SA College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd

Students at the SA College of Natural Medicine are taught by practitioners who are practising in their chosen field and facilitators of very high quality. The philosophical beliefs underpinning the College has led to recognition of its excellence (for example: in a ceremony at Government House, presided by Her Excellency Marjorie Jackson-Nelson AC, CVO, MBE, Governor of South Australia, the SA College of Natural Medicine recently received the President’s Award from the Paraplegic & Quadriplegic Association of South Australia Inc for ten years of voluntary service to the paraplegic community).

We have a wide variety of courses

You are able to study specially moulded double qualifications, including naturopathy & massage, naturopathy & herbal medicine, naturopathy & nutrition, naturopathy & homoeopathy, acupuncture & traditional Chinese herbal medicine and massage & sports management… This range is further enhanced by our strong commitment to interdisciplinary study. This means that students are encouraged to explore and combine different styles and methods of healing.

You have time to make up your mind which philosophy of healing really suits you

The best way to know what to study is to work out what you want to do when you’re finished studying. Many people commencing studies in natural and traditional therapies have not studied it before and may not be entirely sure that they have made the right choice. The flexible learning structure at the College gives you the chance to try out different philosophies in your first year to see which suits you best before committing yourself to further study. In the first year you study a broad range of subjects besides your chosen modality and may go on to complete a course in one of these other areas if you decide not to continue with your chosen direction. Top

Who can be a natural / traditional therapist?

The system of student selection employed by this College is not solely dependent on the school results of candidates. Our aim is to attract students from diverse backgrounds, who will enhance the development of the natural & traditional therapies profession. Consequently, applications are encouraged from both school leavers with formal qualifications and from people who have had appropriate experience in other fields since leaving school.

Essential learning skills required by all learners include: willingness to be introduced to new concepts; an open mind to all aspects of information provided; ability to take notes in a lecture situation; ability to devote time to study at home; and an ability to communicate effectively.

The SA College of Natural Medicine does not limit access to the courses on the basis of gender, social or educational background. Some occupations have requirements of a physical nature which some participants may find difficult with certain disabilities. For example, massage therapy may involve periods of standing and strenuous physical exertion for long periods of time. Career guidance is available to all learners. Learners and successful graduates of the College include those with physical and learning disabilities. The College has always had a policy of providing support for any person having difficulty with either physical or academic aspects of the course. Learners with specific difficulties will be advised as to the best course option that will not be affected by their disability. Top

I’m a builder’s labourer and I haven’t studied anything for about twelve years and I’ve never studied any health-related field before. Will I be able to study with you?

Mature age applicants (anyone over 21 years) who don’t meet the entry requirements need to demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate with others. The best way to do this is by completing the bridging course Research & Referencing Skills that is offered by the College. We can help you build your study skills while you study. Personal interviews are also conducted by the Principal, Student Counsellor or Enrolment Officer and during this interview, factors such as motivation, personality, sensitivity, maturity, attitude, the ability to communicate, and commitment to natural and traditional therapies are assessed. These skills are vital to successful study of the natural and traditional therapist. Top

I have been working in the retail industry and already have a lot of skills and experience in some areas. I have also attended several courses for my work, some were half days, and one was a week long. I also completed a first aid certificate so that I could be the safety representative so I’ve studied a bit at TAFE (or university or another college). Do you have a process for recognition of my prior learning or current skills?

If this describes you, then you may be able to receive recognition for your skills, experience and the courses you have attended. People learn in many ways throughout their lifetime and develop skills and experiences to enable credit in a course of study. Always make sure when you are applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC), that you can not only perform a function, but also understand why and the processes behind it.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) / Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) are the processes whereby recognition is given to you by the college for knowledge or skills that you already have.

