Training

A range of institutions offer formal training in various CAM modalities.  Informal training also takes place, particularly for traditional healing systems.

Formal training in CAM therapies

• A variety of training institutions in New Zealand offer courses in CAM.  These vary in length from weekend courses to four-year, full-time diplomas. 

• A range of courses ïs approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), including training in natural therapies, aromatherapy, reflexology, remedial body therapies, homoeopathy, acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine.  Some of these courses involve distance-learning. A few of the larger institutions are based in Auckland, New Plymouth, Wellington and Christchurch.

 

• Most of the major training establishments are registered with the NZQA as private training establishments (PTEs) and many receive government subsidies for training. The level of fees for courses without government subsidisation varies widely.

 

• Most courses have some component of biomedical sciences, the most common being anatomy and physiology. Modules in microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, biochemistry, immunology and behavioural neuroscience are also offered. The amount of biomedical science included in courses varies widely.

 

Informal training

• There is very little published literature on the training of traditional healers in New Zealand.  There are no formally recognised training institutions currently providing training for Pacific traditional healing systems.

 

• Historically, training for these healing systems has been informal. Much of the learning takes place in the family context, where knowledge is passed down from one generation to the next. Informal apprenticeships are also common. The passing on of knowledge about healing may not always be recognised as training for later practice by those giving or receiving the knowledge and skills. There is no formal payment protocol.

 

Are mainstream health professionals taught about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

·         There is little formal incorporation of education on CAM into the training of mainstream health professionals such as doctors and nurses.

·         Neither of New Zealand’s two medical schools have formal modules for educating medical students about CAM.

·        A small number of nursing schools have a formal CAM education component. Examples are elective modules offered to students at the Taranaki Polytechnic (which offers a course in ‘natural therapies’), and Dunedin Polytechnic (which offers a course in ‘complementary therapies’).

·        A small number of continuing education courses are available to nurses on CAM therapies and related topics.

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