The development of a diploma in complementary medicine

This paper describes the rationale for the development of a Diploma in Complementary Medicine, validated by the University of London and offered by The Centre for Complementary Medicine North West, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Stockport College of Higher and Further Education. The Diploma in Complementary Medicine is in part a considered response to the recent BMA (1993) report evaluating the current status of complementary medicine in the UK and recommendations for training proposed by the RCN (RCN CTINSIG 1993, 1994). The course team perceived and identified a need for a common theoretical framework, validated at University level, to set precedent for the development of educational standards in the field of complementary therapies. It is suggested that in order to facilitate the development of competent clinical practitioners it is necessary to establish a common educational foundation from which to develop practice skills.