Electives, Continuing Education and Educational Partners
The American Council of Animal Naturopathy (A.C.A.N.) requires students enrolled in their certifying courses to successfully complete at least one elective course before being eligible to take the board certifying examination.
The American Council of Animal Naturopathy requires those who are certified in animal naturopathy and carnivore nutrition to have completed a minimum of at least 30 Continuing Education (CE) credit hours of A.C.A.N. approved continuing education in order to renew their certification annually.
Those certified in carnivore nutrition are encouraged to take A.C.A.N.s modules - Better Understanding of Vaccines, A Naturopathic Approach to Pests & Parasites and/or Introduction to Natural Healing Modalities as either an elective or continuing education.
Students, consultants and practitioners are encouraged to continue to expand their knowledge in Animal Naturopathy by learning one or more of the different animal healthcare modalities. We believe that it is best to continue to learn and experience how nature works through the various modalities of natural animal health.
Our purpose in requiring electives and/or continuing education is to add to the student/practitioners and/or consultants’ knowledge base. The more you know, the better you can serve animals. Rarely does any single modality stand alone. It is best to have many resources available.
Approved Electives, Continuing Education Courses Webinars and Seminars -
A.C.A.N. currently offers our following modules available as electives or continuing education:
Natural Dog Training, Behavior & Health - 30 Learning Units No prerequisites
The Metal-less Horse - 50 Learning Units No prerequisites
Philosophy of Animal Naturopathy - 50 Learning Units No prerequisites
Carnivore Nutrition - 60 Learning Units No prerequisites
A Naturopathic Approach to Pests & Parasites - 60 Learning Units No prerequisites
Introduction to Natural Healing Modalities - 60 Learning Units No prerequisites
Better Understanding of Vaccines I - 60 Learning Units No prerequisites
Equine Nutrition - 60 Learning Units No prerequisites
Naturopathic Small Animal or Equine Consulting/Coaching - 50 Learning Units
Prerequisites - Must be a natural/holistic animal health practitioner or certified in one of ACAN's certification courses
Check Here For More Information On Re-certification
Educational Partners
We have selected a few learning organizations that are pre-approved to provide Elective and/or Continuing Education Courses.
Click on the logo of the educational partner for prices and information on enrollment
Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute
Overview to Traditional Chinese Medicine - Equine or Small Animal
This Overview covers the basic underlying concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Yin/Yang Theory in relation to the animal body and assessment of conditions; Meridian Theory and the meridian system.This course provides an understanding of how the Chinese perceived of the living body and offers tools for assessment and treatment.
No prerequisites - A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available after successfully passing 8 unit quizzes and the final examination.
Meridian Theory - Equine or Small Animal
The Meridian Theory courses offer an in-depth understanding of how the meridians function within the animal’s body. As it was written in the Spiritual Pivot: The more you learn about the meridian system and their location, the better your working knowledge of acupressure. The course covers the 12 major meridians and 2 extraordinary vessels.
No prerequisites - A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available after successfully passing 8 unit quizzes and the final examination.
5-ElementTheory - Equine or Small Animal
This course provides an in-depth description of the correspondences and officials of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. It discusses how the Theory is applied to Chinese Medicine for both assessment and session purposes. Additionally, the course demonstrates a point selection technique that can be used during the Point Work segment of the acupressure session sequence.
No prerequisites - A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available after successfully passing 9 unit quizzes and the final examination.
Equine Pathology Course
The Equine Pathology course provides an overview of common equine pathologies. Each pathology includes a description of the issue, its clinical signs, treatment patterns and information on prevention. Written in conjunction with Bill Harnetty, DVM, Hocking College, this course provides equine bodyworkers with additional tools and information to help them asses the horse and recognize conditions requiring immediate veterinarian attention. A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 20 CE hours (approval pending) is available after successfully completing the unit quizzes and final examination online.
Canine Pathology Course
The Canine Pathology course provides an overview of common canine pathologies. Each pathology includes a description of the issue, its clinical signs, treatment patterns and information on prevention. Written in conjunction with Bill Harnetty, DVM, Hocking College, Nancy Zidonis, and Barbara Chasteen, this course provides canine bodyworkers with additional tools and information to help them assess the dog and recognize conditions requiring immediate veterinarian attention. Additionally this course includes live video demonstrations of canine conditions. A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 20 CE hours (approval pending) is available after successfully completing the unit quizzes and final examination online.
Animal Acupressure Business Practices Course
The Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute’s Business Practices course provides you the knowledge, confidence and resources to help you create an animal acupressure practice that reflects your style, supports you as a professional, and enhances the community you live and work in. The course gives you a step-by-step to creating successful marketing strategies, financial goals, defining legal issues, and the tools to put together your own business plan. A Certificate of Completion for 5 CE's is available upon completion of this online course.
Understanding Horse Types and Temperaments
New Tallgrass Online Course by Madalyn Ward, DVM - Pioneer in the field of Holistic Veterinary Horse Care. This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Five Element Theory and how to view a horse within this context. With this information horse owners can better understand their horse's personality and learn how best to work with him or her in training situations and health issues. Diet and exercise are key pieces to the complete care of horses, suggestions for nutrition and exercise are offered within the framework of each of the Five Elements.
A Certificate of Completion for 30 LU's or 16 CE hours is available upon completion of the course and the 5 unit quizzes.
Essential Oils and Acupressure for Equines
This course introduces you to the world of essential oils and aromatherapy, and enables you to use essential oils along with acupressure to restore energetic balance to your horse. The course covers the history of essential oils, in-depth information on the botany of over 25 selected Essential Oil plants, including their actions, conditions, and cautions. You are guided through how to offer oils as aromatherapy to your horse, and how to use the combination of oils and acupressure to your horse’s best benefit. Ten specific condition acupressure charts and corresponding oils are also provided. A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available upon completion. This course has been approved by the NCBTMB for 16 CE hours.
