Benefits of Gaining a Health Sciences Graduate Certificate

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Within our graduate programs, we offer two specialized online graduate certificate programs: Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and Applied Sport Psychology.

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At University of Western States, we offer a whole-person approach to health sciences. Within our graduate programs, we offer two specialized online graduate certificate programs: Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and Applied Sport Psychology. There are many different reasons to pursue a graduate certificate, as it can be helpful in career advancement and gaining specialized knowledge within your desired field.

How a Graduate Certificate Can Be Beneficial in Health Sciences

There are many beneficial reasons to pursue a continuing education program within the field of health sciences, such as a graduate certificate. As a clinician or health professional, the main goal of pursuing one of the certificate programs at UWS is to expand your education into a specific focus that can be integrated into your current practice or into a new area of practice.

Learn Specialized Knowledge in the Field. Depending on your doctoral degree, you may feel that your area of expertise is not specialized enough for the field you’re looking to pursue. Because there are so many areas within health sciences, a certificate program is a great way to gain advanced knowledge in the specific field you are interested in. For clinical nutrition, the UWS Certificate Program in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine is designed to prepare clinicians to incorporate whole-person functional medicine approaches to their practice framework. This allows the graduates to provide more expansive care options for patients and clients. For sports psychology, the Certificate Program in Applied Sport Psychology prepares sport and performance scientist-practitioners to improve the performance and mental well-being of patients or clients by implementing evidence-based interventions and affirming the individualism of each case.

Become Proficient in Emerging Trends. For health science professionals who have been in the industry for years, a graduate certificate program is a great way to stay up to date with any new trends within the field. It’s important for you to be able to adapt to any new evidence-based approaches or techniques in the field, and it’s assuring to your clients to know that your expertise is always evolving.

Advance Your Career. A certificate program is a great distinction to add to your portfolio to attract clients looking for health science professionals with specialized knowledge. This can help advance your career further by opening the pool for potential clients looking for a clinician that caters to their individualized needs. The UWS graduate certificate programs in health sciences are 100% online and are great for working professionals.

Online Graduate Certificate Programs at UWS

Nutrition Certificate Program

The Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine Graduate Certificate online program at UWS is designed for health professionals with a master’s or doctoral degree to expand their knowledge and expertise within the field of nutrition and functional medicine. Certificate students will learn effective, evidence-informed wellness approaches that utilize nutrition and lifestyle changes with a functional medicine framework. With required coursework in evidenced-based nutrition, gastrointestinal, immune system, and hormone imbalances, autoimmune diseases, and meal planning, there is a wide range of specialized topics to gain knowledge from this nutrition certificate program. There are also many elective options to choose from depending on what specialized field students are most interested in having a deeper understanding of, such as mind-body medicine, botanical medicine, plant-based nutrition, for example. Graduates can incorporate this knowledge to treat patients with the whole-person approach to understand their history and provide a broader range of personalized care options.

Current clinicians and health care professionals looking to advance their careers in functional medicine could benefit from this nutrition graduate certificate. Whether you’re pursuing a career as a nutritionist, wellness coach, educator, or want to become an author or expert in the field of functional nutrition, a graduate certificate program is a great way to expand your knowledge in the field and bolster your resume.

Sports Psychology Certificate Program

The Applied Sport Psychology graduate certificate program at UWS is an excellent choice for those looking to expand their knowledge within the sports psychology field or for those looking to pursue a career as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). This program can be completed in less than a year and is conveniently offered 100% online. Students will learn about emerging trends within the field of sports psychology and specialized curricula targeting ethics and professional identity, foundational theories, psychological preparation. Depending on your desired career path, there are also several electives designed to provide specialized knowledge, such as Psychology of Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation, Performance Psychology in High-Risk Occupations, Psychology of Performing Arts, and more. Graduates will be equipped to implement evidence-based interventions to improve the performance and mental well-being of individuals and groups within the sport landscape.

