Phytotherapy Clinical Practice Courses

Below is a list of Phytotherapy Clinical Practice courses offered at Pacific Rim College.

Phytotherapy Clinical Observation (PCP101)

Clinical Observation provides students with both observational and therapeutic experience in a multidisciplinary medical clinic. Students observe qualified and experienced practitioners in their care of patients and clinical management. Students learn clinical protocol, treatment etiquette, consultation and counselling skills, practical diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic techniques.

Prerequisites: Must be a Diploma of Phytotherapy student    Credits: 3    Hours: 45

Phytotherapy Clinical Supervised Practice (PCP200)

Students emerge from Clinical Observation and begin to work with patients while under direct supervision. Student gain confidence in the intake process, diagnosis and treatment selection.

Prerequisites: Must be a Diploma of Phytotherapy student, completed 2 PCP101 clinics, BMS101/102, and any 2 Materia Medicas    Credits: 1.5    Hours: 45

Phytotherapy Supervised Clinical Intensive (PCP201)

This Clinical Intensive is designed to provide students with concentrated, hands-on training in a condensed format. Building on foundational clinical observation experience, students will actively engage in patient care while receiving close supervision and mentorship. Throughout the intensive, students will strengthen their skills in physical examination, energetic assessment, case-taking, clinical reasoning, and dispensary formulation. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence in consultation, selecting appropriate treatment principles, and dispensing skills. Due to the immersive and accelerated nature of this offering and the practical considerations of securing clients within a short timeframe, students should come prepared to act as practitioners and clients alike, when needed. Engaging in both roles of practitioner and client deepens learning, enhances clinical insight, and strengthens collaborative skills within the cohort.

Prerequisites: 6 credits PCP101, BMS101/102, any 2 Materia Medica    Credits: 1.5    Hours: 45

Phytotherapy Clinical Independent Practice (PCP300)

Students work independently with patients and assist them through the entire treatment process with the guidance of the clinical supervisor. Students enhance skills of consultation and diagnosis and choose appropriate treatment techniques and principles on a case-by-case basis.

Prerequisites: Must be a Diploma of Phytotherapy student, completed 2 PCP200 clinics, BMS201/202, and any Herbal Therapeutics    Credits: 1.5    Hours: 45

Phytotherapy Dispensary Practice (PCP301)

Phytotherapy Dispensary Practice is an Independent Level clinic and counts directly towards PCP300 clinical hour requirements in the phytotherapy program. This clinic is ideal for students with limited exposure to hands-on experience in the dispensary and with medicine making. Students work in the Western Herbal Dispensary under the direction of the Dispensary Manager, participating in and learning about the day-to-day tasks involved in operating a herbal dispensary. Each class students practice multiple dispensary-related skills including formula dispensing, receiving and maintaining inventory, stocking and maintaining supplies, and sterilization and hygiene practices. The skills gained in this course will translate into managing their own clinic and dispensary once they have graduated.

Prerequisites: Students may only take PCP301 once through the course of their program. Must be a Diploma of Phyotherapy student, completed 2 PCP200 clinics and WHS151 Practical Herbal Pharmacy.    Credits: 3    Hours: 45

Phytotherapy Final Clinical Exam (PCP361)

Each Diploma of Phytotherapy student is required  to complete and pass a Final Clinical Exam during the final semester of the program. The exam is set up as a 60-minute mock clinical consultation, and the student is evaluated by a panel of 3 invigilators. Each exam will include a mock consultation with a patient, physical exam as requested by the panel, creation of a treatment plan for the patient, and oral questions from the panel regarding the consultation, physical exam and treatment plan in general.

Students are eligible to attempt the exam 3 times. If a student is unable to pass the exam after 3 attempts, the student is required to complete 3 credits of remedial course work prescribed by the panel (regular tuition rates apply). Once that remedial clinic or course work is complete, the student is then eligible to apply for another round of Final Clinical Exams attempts as necessary. This process repeats until the student is able to pass the exam.

Prerequisites: Registrants must be in their final semester of the Diploma of Phytotherapy or have permission from the Dean.    Fee: 100    Credits: 0    Hours: 0

Phytotherapy Final Clinical Exam (PCP361)

Each Diploma of Phytotherapy student is required  to complete and pass a Final Clinical Exam during the final semester of the program. The exam is set up as a 60-minute mock clinical consultation, and the student is evaluated by a panel of 3 invigilators. Each exam will include a mock consultation with a patient, physical exam as requested by the panel, creation of a treatment plan for the patient, and oral questions from the panel regarding the consultation, physical exam and treatment plan in general.

Students are eligible to attempt the exam 3 times. If a student is unable to pass the exam after 3 attempts, the student is required to complete 3 credits of remedial course work prescribed by the panel (regular tuition rates apply). Once that remedial clinic or course work is complete, the student is then eligible to apply for another round of Final Clinical Exams attempts as necessary. This process repeats until the student is able to pass the exam.

Prerequisites: Registrants must be in their final semester of the Diploma of Phytotherapy or have permission from the Dean.