FAQs and Site Help
What is the difference between the Natural Health and Holistic Nutrition programs?
The Natural Health program consists of a broad scope that addresses various elements of natural health including nutrition, homeopathy, herbology, traditional naturopathy tenets such as exercise/physical movement, sleep/rest, air, sunshine, and water, and the body/mind/spirit connection. The Holistic Nutrition program contains a more focused perspective on nutrition and addresses the different elements of food and nutrition for maintaining wellness.
How can I be sure I am receiving a quality education with CCNH?
Clayton College of Natural Health has the advantage of 30 years of experience designing curriculum for distance education students. The CCNH curriculum is developed and maintained by highly credentialed faculty. On-site faculty do most of the coursework development, but the college also enjoys connections with national and international faculty who are renown in their respective fields. These two groups collaborate closely to ensure that CCNH students receive current information in holistic health and wellness. The college is committed to an educational experience that “seeks to teach each student how to be healthy and how to teach others to be healthy.”
In 2008, CCNH was awarded the Quality Standards Certification by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), the nation’s premier distance learning professional association. USDLA/QS certification is “a standards based program that recognizes excellence across a range of distance learning settings,” according to Dr. John Flores, USDLA Chief Executive Officer. Clayton College is certified as an Alternative and Continuing Education provider under the Quality Standards program.
Additional affirmations of CCNH’s degree and certificate programs include the following:
CCNH also holds membership in numerous natural health and holistic nutrition related professional organizations and is licensed by the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education.
How do I complete a program with you? Do I need a computer or a proctor? Do I have to come there to complete my program?
Some courses will require that a proctor be present.
Courses are to be completed within a 16 week term. A computer is highly recommended but not required. CCNH offers a unique combination of focus, structure, support, flexibility, and communication. Although you will work independently, you will have an assigned program advisor that can assist you when questions arise. Click here to learn more about distance education.
What prerequisites are required to enroll?
To qualify for admissions at CCNH you must have a high school diploma, GED, or the equivalent. Click here to view prerequisites specific to each program. Scroll to your program(s) of interest.
If I have previous college education, will it transfer to CCNH?
Just as CCNH has requirements for accepting credits earned elsewhere, other institutions have their own requirements. Credits transferring from one school to another must be evaluated by the receiving school. Click here for more information about transferring credits.
What are the laws in my state? How do I practice? Do I need a license?
Students are responsible for determining the legal issues involved in conducting a natural health practice in his or her state. The laws differ in each state or locality and our policy is to not offer detailed legal information. An excellent resource for learning more about state laws and the practice of natural health or holistic nutrition is the Coalition for Natural Health.
Will I qualify to become credentialed with any professional organizations? Which ones?
Clayton College programs provide graduates with the eligibility to seek certification or other professional credentials from a number of national organizations. Click here for more information.
What is the tuition?
CCNH offers two tuition plans. Students can enroll in individual terms or commit to a one year Annual Enrollment Plan (AEP). All tuition is based on a per credit hour cost according to course level and each course is made up of 3 credit hours. Click here to visit the 2010 tuition and fees page.
What is an Annual Enrollment Plan (AEP)?
The Annual Enrollment Plan allows students to commit to completing 6 to 12 courses within a 12-month time period; which is typically three terms. The courses are completed within the 16-week term format. Students enrolled in an AEP are expected to register for a sufficient number of courses in each term so that all courses in the AEP are completed within the 12 month timeframe. By taking advantage of the Annual Enrollment Plan, students will receive the lowest tuition rates available at CCNH. They also pay one resource fee per AEP as opposed to a resource fee each term.
Do you have financial aid?
As a non traditional school we are not able to participate in federal financial aid. CCNH offers our own financial aid in the form of interest free financing. This allows students to start with a down payment and make monthly payments without paying interest. For most of our students this works better than traditional financial aid as they graduate without having student loans to repay. Speak with an admissions advisor to see how CCNH can best help you finance your education.
Can I apply for a scholarship?
Yes. CCNH has three scholarships available. Applications are only accepted from October 1st through December 1st. Recipients of the scholarships are announced in February. Each scholarship awarded is for the value of nine courses. Click here to visit our scholarship opportunities.
When do classes begin?
To provide flexibility, CCNH has new terms beginning every two weeks. Students may register for a term during the two-four week registration period prior to the termstart date. Click here to visit the term calendar.
What is a term?
Rather than a traditional semester, CCNH enrolls students in a 16-week term. Within the 16-week term students can register for 1-4 classes. On the term start date, students will begin working on their courses and work at their own pace within the allotted 16-weeks. Students can re-enroll in the next available term following completion of their first term. Students completing a term early may immediately register for the next available term. For added flexibility new terms start twice each month.
