New York College of Health Professions, located in Syosset and chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, is one of the leading colleges of holistic medicine in the United States. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in massage therapy, acupuncture and oriental medicine, and a continuing education certificate program in holistic nursing for RNs.

All programs are registered by the New York State Education Department and the college has institutional accreditation by the New York State Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education, a nationally recognized accrediting agency. The institution has been a leader in holistic education for over 25 years.

According to Barbara Carver, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development for the school, the school offers certificate programs in tai chi and chi gong and you don't have to be enrolled in the school to take these classes. Also, nutrition is offered as part of the continuing education program.

An associate degree is offered in various forms of massage therapy and can be completed in 18 months. "The program is superior in preparing people in this career path," said Carver. "We are the first college granted the approval to give college degrees in massage therapy by the New York State Education Department."

Carver explained that at the end of the 1,000-hour program, students then sit for a licensing exam.

The community can benefit from the school as well - as part of their internship, students in the massage program give 50-minute massages for $35 and $20 for seniors. Call 800-922-7337 ext 113 to make an appointment.

The school also offers a Chinese herbal dispensary. "If you want to take herbs, come in for a consultation," said Carver. "Many of our herbs can be custom-made for individuals as herbal medicine is very personal."

For more information about the school, visit www.nycollege.edu or call 1-800-922-7337.