For those who run or plan to open their own practice, the elective Business Basics for Clinicians and Consultants provides essential knowledge for building a successful business in sport and performance psychology. For coaches or athletic directors pursuing the sport psychology graduate certificate at UWS, the elective Foundations of Positive Leadership offers key insights into effective leadership strategies.

Sport and Performance Psychology professionals are typically leaders and coaches in the sports, exercise, and wellness fields. Graduates of the online Applied Sport Psychology certificate program can pursue a career as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, coach, professor, athletic director, or a sport program administrator.

Pursue a Continuing Education Degree at UWS

Whether you’re about to enter the workforce or have been a working professional for years, a health sciences graduate certificate program can be beneficial in expanding your knowledge, strengthening your resume, and pushing you forward in your career. Explore the health sciences certificate programs that UWS offers today. Take the next step towards reaching for your career goals, and request more information about our online certificate programs.

University of Western States Achieves Candidacy Status for Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Program

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The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) program at University of Western States (UWS) has received candidacy status by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), a key milestone in the program’s path toward accreditation.

“This recognition from CNME affirms the strength of our program as we work to advance whole-person health care education,” said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of UWS. “Our Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program was intentionally designed to meet the growing demand for clinically rigorous, evidence-informed naturopathic education, and we are proud to see that commitment recognized.”

Launched in fall 2023, the NMD program was developed in response to rising demand for clinicians trained to identify and address the root causes of illness through personalized, prevention-focused care. With chronic illness and mental health concerns on the rise, there is an urgent national need for practitioners who are equipped to integrate nutrition, functional medicine, lifestyle interventions, and natural therapeutics—core elements of the UWS curriculum.

“We are thrilled to reach this milestone, which reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Marcia Prenguber, ND, dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine at UWS. “Our program is built on a foundation of clinical excellence, and this candidacy status demonstrates our commitment to preparing practice-ready naturopathic doctors who are equipped to meet the evolving health needs of their communities.”

Delivered in person on the UWS campus in Portland, Oregon, the NMD program offers a comprehensive, science-driven education grounded in whole-person health care. The program complements UWS’s long-standing strengths in chiropractic medicine, clinical nutrition, sports medicine, and clinical mental health counseling—reflecting the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary and collaborative learning.

The program’s clinical component includes hands-on training at Connected Whole Health, the university’s on-campus clinic, where students provide affordable, integrated care to the local community. This model exemplifies how higher education institutions can drive both student success and community wellness.

UWS welcomed its first NMD cohort in fall 2023, and the program continues to grow. Applications are now open for future cohorts. To learn more about the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at University of Western States, visit UWS.edu.

Dr. Alex Pham: Extending the Boundaries of Chiropractic Care

Posted on by pciampanelli

BY LORI ALCALA       

Alex Pham, DC, is dispelling the myth that chiropractic care consists solely of spinal manipulation therapy. A recent UWS graduate and only the second chiropractor awarded the Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics by the VA’s Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, he’s redefining the role of chiropractic medicine.

At the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, where Dr. Pham is currently completing his residency, he recalls working with a veteran who had seen multiple chiropractors without relief. The patient was led to believe that he was “only a mere wrong bend away from blowing out,” explains Dr. Pham. To help build the patient’s confidence, Dr. Pham took the time to listen, review medical images together, and encourage exercise. Two weeks later, the patient returned pain free and ecstatic.

“I’ve learned that true patient care goes beyond just helping people feel better,” Dr. Pham says. “It’s about helping them regain their self-efficacy.”

The Beginnings of a Holistic Practice

Dr. Pham’s path to chiropractic began during his athletic training studies at the University of Arkansas. As he was studying for his master’s degree, Dr. Pham had the opportunity to work with a team of chiropractors who inspired him to study chiropractic medicine.

During his last semester amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic at UWS.

