Expert: Dr. Cynthia J. Wolfe - 10/28/2009

Question
hi cynthia,
I am currently umemployed, looking to start up some kind of business. I have always been interested in holistic and herbal healing and I am hoping you could start me off in the right direction.



1. I need to know what some of the better schools are that offer degrees or certification in holistic healing, if you know of any..



2. I already have a BA in Psychology, would that count toward anything as far as credits go?



3. NY is allowing people who are getting unemployment to be given special consideration for Pell Grants up to $5,350 if the program is completed in 2 years. Do you know if any online schools accept Pell?



That's it for now, I look forward to your response.

Thanks so much!

Sara"

Answer
Hello Sara,

Holistic and herbal healing is a bit out of my expertise but I will give it a try. I found an interesting course at San Francisco State: Certificate Education & Training Classes:
Alternative Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Complementary Medicine, Wellness, Healing. Here is the link to that website: http://www.cel.sfsu.edu/holistic/

The program brochure indicates that you should have 56 units when you apply but if you do not you can be admitted on a conditional basis. Your BA will certainly count if your school was accredited, but every school and program determines which credits transfer and which do not. You must always allow the school you choose to attend to get your transcript and assess which classes will transfer.

I suggest that you find a program and call the school's admissions office and speak to a counselor. I do not know of an an accredited holistic and herbal healing program that is 100% online.

To receive a Pell grant you must fill out a FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov/ ). Not every school qualifies for Pell grant participation, but yes, online schools can qualify. For example, the University of Phoenix accepts Pell grants, as does Northcentral University (http://www.ncu.edu/financing/financing_options.aspx) Beware: not every school will accept Pell grants because of stringent requirements imposed by the federal government.

Good luck with your new business - I wish you great success!
Kind regards,
Cindy Wolfe
www.thinkPhD.com