Alternative Medicine Degrees

Overview

The field of natural medicine has amazed man since the dawn of civilization. Many secrets hidden till date are waiting to be discovered, with the passage of time even with the progress science has achieved; people now look for suitable and natural alternatives to induce healing and long term relief.

When Western health care and Eastern healing combine together they give rise to alternative medicine which stands today as an established approach using spiritual healing. Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Naprapathy, Naturopathic medicine, Oriental medicine and Osteopathy are some of the alternative medicinal areas of study with Chinese medicine, and massage therapy more widely known. People interested in health care careers are now embracing this old knowledge and practicing it alongside Western Medicine providing preventive care to society without the use of prescription drugs.

Alternative Medicine Degrees

This is one aspect of this field that you may find the most comforting, since this field allows you to opt from a variety of degrees ranging from bachelors to masters and even certificate courses offered by online schools that you can opt for to jump-start your career. All you need to enroll yourself in either a regular on-campus session or an online degree is a certain minimum GPA set by the authoritative body and the completion of courses in science and math.

From institutions to yoga centers, alternative medicine is offered through bachelor’s degrees, certifications and master’s degrees. The Bachelor of Science typically has a minimum requirement of 120 hours to be completed. The Master of Science programs typically operate on a minimum of 45 hours (unless the candidate submits a thesis which will reduce these hours).

Related: How to Become an Alternative Medicine Consultant

Specializing in the a few fields like naturopathic medicine and hoping to attain a PhD will require you to complete your BS and MS coursework before hand. One thing that you must keep in mind is that whether you opt for an online degree or a conventional degree, you might be required to obtain your license to practice alternative medicine on the prerequisites and requirements set by your individual state.

Since alternate healing methods are diverse and varied, students have to select one, for example, homeopathy and develop the required skill set for it. Candidates pursuing alternative medicine professions may not have to conduct quantitative analyses but the different nature of alternative medicine is very demanding in itself. Typical courses, regardless of specialization, may include nutrition, biology, health psychology, developmental psychology, physiology, study of Chinese medicine and botany. Since specialized or major courses differ with each discipline, these are the basic courses that candidates may cover in whichever discipline they pursue.

Career Outlook

With a degree in alternative medicine one can hope top enjoy a selection of respectable job options that come with rewards of humanitarian virtues as well. Your careers in specialized areas will depend on the level of your education giving you a satisfying career affecting lives around you in a positive manner. You can opt any of the following career choices and hope for a rewarding career as a Massage therapist, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Aroma Therapist, Nutritionist, Lifestyle Counselor, or Hypnotists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, finding a job in chiropractic medicine or massage therapy holds much growth from the year 2006 to 2016 thus giving you a clear idea of what to expect in the coming years. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Salary

Ultimately it all comes down to what you get out of your degree that matters the most, after all one cannot neglect the expenses that come with sustaining a living. With a degree in alternative medicine you might avail exciting packages offered by high-end spas, massage therapy centers, herbal clinics or even set up your very own midwifery and earn more than conventional doctors. As an alternative health practitioner you might be able to reap handsome salaries off chiropractors, homeopathic clinics, and oriental body therapy centers.

Related Reading

• How to Become a Holistic Health Practitioner?
• How to Become a Holistic Consultant?
• How to Become a Holistic Health Counselor?
• How to Become a Homeopathic Doctor

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