How long does it take to finish a program?
CCNH students progress through their programs by enrolling in 16-week academic terms. Students “self schedule” their study time based on a suggested calendar. Students may enroll in up to four courses per term; therefore, students determine how long it takes to complete their desired program.
Is the course work online?
CCNH is 100% distance learning. Students will use traditional books and study guides and complete assignments and testing online using Blackboard Learning Systems™. There are weekly conference calls and online chats available, and some courses offer e-Activities to enhance the learning experience. CCNH is 100% distance learning. Students will use traditional books and study guides for their studies and complete assignments and testing online using Blackboard Learning Systems™. There are weekly conference calls and online chats available, and some courses offer e-Activities to enhance the learning experience.
Will my credits transfer to different schools?
Just as CCNH has requirements for accepting credits earned elsewhere, other institutions have their own requirements. Credits transferring from one school to another must be evaluated by the receiving school.
Is CCNH accredited?
CCNH is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. We are currently in the application process for accreditation through an agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education.
How can I subscribe to Clayton College e-mails?
Check out the Subscription Center to select from the list of Clayton College e-mails that are available to you. Trouble receiving e-mail is sometimes due to e-mail security settings. Please check your settings to make sure you are able to receive mail from the college’s following addresses: webmaster@ccnh.edu and webct@ccnh.edu. Adding these addresses to the Address Book or Contacts section is recommended.
Watch a video to learn about features offered by CCNH.
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How will I take my tests?
We highly recommend that you use Blackboard Learning System™ – CE Enterprise License (formerly WebCT Campus Edition) to complete your course assignments. A feature of Blackboard Learning System™ that makes online testing highly desirable is the immediate grading of progress tests. Many Blackboard Learning System™ courses include e-Activities that are not required for completion of the course, but offer unique activities to review the important points in a course.
Watch a video to learn about online testing.
Who will help me if I need assistance during my studies?
Your program advisor works with you during your studies at CCNH as you progress through terms and your program of choice. You will work with the same program advisor throughout your educational experience at CCNH. The operations support department serves as your point of contact and often can answer general questions or process a request. This department receives phone calls and will get you connected to your program advisor.
Where will I order my books?
You will order and purchase your textbooks and course study guides from our educational partner, ED MAP. ED MAP offers excellent customer service and reasonable prices in a secure online environment.
What kind of services will I have when I become a student?
Online academic support resources include:
Why did CCNH choose PayPal?
PayPal has the history and experience that CCNH trusts. The service allows users to send money without sharing financial information, with the flexibility to pay using their account balances, bank accounts, credit cards or promotional financing. With more than 78 million active accounts in 190 markets and 19 currencies around the world, PayPal enables global ecommerce. More information about the company can be found at https://www.paypal.com. Watch the demo video.
What if I do not have a PayPal account?
PayPal does not require you to create an account to use the service, although it is quick and easy to create an account.
Do I have a choice?
Yes, you may send a check or money order to the college.
What is a dissertation?
A EdD dissertation is a formal, written report of a research effort. It presents objective, rational documentation in support of a particular idea, argument, or perspective on a problem or issue worthy of research. Graduate students are required to develop an original idea about a topic, justify the need and significance of the research, and provide sufficient documentation from the research and theoretical literature to support the premise. The term “original” indicates that the idea, research, and development of the problem must be the student’s own work, although it may build on the ideas and research of others. Standard scientific research design allows for collection of quantifiable data through experimentation, surveys, interviews, or other accepted research methods. Other methods of research allow for “philosophical or theoretical research”, such as historical, evaluative, or social action perspectives.
Students should thoroughly review the Research and Dissertation Guidelines, which are part of the research coursework, for detailed information.
A dissertation must show ability to conduct independent research and skill in organization. The writing of the dissertation is developed through a series of Capstone courses. This series of courses provides the process of writing a prospectus in which the intended topic, the research problem, and the type of research are described. The continuation and expansion of the prospectus from CAP 797 into the complete proposal becomes the first three chapters of the dissertation for CAP 798. These courses must be submitted for approval before implementing the research design. CAP 799 includes the culmination of the dissertation and its defense.
How do I choose a topic?
A sample list of completed Dissertation Topics and Dissertation Abstracts is available to enrolled students on the CCNH website. This includes recent dissertation topics completed by students, and approved by the dissertation committee as the final step toward graduation from the Ed.D. program. This is not an all-inclusive list; it is designed to trigger the student’s thought process. Another way to determine a topic is to think through coursework already completed, considering which areas were the most enjoyable and meaningful. Another way to approach the choice of a topic is to identify areas which have obvious gaps in the body of knowledge and need additional research.
