Education for Careers in Caring.

Holistic/Alternative Medicine Degrees

Alternative Health Degrees and Jobs
Compared to other health related programs, there are fewer schools offering alternative health degrees. Increasingly, however, institutions providing training in health care are adding holistic health programs to accommodate the variety of health practitioners incorporating alternative medicine. Degree programs in holistic health often require an undergraduate degree. Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in alternative medicine are more common than doctorate degrees. Some schools may offer certification programs in specific alternative health areas.

Graduates of alternative medicine programs can look for employment in holistic health centers, wellness centers, and rehabilitation clinics. With holistic health training you might pursue a career as a chiropractor, acupuncturist, homeopath, naturopath, massage therapist, nutritionist, or physical therapist. Most alternative health practitioners are self-employed or work together with others in a private clinic providing complementary holistic health services. Increasing acceptance of alternative medicine will allow for increased demand of alternative health services providing additional opportunities with holistic health education.

Courses in Holistic Health
Course offerings in holistic health toward an alternative medicine degree will likely include most of the following in some form:

• Herbology
• Holistic health and nutrition
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Alternative health methods
• Biology and anatomy
• Treating illness and disease with alternative medicine
• Homeopathy and aromatherapy.

Course areas will often have several levels that correspond to the level of holistic health degree being sought. Bachelor degree programs in alternative medicine have higher theoretical course content while master and doctoral programs include more practical alternative health applications.