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 has been maintained 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. Joint adjustments made during treatment aim to fix misalignments. 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 palpations, 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 spinal assessment skills as well as soft tissue interpretation.

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.