Certificate in Brain Health

Gain an understanding of the brain and explore how lifestyle choices impact this remarkable organ. This course offers techniques and insights based on recent scientific studies about fostering health, happiness and well-being to support a healthy brain.

6 Weeks / 10 Course Hrs

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Sierra College Community Education

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Learning method

Self-Guided

$79

No instructor. Study on your own schedule

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Instructor-Moderated

$79

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Starting April 16 | May 14

Details + Objectives

Course code: 0bh

The brain is an amazing organ. It receives information through the five senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing and, in connection with an individual's lifestyle, can have a powerful impact on the health of the body and mind. The brain is affected by virtually every aspect of a person's life including how happy they are, the type of music they listen to, their meditation practices, the quality of their sleep, the type and amount of play in their lives, their levels of stress, the foods they choose to eat, the amount and type of physical activity in which they engage, whether or not they abuse drugs, and whether or not they regularly spend time in nature.

The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe the basic structures and functions of the brain and explain how happiness, music, meditation, sleep, play, and lifestyle factors (such as stress, nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse, and nature) affect brain health.

(10.0 contact hours)

Expiration Date (Next date of course revision): 10/01/2026

No one in a position to control content has conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare for this activity.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

Accreditation:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC was awarded Accreditation with Distinction, the highest recognition awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Accreditation Program.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider (Provider Number 451562-11).

What you will learn

Describe the basic structures and functions of the brain
Compare the determinants of happiness and the effect on brain health
Discuss how music engages the whole brain
Identify meditation techniques to enhance brain health
Explore the effects of sleep on brain health
Examine the key characteristics of play and the relationship to brain health
Examine the effects of lifestyle factors on brain health

How you will benefit

Learn how to support health and happiness through lifestyle choices that impact the brain
Distinguish yourself as a professional who has studied how music, stress, meditation, sleep, play, nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse, and nature affect brain health
Discover ways to improve your total health and well-being and positively impact your life and the life of your family
Learn new information that can help you prepare for a career in many areas of health (including health education, public health, nursing, medicine, social work, environmental health, or health coaching) as well as other fields (such as law, political science, advocacy, etc.)
Build your knowledge and expand your skills and competencies so you can advance your career and enhance your professional marketability with training specific to the topics covered
Fulfill continuing education and/or national certification requirements

How the course is taught

Instructor-Moderated or Self-Guided online course
6 Weeks or 3 Months access
10 course hours

Outline

The brain is an amazing organ. Weighing approximately three pounds, and containing approximately 100 billion neurons, the brain controls all necessary functions of the body, receives and interprets information from the outside world, and embodies the essence of the mind. Intelligence, emotion, and memories are just a few of the processes governed by the brain.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the components of the nervous system; describe the structures and functions of the brain; explain the functions of the two hemispheres of the brain; explain the role of neuron connections, synapses, and neurotransmitters; describe the effect of normal aging on the brain; describe the role of brain imaging and gene studies in the identification of neurological disorders; examine the effects of genes and the environment; and differentiate between current theories of neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and epigenetics.

The hidden power of everyday positive experiences can change your brain and change your life. Everyone wants to be happy and healthy. By focusing on becoming happier and creating positive experiences, research suggests that you will experience increased energy, improved immune function, increased creativity, improved relationships, and increased productivity—happiness results in a healthier brain, a more vibrant body, and a longer life.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe how happy, positive experiences, and emotions affect the brain. The relationship between happiness and neuroplasticity, determinants of happiness, happiness assessment tools, and practices to increase happiness will be examined.

Whether you are listening to rock music in your car or listening to Mozart at home, music has an effect on your brain. Engaging in musical activity (listening and creating) involves almost every region of your brain. Music affects the brain, the mind, the thought process, and the spirit.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the elements of and principles of sound; how music engages the whole brain; the brain-based benefits of music; the physiological and psychological effects of music; the effect of music on mental health and stress reduction, therapeutic uses and benefits, music and the healthy aging brain; and the future of music and brain health.

Meditation is a mind-body practice with many methods and variations that are all based on the silence and stillness of present-moment awareness. Exciting research is showing that a regular practice of meditation causes physical changes in the brain that can be beneficial to mental and physical health. Meditation can also change the way the brain functions.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to examine current neuroscience research and the effects of meditation on brain waves, identify meditation techniques to enhance brain health, and explore the psychological and physiological effects of meditation.

Do you wake up in the morning feeling sleepy? Do you feel sleepy during the day? A good night's sleep is as essential for your brain and your body as food and water. Sleep deprivation affects the brain in multiple ways, impairing judgment, affecting cognition, and slowing reaction times. Sleep quality affects your mental and physical health in ways science is just beginning to understand.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the effects of sleep on brain health, the role of sleep in health, the impact of sleep deprivation on health; the stages of sleep; and conventional and integrative therapies for improving sleep.

