Medical Cannabis Certificate

Next term starts on May 1st, 2023!

A rigorous, college-level cannabis certification by an accredited institution

Stand out as a highly educated pioneer in your profession! Learn how to coach patients on the therapeutic effects of cannabis, dosing, self-titration approaches, and ingestion methods while promoting overall health and well-being naturally.

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Medical Cannabis Certificate Programs Overview

3 courses / 8 college credits

100% online

Financial aid for those who qualify

Combination of optional recorded live classes & asynchronous assignments

Pacific College is accredited by WASC (WSCUC)

Can be completed in as few as 6 months

1 certificate: 2 tracks

Two cannabis Certificate Tracks Available

1. For Health Professionals

In July of 2018, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing  (NCSBN) created guidelines for nurses that defined six essential areas of knowledge and skills that all nurses must have to work with medical cannabis patients. Pacific College believes that these needs are universal and appropriate for all healthcare workers and has used these guidelines as the basis for its certificate.

2. For Other Professionals

Fortunately, the above guidelines are just as useful to any serious student of medical cannabis. Those wishing to apply this knowledge as health coaches, consultants, or entrepreneurs will be as well-informed as our front line healthcare workers

Next term starts on May 1st, 2023!

“I highly recommend the medical cannabis program at Pacific College. In my practice, I can now confidently consult with my patients on the safe and effective use of cannabis. I learned from the program how to provide coaching for patients around the general use of cannabis for various health issues as well as the use of additional holistic modalities. Pacific College’s program helped me bridge the gap between curiosity of cannabis, to speaking openly about cannabis with my patients.”
Fernanda Durlene, DACM, LAc
Sedona Ranch Acupuncture & Retreats

Admissions Requirements FOR THE MEDICAL CANNABIS CERTIFICATION COURSE

  • An associate degree or credit equivalency (60)
  • English language proficiency
  • Note: Pacific College acupuncture students who completed their second year comps are also eligible to enroll

CANNABIS CERTIFICATE Schedule and course delivery

The Medical Cannabis certificate program courses are offered online, using a combination of synchronous and self-paced formats. For each seven-week course, two to three weeks are comprised of live classes, while the rest is asynchronous coursework with defined outcomes. A full-time student can complete the program in as few as six months.

Live classes are delivered in real time, with audio and video connection to faculty and fellow students. The connection among participants is comparable to that of on-site classes with the added benefit of attending from the comfort and convenience of your home.

Distance education extends students’ network of opportunities internationally, while Pacific College’s synchronous instructional design fosters camaraderie often exceeding that of on-site models

CANNABIS CERTIFICATION Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Explain how cannabis works in the human system.
    1. Understand the physiology of the endocannabinoid system.
    2. Describe the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medicinal cannabis in relationship to supporting homeostasis.
    3. Define how holistic modalities upregulate the endocannabinoid system.
    4. Explore the evidence of cannabis effectiveness with specific diseases.
  2. Understand the social issues related to cannabis.
    1. Know the historical, legal, and ethical issues related to the prohibition and legalization of cannabis.
    2. Consider how one’s professional role and standards/scope of professional practice relate to supporting patients’ use of medicinal cannabis.
  3. Consult with patients on safe and effective use of cannabis.
    1. Provide coaching regarding the general use of cannabis for pain, PTSD, and other health-related issues.
    2. Identify indications of possible abuse and adverse side effects of cannabis.
    3. Define how cannabis can fit into a healthy lifestyle.
    4. Explore how the endocannabinoid system can be upregulated to enhance homeostasis.
  4. Use a modern holistic approach to healthcare.
    1. Apply humanistic, culturally competent, person-based care or advice while respecting personal and family values.
    2. Conduct evidence-based cannabis research.
    3. Use reflective practice and critical thinking to evaluate outcomes.
    4. Communicate effectively with the entire interprofessional team.
    5. Define best business approaches and healthcare marketing practices related to cannabis.

Medical Cannabis Certificate Courses

Click on the image inside any of the thumbnails below to read the course description (note: clicking on the course name will not open the pop-up window).

Endocannabinoid System and Pharmacology
Clinical Medical Cannabis Guidelines and Professional Practice
Capstone

Watch the Medical Cannabis CERTIFICATE program info Session

Medical Cannabis Certificate FAQ

Who is eligible for the Medical Cannabis Certificate Program?

To be eligible for the medical cannabis certification program, you must have at least one of the following:

  • Associate degree in a healthcare field or bio science field from an accredited institution recognized by the US Department of Education or international equivalent
  • Any Pacific College of Health and Science acupuncture student who has completed second year comps
  • Any PCOM student who has completed second year comps

How long is the Medical Cannabis Certificate Program?

The Medical Cannabis Certificate is comprised of 3 total courses (8 credits total) with each course being 7 weeks long. The Medical Cannabis Certificate completion can be achieved in as few as 6 months.

What is the schedule/classes like for the Medical Cannabis Certificate Program?

The Medical Cannabis Certificate Program is offered online, using a combination of live classes and self-paced assignments. For each 7-week course, 2-3 weeks will be scheduled, live classes while the remaining classes can be done self-paced with specific assignment due dates.

What is the tuition of the Medical Cannabis Certification Program?

The Medical Cannabis Certificate Program is $436 per credit for a total tuition of $3,488.

Is Pacific College of Health and Science accredited?

Yes, Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS) is regionally accredited by WASC (see www.acswasc.org for more information).

Does Pacific College of Health and Science offer financial aid?

Yes, PCHS offers financial aid to students. In order to be eligible and apply for financial aid at Pacific College, students must take two courses in their first term.

What are the learning outcomes for a person who graduates with the Medical Cannabis Certification?

Upon completing the Medical Cannabis Certificate Program at Pacific College of Health and Science you will be able to speak about medical cannabis as a treatment, understand drug interaction and contraindications, recommend dosage and application from a scientific standpoint, and educate your clients/patients as well as the public all while working in your field of healthcare.

Can I take just 1 course within the Medical Cannabis Certificate Program?

Yes, the course available to take as a non-matriculated student is Endocannabinoid System and Pharmacology.The Endocannabinoid System and Pharmacology course includes the anatomy and physiology of the human endocannabinoid system, drug-drug interactions and adverse effects of cannabis use as well as routes of cannabis administration.

Are the Medical Cannabis Certification Program classes recorded?

Yes, the classes in the Medical Cannabis Certificate Program are recorded.

Can I recommend medical cannabis upon completion of the Medical Cannabis Certificate Program?

The Medical Cannabis Certificate Program will prepare you for consultation regarding medical cannabis, however, requirements vary by state. We encourage you to check your specific state requirements.

Are there books for the classes?

Yes.

Ready to Apply to the Cannabis Certificate Program?

If you think a career in medical cannabis is something you would like to pursue, contact us and speak to an admissions representative to get started on your new journey!

For more information, call (855) 866-6767 or fill out our contact form to be contacted by a Pacific College representative.