How long should the dissertation be?
A minimum of 75 pages.
Who do I contact for dissertation questions?
Janice Martin, Professor of Doctoral Research, is available by phone or e-mail to answer questions.
When do I begin the dissertation process?
After completing all pre-requisites, phase I, and phase II core curriculum courses, EdD students may begin the dissertation research process. Specified research courses at the end of Phase II are designed to begin assisting students in the initial steps of the research process. These beginning steps include choosing and finalizing a topic, searching the literature, and presenting references in APA style. The coursework in the Research and Dissertation Guidelines CAP 797, CAP 798, and CAP 799, provide information, support, and instruction to walk student researchers step-by-step through the research and writing of the dissertation.
Where do I find research material and sources?
There are several valid research links available from the CCNH website in the Library Resources, in addition to numerous journals and books at local libraries. As long as validity can be established, both hard copy and internet research are acceptable. There are, however, special considerations in using internet research. These considerations and issues are covered in CCNH research coursework.
Are CCNH graduates’ dissertations ever published?
CCNH does not routinely publish student dissertations. With written permission of the student, some dissertation abstracts may be placed on the CCNH website. In addition, exceptional dissertations may be placed on the website, again with written permission of the student, to serve as examples of excellent research and writing. Students may independently seek publication of the dissertation on their own.
Do I own the rights to my dissertation?
CCNH considers student research and reports, including doctoral dissertations, to be the property of the student. As such, all intellectual property rights, including but not limited to, copyright interests in and to the student research and reports, shall be vested in the student. Should CCNH wish to publish or otherwise use student research and reports or a portion thereof, it will do so only after obtaining written permission from the student.
What is the practicum?
The consulting practicum is a final culmination and practical experience in which the student consults with numerous clients and displays, verbally and in writing, knowledge and understanding of the materials learned throughout his or her program.
How long should the practicum take?
The practicum must show the ability to consult and educate clients on various healthy lifestyle options. The practicum process is developed through a series of Capstone courses. This series of Capstone courses provides the process of developing the educational and research skills needed to support one-on-one consultative sessions with clients. The length of time to complete each Capstone course is different due to the components involved.
Who do I contact for practicum questions?
There are different staff members responsible for the evaluation process for each program. Therefore, students can defer to their program advisor to get in contact with the appropriate practicum evaluator.
What are some important factors I should consider when completing my practicum?
It is important to remember that CCNH is not a medical school. Therefore, all materials should reflect educational language only. Our education does not include testing of any kind, nor does it include the use of diagnostic or prescriptive language or tools.
I am nervous about getting started with my first session; can I use a family member for my consulting sessions?
Some students find it helpful to use family members, friends, and even co-workers to perform their consultations and taped sessions. Additionally, the first session can be a “mock” session where the student uses a fictitious situation with his or her client.
How can I be more comfortable about my first session and offering recommendations to my client?
We understand it can be somewhat daunting at first to perform an initial intake/assessment session with a client. There is a learning process; therefore, students often report becoming more comfortable with each session and soon develop a comfortable routine. Having a prepared script is an excellent tool to begin with. It is recommended that students have the intake/assessment forms prepared ahead of time. Some students have found that having their clients fill out the intake forms prior to the consultation was helpful. This allowed time to do some initial research regarding the client’s concerns noted on the intake and health forms. Having notes and handouts available ahead of time to review with each client is a wonderful tool.
I probably will need to eliminate all identifying personal information from the material I send in. Is this acceptable?
No client privacy information is required to be sent to CCNH for the completion of the practicum. No personal identifying information about anyone needs to be submitted with your practicum materials. Signatures are not required to be sent to CCNH; the student can cover them, black them out, or simply have the client provide an initial.
If a client wants to remain confidential when they write up the evaluation, should they send the “Client Critique Form” to CCNH?
It is necessary for all the materials for each component of the practicum to be mailed in together so nothing is lost or misplaced. Students may want to provide each client with an envelope and have them place the critique inside and seal it.
Is there someone close to where I live who I can contact that has completed the practicum?
It is not the policy at CCNH to provide personal information on our students; however, students may visit our student and graduate reference map to contact students in their area. Click on the state of interest and a contact listing of CCNH graduates and students is provided. Additionally, many students have found it helpful to join the CCNH NING network where they can converse with our CCNH students and graduates.
The students area of the Web site won’t accept what I think is my username and password. I am getting an “Invalid username or password” message. What should I do?
