s degree and the elected concentrations help set graduates apart from other strength and conditioning coaches. We offer an in-depth and well-rounded education focusing on leadership and dietary approaches to optimize performance and recovery.

What is an exercise physiologist?

An exercise physiologist conducts fitness assessments and physiological testing to evaluate the client’s cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and exercise capacity. Once this information has been collected and analyzed, the physiologist creates and oversees an exercise program for the client with specific health conditions. These clients are typically people with cardiac rehabilitation or chronic diseases that impact their ability to optimize their health and fitness.

Exercise physiologists guide exercise recommendations, intensity levels, and progression over time to fully optimize the performance outcome. Physiologists conduct research from fitness assessments and program results that contribute to the field development of exercise physiology—specifically, the impact on human performance and health.

What is the projected job growth for an exercise physiologist?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 9% increase in the sports medicine career field for exercise physiology from 2021 to 2031*.

*Data gathered in 2023.

What degree do you need to become an exercise physiologist?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise physiologists need at least a bachelor’s degree in health-science-related programs such as sports medicine, biology, anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition, and clinical work. However, those who hold more advanced degrees such as a master’s degree in sports medicine typically have more opportunities for career advancement and success.

University of Western States offers a Performance Nutrition concentration as part of its Sports Medicine master of science program. This nutrition-focused sports medicine degree integrates functional medicine techniques into the graduate’s education. For the betterment of athletes’ well-being, our Master of Science in Sports Medicine promotes a patient-centered approach, focusing on natural remedies for enhanced sports performance.

Pursuing an M.S. in Sports Medicine

University of Western States offers a master’s degree in sports medicine program that can enhance your knowledge and understanding of the athletic field. This degree program teaches students how to help people create and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through health assessment, custom plan implementation, and analytical skills to gauge the results.

A successful career in sports medicine stems from a strong educational foundation. Build your career foundation here at UWS, and apply today.

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There are various naturopathic careers to choose from including a naturopathic doctor, researcher, nutritionist, or herbalist.

Naturopathy is about helping patients find successful and natural complementary medicine, focusing on not just stopping the symptoms of an illness but going to the root of the problem. By focusing on the entire body, someone with a career in naturopathic medicine can focus on the individual needs of the patient.

The UWS Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program will provide the knowledge and understanding to succeed in this field of work.

These careers employ natural therapies such as nutrition-based or lifestyle counseling, to help ground the mind and body. By embracing a more holistic approach to health care, naturopathic careers in medicine promote good health. The goal of any job in naturopathic medicine is to create long-lasting change in a patient’s life, such as helping them to create healthy habits that promote a strong immune system, reject foods that have a higher chance of giving someone cancer, and have an active lifestyle that supports heart health.

Naturopathic Doctor

The American health care system faces significant challenges, with the National Academies of Science (NAS) giving it a failing grade. The criticism comes from the system’s focus on treating diseases rather than promoting overall health and well-being, which highlights a pressing need for a shift toward more holistic health practices. Naturopathic doctors are stepping forward to meet this need. By diagnosing and treating patients using natural therapies, including herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and physical modalities, naturopathic practitioners are instrumental in promoting holistic health care.

The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) degree is specifically designed to train students to become licensed naturopathic doctors, focusing on whole-person medicine. Students learn to evaluate and address a wide range of essential factors that influence a patient’s inherent healing capacity. The program covers all essential aspects of naturopathic medicine, including diagnosis, treatment modalities, patient care, and practice management.

If you are interested in naturopathic medicine, you will have to go to medical school and receive your Naturopathic Medicine Doctorate (NMD). Naturopathic doctors can work in a variety of settings, from running a private practice to working in a hospital, after passing the two-part Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX).

Naturopathic Researcher

Naturopathic researchers conduct scientific studies and clinical trials to explore the efficacy and safety of natural remedies and treatment modalities. Those who pursue this career in naturopathic medicine will design research studies, conduct experiments and data collection, collaborate with other researchers, and gather data documentation. Naturopathic research has received legitimacy over the years, strengthening health research.

If this job in naturopathy sounds interesting to you, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in a medically related field such as chemistry or biology. A naturopathic researcher can work in a laboratory or conduct independent research. However, a bachelor’s degree is only a minimum requirement to enter this career path. An NMD may provide opportunities to expand your career and achieve greater success in this field.

Naturopathic Nutritionist

These jobs in naturopathic medicine specialize in using food as medicine, providing nutritional assessments, developing customized dietary plans, and offering guidance on nutrients that support optimal health. Naturopathic nutritionists cross-reference their patients and their diets. For specific groups such as nursing mothers, pregnant women, and athletes, naturopathic nutritionists can create a major impact in their patient’s lives by tailoring nutrition plans to meet their unique needs for physical performance and overall well-being.

Nutrition is a core component of naturopathic medicine. Individuals wanting to pursue a career in naturopathic nutrition should learn about the therapeutic uses of food and develop expertise in nutritional assessments, dietary planning, and personalized recommendations.

A naturopathic nutritionist requires at least a bachelor’s degree, but a more advanced degree such as an NMD is highly encouraged if you want to further your career as a nutritionist and achieve more success. Like other naturopathic medicine jobs, a nutritionist can work in a variety of settings, such as a clinic, as an independent consultant, or even in a nursing home.

Looking to Pursue a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Degree?

The demand for naturopathic professionals will continue to rise as long as more people recognize the benefits of holistic and integrative health approaches. Earning a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree puts you at the forefront of a shift toward patient-centered care that values prevention, personalized treatment plans, and collaborative health strategies. At UWS, we craft our program to arm you with the in-depth knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to excel in this important and growing field.

Visit our website to learn more about making a real difference in people’s lives.

Secure your place in the future of health care. Apply today.

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