Competency is defined as the ability to do something well or effectively. You may have gained your competency in a number of different ways, not always from processes involving formal education:

Learning for which an award (Government Accredited) has been granted. Offered by a: TAFE, University or Private Educational Institution;

Learning for which an award (Non-Accredited) has been granted. Offered by a: Professional Body, Private Educational Institution, Enterprise (Public or Private Company) Sponsored, Continuing Education Courses; or

Learning for which no award has been granted. This may include life and work experiences or community service, military training, employment, hobbies …

In addition to completing the “Application for Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) / Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC)”, it is also possible that a student may be required to undertake a challenge examination in order for the College to assess their level of competence.

There is a form for recognition in your enrolment form or you can ask a Student Counsellor for a separate form. Top

I’m a nurse, what exemptions can I get?

We have developed a special set of nurse’s conversion courses. These conversion courses are designed for nurses who have completed a formal program of nursing study and now wish to practice as a natural / traditional therapist. These courses can be completed over (either two or) three years and can be tailored to other modalities. Nested within these courses are Non-Accredited Certificate Awards, and Nationally Accredited Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma Awards. You can see an example of the naturopathy conversion course in our Prospectus. Top

I’m going into year 11 at high school, what subjects should I study?

Any subjects that are related to the human body are good (but not essential) for example: biology. Other subjects like chemistry are not required but they may help you to get a good grasp on some subjects. Not all courses have chemistry as a component and those that do, start from the beginning so school-based chemistry will help but it’s not essential. Top

If I want to study part-time or by flexible learning, what subjects should I start with?

The Prospectus has a list of “Career Paths by Qualification”. This list will help you to decide where to start. When you know or think you have a good idea about where you want to go, then make an appointment with a Student Counsellor who will help you to design your study path. Top

Does the college offer nationally recognised training and what does this mean to students?

We offer Nationally Recognised Training (sometimes called Government Accredited) which means that we have met the Australian Standard for vocational education and training. It also means that we adhere to a set Code of Practice and are audited against these standards as are all registered training organisations. This recognition means that your qualification is nationally recognised by other training organisations. You may also be eligible to apply for government assistance for course fees or living allowances through Austudy, Abstudy, Youth Allowance or schemes such as Parents Return to Work. Top

What sort of recognition will I receive for completing a subject?

Statements of Attainment are awarded for individual subjects/competencies and incomplete qualifications. All modules can be completed on an individual basis. Flexible / individually tailored courses and seminars can be negotiated on request. Other courses will be developed on a needs basis and upon request. The College offers its own non-accredited College Awards for subjects and groups of subjects and these are awarded in our yearly graduation ceremony. Top

What if I don’t live in Adelaide, does that mean I can’t become a Naturopath? If I can’t come to classes during the day, what are my options?

We offer many courses by flexible learning. This is a system that allows study of theory at home while practical experience in clinical and counselling skills is gained in our clinics. We work with you to define a course that suits you, and we negotiate the speed that you want to progress through the course. You would be allocated a tutor and can access face-to-face or telephone tutorials when you need them; our system of student support is second to none. You can start studying when you are ready. Assessment is by written or practical assignment, practical exam and some modules have written exams. The assessment would be completed when you are ready. Top

Is there any help for students who can’t afford to pay all their fees at once before starting the course?

At the discretion of the Principal and Bursar, on-campus students who are experiencing serious financial difficulties, and are unable to pay fees in full before commencement of a semester, may be permitted to vary the method of payment of fees. This fee variation must be negotiated by the individual student before the semester commences. Each case will be considered on its merits and permission to defer payment is not automatic. Once approved, the Deferred Payment Schedules must be adhered to, or the student will not be permitted to attend lectures or attend examinations. Consistent arrears in the payment of fees may result in the student being suspended from the College, and all results will be withheld until all financial obligations to the College are satisfied. Deferred Payment Schedules cannot be accepted for individual subjects studied by distance education or flexible learning. These students can pay by single subject. The administration fee is payable in full upon enrolment and is not deferrable. Deferred Payment Schedules are not available to Overseas Students. It is College policy to withhold the issuance of qualifications, Statement of Attainments and formal notification of assessment results until all outstanding fees are paid. Top