Graduate programs and training programs both play important roles in integrative health professional education and development. The following descriptions compare the two types of programs, including key differentiators that help position alumni of graduate programs as leaders in the field.

Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs …

  • Award academic credit for the successful completion of courses.
  • Culminate in the awarding of a doctoral or master’s degree or a graduate certificate.
  • Provide deep knowledge in the theory, practice, and application of a professional field.
  • Provide mastery of core knowledge, skills, and competencies of a professional field.
  • Provide credentials recognized and respected by employers, integrative health and medical professionals, as well as medical and insurance systems.
  • May fulfill the required ongoing professional development requirements and eligibility requirements for certification or licensing by a professional organization or agency (depending on the profession and the training).
  • Provide grounding in essential themes that transcend fields of study and develop well-rounded professionals.

A key differentiator for graduate programs is that they provide a foundation in transferable skills and knowledge that employers seek and that distinguish graduates as leaders in their field:

  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Graduate students hone the skills needed to analyze complex problems and situations; integrate and synthesize information from varied sources on varied topics; and apply this to address real-world concerns and problems.
  • Research Skills: Graduate students hone the skills needed to find, identify, evaluate, and apply the best available and relevant evidence to answer questions and inform decisions.
  • Communication Skills: Graduate students hone the skills needed to write and publish reports, case studies, research and other articles, and books; give research and conference presentations; and be recognized as knowledgeable authorities in their field by other professionals and the public.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Graduate students hone the skills needed to work on cross-functional teams and understand and respect the differing perspectives, skills, and knowledge of others to accomplish work, solve problems, and plan strategically.

Professional Development and Training Programs

Professional development and training courses and programs …

  • Provide highly focused learning about a specialized topic or skill within a profession.
  • Provide the opportunity to sharpen and upskill in one’s professional field.
  • Provide the opportunity to stay up to date on the latest trends in their field.
  • Provide the opportunity to learn focused skills and knowledge in a new field.
  • May award continuing education units (CEUs) upon successful completion.
  • May award a professional development certificate upon successful completion.
  • May fulfill the required ongoing professional development requirements and eligibility requirements for certification or licensing by a professional organization or agency (depending on the profession and the training).

Depending on the field and the profession, comprehensive professional training programs may share some features with graduate programs including …

  • Provide deep knowledge in the theory, practice, and application of a professional field.
  • Provide mastery of core knowledge, skills, and competencies of a professional field.
  • Provide credentials recognized and respected by employers, integrative health and medical professionals, as well as medical and insurance systems.
  • May fulfill the required ongoing professional development requirements and eligibility requirements for certification or licensing by a professional organization or agency (depending on the profession and the training).