"Act like a child" is probably not a phrase that is on the top of anyone's mind. Yet, researchers are discovering that there are many health benefits to rediscovering your inner child. Play is vital to the health of human beings, and it is an essential component of a healthy life. Play is present in all mammals, including human beings. In human beings, it is equally important for children as it is for adults. While childishness is not desirable, being "childlike" is.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss the impact that play has on the brain and overall well-being; the importance of play in human development; the qualities and characteristics of play; the types of play and play personalities; the health benefits of play; and the ways to incorporate play into everyday life.

Individuals' lifestyles can have a powerful impact on the health of their body and mind. The brain is affected by virtually every aspect of their life. Including their levels of stress, the foods they choose to eat, the amount and type of physical activity in which they engage, whether or not they abuse drugs, and whether or not they regularly spend time in nature.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss the effects of brain health on specific lifestyle factors, including stress, nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse, and nature.

Instructors & Support

Cyndie Koopsen

Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC is a nurse who has cared for patients in acute care settings, community clinics, and the home. Her professional nursing career has involved nursing executive leadership and administration, accreditation consultation, staff development and education, community education and wellness, and holistic care. She has designed, developed, and presented numerous educational programs for audiences covering integrative health, promotion and wellness, and chronic disease management and prevention. She is the co-author (with Caroline Young) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Caroline Young

Caroline Young, M.P.H., has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Completion Requirements:

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

FAQ

Instructor-Moderated: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each Exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or a cumulative final exam.

Instructor-Moderated: Once a course session starts, two lessons will be released each week for the 6 week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends. You will interact with the instructor through the online discussion area. There are no live sessions or online meetings with the instructor.

Self-Guided: You have 3 months of access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. You will have the opportunity to interact with other students in the online discussion area.

You can complete each lesson at your own pace. There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within your course access period. You must complete the mandatory course evaluation within the duration of your course to access your certificate of completion.

Instructor-Moderated: Students enrolled in a six-week online class benefit from a one-time, 10-day extension for each course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Self-Guided: Because this course is self-guided, no extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

Yes. This course is acceptable for continuing education contact hours in all states. However, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

NURSING

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS (CNAs) & CERTIFIED HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIANS (CHTs)

The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.

CERTIFIED MANAGED CARE NURSE (CMCN)

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

DIABETES EDUCATORS

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

NCBTMB

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. (Provider Number 451562-11)

Reviews

Best online course I have ever done. I have learned such a variety of issues and how to protect our brains and hopefully improve on what I can, i.e. build more grey matter by mindful meditation, improve nutrition and how you explained even details like what are free radicals, what they do at the molecular levels and how antioxidants help combat them. I plan on taking more of your courses in the future!

This course gave me a deeper understanding of the brain and how it affects overall health; therefore, I will better inform my clients of the way their lifestyle, via sleep, drug addiction, and stress to name a few impairs their brain functioning, which in turn impairs their health. As a counselor, I was previously aware of the way the brain behaves in accordance to lifestyle factors; however, I am now fully aware of the way said lifestyles change the brain, and as such causes the brain to change its signal transmission.

In my opinion this is the best online education I have done so far.

I am a currently undergoing cancer treatment that required chemotherapy. This can cause what is known as 'chemo brain' or chemo fog. I wanted to take this course as part of my healing and to learn how to promote healing in my brain - essentially increasing its neuroplasticity. I found the content of this course was interesting and well presented. The instructors were responsive and went beyond what was required to offer my additional information relevant to my quest for knowledge. Great experience. Thank you.

I enrolled in this course because my elderly father is experiencing the onset of dementia and now my mother is having memory problems. This course was presented so well and the volume of information is fabulous. All the lessons, especially the last, provided me with information that I've accepted as an ultimatum on improving my health and ways that I might make life a little bit better for my parents. Thank you so much for offering this course.

I learned a lot from your classes. I wish I had learned a lot of these facts before my children were born and before I raised them. At any rate, I'm very happy that I have had the opportunity to read and learn about how one can continue to change the brain even if it this point it's not at its optimal state.

I am currently a college student who is looking to major in Psychology at Penn State. I have always been intrigued with neuroscience but I also loved the idea of Business Psychology. I took this course to really help me decide if I wanted to take the Neuroscience path, which ended up being an absolute YES! I have learned so much in this course and it was challenging. I am happy to say that because of this I will be able to strive for my goal knowing I picked the right path.

I am doing this courses to take care my self, because I am 51 years old and is hard to find doctors who's wanted spend time talking with patients and I going to make my day including more wisdom with the knowledge from this course, thanks a lot to all your team, specially to miss Cyndie Koopsen and Caroline Young.

First and foremost I want to express how much I enjoyed this class. It was a full course meal with dessert. Thank you for sharing this info and class with me. Thank you for making it available to me as well as others. I have been empowered with this class having been made available to me. Thanks Again!

This was a very informative and knowledge increasing course, not only learning the parts of the brain but how our brain health can be improved and what is not good for its health. Great instructors discussions, up to date, current research is much appreciated in the references!

In my opinion this is the best online education I have done so far.

Certificate in Brain Health

Sierra College Community Education