• When you study with us you benefit from our many years of experience as practitioners and educators.
• Our class sizes are small - you never get lost in the crowd.
• We give our students a personalised support service - if you have problems studying we help you to become successful.
• Our lecturers are highly qualified and experienced.
• We teach an educationally sound, integrated programme that builds year by year on previous learning, with a balanced mix of theory and practice.
• The knowledge and skills you are taught at the College are underpinned by the latest national and international research.
• Our Diplomas incorporate what practising naturopaths tell us are the most relevant, appropriate and useful skills and knowledge.
• We teach students to review information critically and to make informed decisions based on a range of data.

• We use many different strategies to assess student progress - not just examinations.
• Our students are able to obtain a degree through Charles Sturt University of New South Wales, Australia.
• Our third year students practise on real clients while being supervised by an experienced practitioner in our well-equipped Clinics.
• Our efficient and helpful administration staff ensure your records are up-to-date and accessible.
• We have a well-stocked library and a highly qualified and experienced librarian on site.
• Our graduates get jobs.
• We have a modern, attractive facility that offers students the best learning environment and services.
• NZQA stated in its audit of the College in November 2004 "SPCNT demonstrated that it is a sound and stable provider, has robust and effective quality management systems, and is substantially achieving its goals and objectives."

Graduate Profile
 

The Diploma programmes aim to develop in graduates a critical knowledge and understanding of natural therapies practice by offering students opportunities to study, critique, and reflect upon the specialised practice-relevant knowledge and philosophy of natural therapies, as well as undertaking clinical practice.

Graduates will not only be successful in a range of skills and techniques informed by theoretical analyses and applied research but should have confidence and assurance to work in the profession; be able to make professional decisions; work with others professionally; and demonstrate a range of the personal qualities expected of natural health practitioners. They should also show a willingness to maintain currency in the field of natural therapies and to continue learning.

Specifically graduates of SPCNT will integrate and synthesise their specialised theoretical knowledge and apply their diagnostic, problem solving, and analytical skills to:

• Manage client care by
  1) history taking
  2) differential diagnosis and treating
  3) appropriate prescribing
  4) referring and advising
  5) educating on prevention
  6) demonstrating cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness
• Manage their own continuing education.

Graduates will be well placed to make significant contributions to the practice of natural therapies.

On completion of the Diplomas, graduates have obtained positions as practitioners in their own or shared practices; as consultants in herbal, pharmaceutical, dietary supplement companies; in retail; in spa and health resorts; and as educators.