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Revision as of 04:19, 14 February 2007 by Dematt (talk | contribs) (clarify)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)The Clayton College of Natural Health is a college based in Birmingham, Alabama. Founded in 1980 by Lloyd Clayton Jr., N.D., it offers distance-learning courses in Alternative Medicine.
Clayton College uses unrecognized accreditation provided by the American National Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board. and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners These organisations are not recognised accreditation agencies by the USOE. Several states specifically list Clayton as unaccredited, among them Oregon, Texas,, Michigan and Maine.
According to its web site:
Clayton College is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board. These are private, professional associations that offer accreditation in naturopathy and other areas of natural health. Both are private accrediting associations designed to meet the needs of non–traditional education and are not affiliated with any government agency.
Critics say that degrees issued by Clayton may not be acceptable to employers or other institutions, and use of degree titles may be restricted or illegal in some jurisdictions.
In an article describing the school's background history, accreditation status, teachings, and some notable graduates, Stephen Barrett, M.D sums up why he "recommend avoiding both the school and its alumni." Although he notes that he had not reviewed the actual course materials, he considers unscientific any school that teaches instruction in "irrational theories and methods" such as "'alternative' cancer treatments, aromatherapy, 'the ayurvedic approach,' Bach flower remedies, biochemical individuality, spectro-chrome (color) therapy, detoxification, enzymatic nutritional therapy, fasting techniques, homeopathy, imaginal healing, iridology, psychodietetics, reflexology, therapeutic touch, and 'methods for determining your own optimal supplement levels.'"
Well-known graduates include Jonny Bowden, Gillian McKeith, and Hulda Regehr Clark.
McKeith's credentials from Clayton have been the focus of comment in The Guardian's Bad Science column, specifically noting the institution's refusal to make McKeith's doctoral dissertation available for outside review. In February 2007, McKeith agreed to stop using the title "Dr" on advertising for her company or its products, due to the unaccredited nature of her Clayton education.
References
- ANMAB Accredited Member Institutions
- AADP School Listing
- "What is your accreditation?". Clayton College of Natural Health. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
- The Oregon Office of Degree Authorization lists it as an "unaccredited college." "Degree holders are ineligible for Oregon professional practice or licensure."
- The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board states: "No accreditation from a CB recognized accreditor."
- Non-Accredited Schools
- The Maine Department of Education lists it as "non-accredited."
- "What is your accreditation?". Clayton College of Natural Health. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
- Stephen Barrett, M.D. "Clayton College of Natural Health: Be Wary of the School and Its Graduates". Quackwatch. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
- http://www.ccnh.edu/networking/gradprofile.asp
- Bad Science, The Guardian
- Gibson, Owen (February 12, 2007). "TV dietician to stop using title Dr in adverts". The Guardian. Retrieved 2007-02-12.
- Land, John (February 12, 2007). "Gillian McKeith agrees to drop 'Dr' title". 24 Dash. Retrieved 2007-02-12.