FAQs
Q. Will I be able to interact with the class if I take it On-line?
A. Yes. In fact, you will be required to do so. This is a live webcast, where you will be able to send in questions and comments to a moderator while class is in progress. There are several factors which would contribute to your question not being asked live. For example, there is a 15 second delay in the broadcast, and there is a limit to how many questions can be asked during the Q&A session. Any questions you may have can be posted in the forums. David and his staff will review and respond to these postings.
Q. What are the computer system requirements?
A. It's not so much a system requirement as it is a combination of factors that produce the best live on-line experience. We use a windows media player. So it's more a matter of making sure you have a quality internet connection time and changing settings if necessary. If you use a wireless connection you are more likely to encounter issues. If you hard wire your computer to your modem you have the best chance of avoiding issues. After acceptance to class you will be invited to join us in a "test class" where you can make sure there are no problems. If you do run across a problem, we will work with you to make sure your settings, etc. are where they should be.
Q. How will I receive textbooks and handouts? Is there an additional cost?
A. There are no specific “textbooks”. David does have a recommended reading list, however, and strongly suggests a few inexpensive books. The purchase of these texts will be at the student’s discretion and expense.
Extensive handouts are given for the majority of the classes and these will be available to students in the virtual classroom as downloadable files. On-site students will receive hard copies as well. The costs of these handouts are included in the tuition.
Q. I am a healthcare professional. Will this course be too basic for me?
A. Most classes have a variety of healthcare professionals enrolled. We routinely have medical doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, naturopathic physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, veterinarians, dentists, physical therapists, massage therapists, etc. For the majority of these practitioners, there is little in the class that would be redundant or too basic. The one exception would be acupuncturists, who may find the introduction to Chinese medical theory section of the class redundant. Students with a strong phytochemistry background may also find the phytochemistry module too basic. We will consider excusing licensed acupuncturists from the Chinese medical theory section of the class.
Q. I am not a healthcare professional. Will this course be too in-depth for me?
A. Each class also has students who have no medical background but have a serious interest in herbal medicine. Many of these students go on to become clinical herbalists and others use this as a basis for further studies in medical arts. Care is taken to provide adequate explanations and descriptions of medical concepts that some students may be lacking. This has allowed us to effectively teach students with and without a medical background.
In the 25 years we have been teaching this program we have been very successful at helping to effectively educate a generation of herbal practitioners.
Q. What type of certification will I receive?
A. Upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements, students will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion and graduates may participate in a third year graduate program that is offered every few years
Q. How many classes are given each year?
A. The program meets 43-45 weeks out of 52 per year. A quarterly school calendar is given out at least a month in advance. There is a winter break the last two weeks of December and the first week of January. In the case of inclement weather, class cancellation will be decided and posted by 12:00 noon whenever possible.
Q. What if I miss a class?
A. Students are allowed 7 absences per year. All students have access to the video archives of each class, so you will be able to view any missed classes, or review any others you wish.
Q. What about the pre-requisite course, Anatomy & Physiology?
A. This class is required unless you have completed college level Introduction to A&P. Michael Anthovage, M.A. is offering this course at our New Jersey facility. For further information, please contact Michael at 908-832-5046, or check with your local college. Attending this class does not guarantee automatic acceptance into the DW-CHS program.
Q. What is the application process?
A. Completed applications will be reviewed by admissions and qualified applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview either in person, by phone, or email. The DW-CHS program does not deny enrollment, or make any distinction of, students regardless of race, color, creed, nationality, sexual orientation or gender. You must be 18 years of age or older to attend classes.
Q. What are the time requirements for the course?
A. You will be required to be “in class” every Tuesday evening from 5:00-10:00 pm. In addition to class time all students are expected to do supplemental reading, case histories (at least one per year), diagnostics practice and two class projects (1 per year), as well as monthly quizzes.
Q. What are the requirements for the class projects?
A. Class projects are extensive projects that are chosen by the student and David. They may include written work (40-60 pages typed), demonstration, videos, slides, lecture, etc.