“Chiropractic helped widen the demographic of people I can help,” Dr. Pham says. “I can still practice as an athletic trainer, but now my scope of practice is much broader to help more people.”

Coming Home To Heal

His choice to attend UWS was deeply personal. “My grandparents used to live down the street from UWS,” Dr. Pham says. “So, for me, it was about coming back home and learning in the community I was raised in.”

Despite the challenges of attending school during a pandemic, Dr. Pham formed relationships with classmates that have lasted long after graduation.

“My best memories from UWS were the classmates I met,” Dr. Pham says. “I’ve become close friends with many of them, and I continue to reach out to them about clinical questions. This has allowed us to collectively grow from our conversations and become better clinicians.”

His experiences at UWS prepared Dr. Pham for his residency at VA Puget Sound Health Care System. He says that working in an integrated hospital setting has been an “irreplaceable experience” that has expanded his vision of what chiropractic practice can accomplish.

A Mission To Serve the Aging

Dr. Pham chose to focus on geriatric care because he believes he can make a meaningful impact on this underserved, rapidly growing population, helping aging patients not only manage their pain but improve their quality of life.

Dr. Pham’s current research focuses on fall prevention among older adults. “Falls are alarmingly common, with over a quarter of U.S. adults 65 and older reporting at least one fall,” Dr. Pham says. “That’s about 29 million falls in one year. My hope is to reduce this number and find value in the way the chiropractic profession can intervene.”

Dr. Pham’s background in athletic training complements his chiropractic practice, allowing him to approach patient care holistically. Rather than addressing the pain alone, he’s able to build a more comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on what matters most to the patient and helps guide them there.

Advancing Chiropractic in Integrated Care

After the fellowship, Dr. Pham says he’ll continue working in integrated health care while advancing the chiropractic profession. He plans to contribute to research, education, and policy development that expand chiropractic roles in traditional health care systems.

Dr. Pham credits UWS with providing the foundation for his success, from the professors who mentored him to the clinical experiences that shaped and inspired him to push boundaries to advance the profession.

“Choosing UWS felt right because it was a place where I believed my ambitions could be nurtured and turned into reality,” Dr. Pham says. “I wanted to be challenged, to grow, and to be in an environment that offered real opportunities to succeed. Without that experience, I don’t think I would have had the chance to complete a VA residency and continue into a fellowship.”

For prospective students considering UWS, Dr. Pham offers this guidance: “You get out of your education what you put into it. If you have a goal, go after it. Ask for support, seek guidance, and stay curious. The opportunities are there if you’re willing to pursue them.”

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University of Western States Introduces Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, Expanding Access to Whole-Person Health Careers

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As part of its mission to advance whole-person health care education, University of Western States (UWS) introduced a new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. The innovative hybrid program is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled, compassionate occupational therapists.

“The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is a natural extension of our mission to advance integrated, whole-person health care through exceptional education and compassionate patient care,” said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of UWS. “By offering a flexible, academically rigorous pathway into this growing field, we are empowering more students to pursue impactful careers without putting their lives on hold.”

Created with working professionals and career changers in mind, the OTD program combines primarily online coursework with limited on-campus residencies, allowing students to complete most of their education within their own communities. Unlike many traditional programs, it does not require relocation.

Occupational therapy is among the fastest-growing fields in health care, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 12 percent job growth through 2032. Demand continues to rise as aging populations, individuals recovering from illness or injury, and those managing chronic conditions increasingly prioritize services that support independence, recovery, and whole-person well-being.

“As the first occupational therapy program within our System, this launch represents a significant step in expanding our ability to impact health care delivery,” said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, which includes UWS. “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.”

The program has applied for accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®). Upon full accreditation, graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®), and pursue licensure nationwide.

The first cohort of students will begin classes in January 2026. Applications are now open through the University of Western States website.

To learn more about the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at University of Western States, visit https://www.uws.edu/doctor-of-occupational-therapy/. For more information about the accreditation process, visit acoteonline.org or contact the ACOTE at 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, or call 301-652-6611.