Only students and graduates have access to the password protected areas of the Web site. If you are getting this message, you will need to e-mail the Webmaster as advised. Be sure to include your name and student ID number in the email. In return, the Webmaster will send you an e-mail with your login information or a login creation e-mail. A note about mail accounts: Occasionally, AOL users have trouble receiving mail due to security settings. Please check your settings to make sure you are able to receive mail from the college’s following addresses: webct@ccnh.edu, jphillips@ccnh.edu, register@ccnh.edu, ccnhtextbooks@ccnh.edu, webmaster@ccnh.edu, and cyber@ccnh.edu. Hotmail and Yahoo both offer junk mail protection. If you use one of these services, please be sure to add the above addresses to your acceptable contacts list so you can receive mail from CCNH.
**Please Note: CCNH is not responsible for troubleshooting non www.ccnh.edu Web or Internet problems in Firefox, Internet Explorer, AOL or other applications.**
I am having trouble accessing, browsing, and/or completing a form on the CCNH Web site. What do I do?
If the previous solutions do not correct the problem that you are having, please e-mail the Webmaster. Be sure to include your name, student ID number, operating system, and Web browser in the e-mail.
I have stopped receiving e-mail from CCNH. How can I receive them again?
Check the Subscription Center to ensure that you have elected to receive e-mails that are provided by CCNH. Trouble receiving mail is sometimes due to e-mail security settings. Please check your settings to make sure you are able to receive mail from the college’s following address: webmaster@ccnh.edu. Adding this address to the Address Book or Contacts section is recommended.
What is cache and how do I “dump” it?
Pronounced cash, it is a special high-speed storage mechanism. It can be either a reserved section of main memory or an independent high-speed storage device. Memory caching is effective because most programs (including browsers like Internet Explorer) access the same data or instructions over and over. By keeping as much of this information as possible, the computer can access Web pages and applications more quickly. It is essential to dump your cache periodically so you can always access the most recent version of a Web page. To empty cache:
What are cookies and why do I need to accept them?
A cookie is essentially a message given to a Web browser by a Web server. The browser stores the message in a text file. The message is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server. The main purpose of cookies is to identify users and possibly prepare customized Web pages for them. The next time you go to the same Web site, your browser will send the cookie to the Web server. The server can use this information to present you with custom Web pages, such as MY CCNH. The process for changing cookies settings varies from browser to browser. In most cases you will need to access the menu via Tools › Options, or Edit › Preferences. If you need more help setting up cookies, please use the browser’s help to learn more about performing this simple task.
What browsers will optimize this Web site?
The CCNH Web site is best viewed with Firefox or Internet Explorer 7.0 — the most recent Internet Explorer browser. Both are free to download and easy to install, and both will greatly enhance your overall Internet experience (especially the Firefox browser — it is fast, safe, and easy to use). Also, both browsers allow for easy updating and importing of bookmarks/favorites.
In order to continue to improve our site and the services we offer, we have had to begin using some technologies that older browsers such as IE 6.0 cannot process.
I use the Internet Explorer version 6 browser, and when I go to the CCNH Web site, I can’t see the left side of the screen. What is wrong?
The issue you have noticed is caused by Internet Explorer version 6. To resolve this issue, upgrade to Internet Explorer 7. If you are unable to upgrade Internet Explorer, you can install Mozilla Firefox and then use Firefox to log onto www.ccnh.edu.
How do I create a zip file?
Using a PC
To create a new Zip file, open WinZip in the WinZip Wizard mode. (If the WinZip Wizard does not open by default, just click the Wizard button in the toolbar.) You will be asked “What do you want to do?” Simply select “Create a new Zip file” and click Next. The WinZip Wizard will guide you through the entire process.
When you become more familiar with Zip file operations, you can also try the WinZip Classic interface. The Classic interface offers many advanced features that are not available in the WinZip Wizard. Using the Classic interface, you can split large Zip files into smaller parts to overcome e-mail and other size limits; view, extract, and run individual files in a Zip file; remove files from an existing Zip file; encrypt your confidential files so that they can’t be used without a password; and much more. To try the Classic interface, simply click the WinZip Classic button in the WinZip Wizard. Extensive program help is available for every aspect of WinZip Classic operation.
Using a Mac (OSX)
To create a compressed file, either Control-click on the file and choose Create Archive (which is Apple-speak for “make a compressed ZIP file”). Or you can click on a file, then go to the Action menu (the button that looks like a gear up in the Finder window’s toolbar), and choose Create Archive from there. Either way, it quickly creates a new file, with the file extension “.zip.” This is the compressed file.
You can also compress several different files (like three, for example) into one single archive file — just Command-click (or Shift-click contiguous files) on all the files you want included, then choose Create Archive of X Items from the Action menu. A file will be created named “Archive.zip” (that’s it!).