Canine Foot Reflexology
Reflexology is a therapy using gentle pressure and manipulation of feet (or in the case of our dogs - the paws and lower part of the leg) in the belief that pressure applied to specific points can benefit other body systems. How would you like to easily build Reflexology into your dog's life and reduce stress? In this self-paced online course you will discover the art of reflexology and learn to apply the techniques.
prerequisites - None
CE Learning Units - 15
Spirits In Transition
Online - Part 1– "Approaching Animal Hospice: Geriatric and Special Needs Care for Animals"
Prerequisites: None
Online- Part 2– "Foundations of Animal Hospice Care
Prerequisites: Part 1 completed
CE Learning Units for ACAN Part 1:
15 hrs (Weekend seminar: 13.5 hrs 8 CE Learning units).
Part 2– "Foundations of Animal Hospice Care " (more information to come)
For more information please go HERE
Equineology/Canineology
Canine Anatomy and Behavior Pre-course Distance Study
Prerequisites: None
Distance Study course with Skill verification by Final Exam
CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS for A.C.A.N.: 50 CE Learning Units
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course is designed for individuals those considering working professionally in the canine health industry or for continuing education. It is also targeted towards owners and trainers. After completing this course, the student will be able to (1) understand veterinary terminology and vocabulary, (2) recognize directional terms, (3) palpate the surface anatomy, (4) label and recognize the skeletal system, (5) understand canine behavior and (6) know the common muscles of the dog.
Equine Anatomy Pre-course Distance Study
Prerequisites: None
Course Type: Distance Study course with Skill verification by Final Exam
CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS for A.C.A.N.: 50 CE Learning Units
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course is designed for individuals those considering working professionally in the equine health industry or for continuing education. It is also targeted towards owners and trainers. After completing this course, the student will be able to (1) understand veterinary terminology and vocabulary, (2) recognize directional terms, (3) palpate the surface anatomy, (4) label and recognize the skeletal system and (5) know the common muscles of the horse.
Horse and Rider First Aid Distance Study
Prerequisites: Participant must be comfortable picking up all four legs, have experience with varying horse dispositions and knowledge of equine safety.
CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS for A.C.A.N.: 20 CE Learning Units
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course is designed for individuals those considering working professionally in the field of equine body work as well as owners and trainers. After completing this course, the student will be able to (1) take the vital signs of a horse, (2) recognize and evaluate emergency situation, (3) apply appropriate restraints, (4) employ first aid for the horse and (5) apply appropriate and correct bandaging.
Externship:
After completing the course with EquineU.com the participant will register for the externship at: http://www.equinology.com/info/course.asp?courseid=76. Four months are allowed for this externship. For the purpose of demonstrating your equine first aid knowledge and skills you will video tape yourself performing the skills listed at time of registering for the course.
For enrollment, prices and more information on these distance learning courses and to find out about hands on/local classes being offered by Equinology please visit their website at: http://www.equinology.com/info/courses.asp
All About Animal Massage
Helping Your Dog's Hips
Prerequisites: None
Distance Study course with Skill verification by Final Exam
CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS for A.C.A.N.: 16 CE hours
COURSE OBJECTIVES:Help your dog’s hips with massage, acupressure and more. Learn how to support the dog's back and shoulders with stress from compensating for the hips from many professionals, all sharing their advice about hip issues in dogs. 8 week course with videos, audio and e-mail lessons.
Rescue Dog Massage
Prerequisites: None
Distance Study course with Skill verification by Final Exam
CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS for A.C.A.N.: 8 CE hours
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Learn basic anatomy and massage techniques for circulation, grounding and relaxation, acupressure points for calming and immune support, body mechanics and how to read your dog’s feedback.
4 week video lesson course with coaching/Q&A available by e-mail or phone.
Equine Back Pain
Prerequisites: None
Distance Study course with Skill verification by Final Exam
CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS for A.C.A.N.: 32 CE hours
COURSE OBJECTIVES:Help your horse’s back be more athletic and pain-free. Full body techniques for relief and prevention of back pain.
16 week course with video lessons, audios and ebook
Rescue Horse Massage
Prerequisites: None
Distance Study course with Skill verification by Final Exam
CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS for A.C.A.N.: 8 CE hours
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Help your horse with immune boosting, trust building, confidence and grounding techniques.
4 week intensive course with video lessons, audios and ebook.
For enrollment, prices and more information on these distance learning courses and to find out about upcoming courses available,- please visit their website at: All About Animal Massage
Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage also has approved courses as electives or continuing education.
If there is a course, class or seminar you are interested in taking for an elective or continuing education that is not listed here, please email us with details of the seminar/course and the organization offering it and the board will look into approving it. info@animalnaturopathy.org
A.C.A.N. will be always adding more approved courses and webinar providers and will periodically offer some courses here at the website as well as seminars/webinars that will be worth CEs. A.C.A.N. will accept documents such as letters, certificates, and diplomas that indicate that you have successfully completed a course of study or taken seminars/webinars elsewhere
NOTE: A.C.A.N. Certified Animal Naturopaths, Animal Health Coaches and practitioners certified in animal naturopathy or nutrition do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe medications or perform surgical procedures. A.C.A.N. expects Certified Animal Naturopaths and those certified in animal naturopathy only provide the professional services set out in the Scope of Practice and strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics identified on this website. A.C.A.N. cannot be held responsible for anyone not acting within the Scope of Practice or not adhering to the Code of Ethics herein.