Deaflympics Q&A With Dr. Sarah Castillo and Dr. Gily Meir

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Dr. Sarah Castillo and Dr. Gilly Meir smile for the camera in official portrait photos inset on a banner bearing text that reads, "Deaflympics Q&A."

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.

The Future of Chiropractic Education: Why More Students Are Choosing Chiropractic Careers

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With more people looking for natural ways to improve their health, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to fill a critical gap in modern medicine.

Chiropractic care is experiencing a surge in popularity, and for good reason. As health care shifts toward more whole-person, patient-centered approaches, chiropractic professionals are stepping into the spotlight, offering non-invasive, drug-free solutions for pain management, mobility, and overall wellness.

Growing Demand for Chiropractors

The numbers don’t lie: Chiropractic care is one of the fastest-growing fields in health care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chiropractors is projected to grow 10% from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the average for all occupations.

On average, 3,100 job openings for chiropractors are expected each year over the next decade, fueled by factors such as:

  • An aging population seeking alternative pain management solutions.
  • The opioid crisis driving demand for non-drug pain management solutions.
  • Increased recognition of chiropractic care as a key part of whole-person health care.

With more people looking for natural ways to improve their health, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to fill a critical gap in modern medicine. The academic world is responding to this trend, with at least three new chiropractic programs being launched in the past few years.

Why Students Are Choosing Chiropractic Careers

Chiropractic care is more than just spinal adjustments; it’s about whole-person health. Chiropractors focus on treating the root cause of pain and dysfunction rather than simply masking symptoms. This holistic approach aligns with the growing movement toward preventive and whole-person health care, making it an attractive career path for students passionate about improving lives.

Additionally, chiropractors enjoy:

  • A rewarding career helping others live pain-free, healthier lives.
  • Diverse career opportunities, from private practice to sports medicine and rehabilitation.
  • A strong work-life balance, with many chiropractors having flexibility in their schedules.

What Sets University of Western States Apart

Not all chiropractic programs are created equal. University of Western States has been a leader in chiropractic education for more than a century. In an increasingly competitive landscape, UWS continues to distinguish itself through its forward-thinking, evidence-informed curriculum, offering students a level of experience that newer programs are still working to establish. Key benefits of our chiropractic program in Portland, Oregon, include:

  • Evidence-Based Health Sciences Curriculum: UWS takes an evidence-based approach to ensure students master the clinical sciences, preparing them to deliver high-quality patient care.
  • Collaborative Learning Environment: Students engage with peers across different health disciplines, enhancing their ability to work in whole-person health care settings and enhance patient outcomes.
  • Hands-On Clinical Experience: Students gain valuable hands-on experience through UWS’ onsite chiropractic clinic, and community-based internships and preceptorships, allowing them to apply their knowledge in diverse patient care settings throughout the U.S. and Canada where they intend to practice post-graduation.

The Future of Chiropractic Careers

With an increasing number of health care systems incorporating chiropractic care, new career pathways are opening up in:

  • Sports medicine: Helping athletes recover and optimize performance.
  • Rehabilitation: Assisting patients in regaining mobility post-injury.
  • Whole-person health care: Working alongside doctors, physical therapists and other professionals in multidisciplinary clinics or hospital settings.

For students considering a career in chiropractic care, there has never been a better time to start. University of Western States is committed to equipping graduates with the skills, knowledge and clinical experience needed to make a lasting impact in this expanding field.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about the UWS Doctor of Chiropractic program and start your journey toward a fulfilling career in health care.

Our chiropractic program is in-person at our Portland, Oregon, campus, providing hands-on clinical experience through preceptorships, internships, and our on-campus clinic. The curriculum prepares graduates to sit for licensure exams in Canada, Oregon, or other states. Once licensed, you can complete your required continuing education courses.

Learn how to become a sports chiropractor.