I. Mission and School Overview

Mission Statement

The Global Institute For Alternative Medicine (GIFAM) offers affordable, comprehensive, non-dogmatic holistic education for nurses that prepares them to be holistic nurses and provides them with contact hours that may be used toward continuing education requirements.

Education Prerequisite

Applicants for the NEH, NMH, NNC programs must have an RN/LVN/LPN  license to present upon completion of any of the programs.

Nondiscrimination

GIFAM has a nondiscriminatory policy and does not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability. We conform to all federal laws concerning equal opportunity.

II. Distance Learning Process

Program and Material Descriptions

Our programs are designed to be self-paced. Each program is divided into modules with lecture materials, self-review tests, major assignments and a final exam. All of the required materials are able to be accessed from the GIFAM Blackboard academic suite. All assignments are completed and/or submitted within the GIFAM Blackboard Academic Suite. One exception to this is the herbal remedy which you will need to mail to: GIFAM 3822 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091.

Support Systems

1. Online

- Email support: We work to answer your emails within 24 hours during the business week. Email contact: studentsupport@gifam.org 

- Academic Resource Center: At this center you will be able to access many sources for additional enrichment. All you need to register is your student ID#. You have unlimited access to this online resource center.

2. Online Forums

After registering with your student ID number, you can access postings of your classmates and faculty members, as well as place posts yourself. There is a wealth of additional holistic health information available to you. This is where you can get the latest information from journal articles and news articles about holistic health, Western medicine, healthcare policies and about our program, as well as interact with classmates and faculty members. 

3. By Telephone or Fax

Please call or fax with any questions.

From North America and Canada:
     Phone: 1-800-410-0612
     Fax:       1-888-201-4186

From outside North America:
     Phone: 1-847-251-2496
     Fax:       1-847-251-3435

Nursing students can contact Heather Johnstone directly M-F 9-5PT at 1-800-410-0612 for questions about the material as it relates to nursing. 

4. By Mail

You may send us a letter with any questions that you have.

Global Institute for Alternative Medicine
3822 Lake Ave.
Wilmette, IL 60091

Grading Policies

1. Time frame for completion of program    

Unlimited

2. Submission Method - Complete all major assignments and final examination. Please save files of your major assignments. Please complete GIFAM Participant Evaluation Forms, so that we may continue to strive to improve our educational offerings.

3. Supply of materials - GIFAM does not supply texts or materials used outside the GIFAM Blackboard academic suite.

3. Grading

a. Scale – 80% correct is needed for a passing grade.
b. Time frame – There is a four week turnaround time for grading your papers. Upon successful completion you will receive a transcript with your certificate, as well as the examination materials you submitted.
c. The re-testing fee is $100. You have 90 days to petition the school if you wish to retake your final examination or any portion of your assignments you were not successful in.

Other Student Services

1. Transcripts

Upon completion of a program you will receive an official transcript along with your certificate or diploma. If you require additional transcripts, please send a written request along with a check for $10.00 for each additional transcript requested. The written request must include your name, your address, your email address, and  your student ID number. Our programs are not degree programs. Credits are not awarded for program completion. 

2. Supply of materials

All study materials are included in the blackboard online classrooms.

III. Refund Policy

Refund Policy

IV. Complaint Policy - Student Complaints

All student complaints should be addressed to the director,
Heather Johnstone PhD RN BC APN AMP-C RYT at heatherjohnstone@gifam.org  
or 1-800-410-0612

We will always do everything in our power to resolve any disputes that may arise.

V. Accreditation

Global Institute for Alternative Medicine is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Accreditation for Natural Health programs in the United States is an entirely voluntary process. Accreditation for an institution of learning represents a validation that the school programs have been thoroughly investigated and found worthy of recognition. This investigation is conducted by a qualified group of people familiar with the programs offered.

Board Certification

GIFAM graduates qualify for Board Certification through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). The application will be mailed to you upon graduation from any of our programs. You may contact the AADP at 1-888-764-AADP.