The National University System Center for Integrative Health

National University believes that innovative approaches to healthcare education will be one of the most essential components to improving the health and healthcare of Americans in the 21st Century.

Integrative medicine is an approach to healthcare that blends conventional medicine with complementary, evidence-based treatments and therapies. It is used widely in the United States, yet there are few regionally accredited institutions committed to the initial degree preparation and continuing professional education and training of healthcare professionals and practitioners in this field. This is the knowledge gap that the National University System Center for Integrative Health fills.

The Center evolved from the Institute for Wellness and Peak Performance, which was founded as part of the National University System in 2005. In its first year, the Institute launched iTHRIVE, an electronic health and wellness magazine, published six times a year and sold through subscription. In collaboration with the San Diego County Office of Education, the Institute created “San Diego 6,” a series of television programs airing on ITV Channel 16, produced to appeal to young viewers and introduce them to the benefits and the fun of a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, and exercise. In addition, the Institute produced and disseminated the “Healthy Reader,” a series of podcasts targeting children in grades K-3 and concentrating on fitness and nutrition.

In early 2007, the National University System began to explore the creation of an organizational mechanism that would allow it to expand its commitment to health and wellness. All of the System’s affiliates are involved, to some extent, in the area of health and wellness education and in the preparation of allied health professionals.

In July 2007, the Center for Integrative Health was established with an initial funding goal of $1 million and today has an endowment fund of more than $3 million. The Center’s early growth has been focused on the development of innovative educational programs.