A Brief History of an Alternative Medicine Major
Alternative Medicine has been used for centuries in Asia before conventional medicine actually existed. In fact, alternative medicine was conventional and still is (to a much lesser extent) for those living in present day China, Japan, Thailand, India, and Pakistan. Alternative medicine, unlike its adversary conventional medicine, relies on history and cultural traditions rather than actual scientific evidence. Treatments techniques and areas of study in alternative medicine include: homeopathy, neuropathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and traditional Indian medicine (known as ayurveda). Since the late 20th and 21st century, alternative and conventional medicine techniques and studies are no longer opposing forms of treatment and education. Rather, both techniques are beginning to complement each other, as are alternative and conventional medicine degree programs. Doctors with MDs are beginning to recommend home remedies and alternative medicine treatments in addition to conventional medicines. The educational degree programs focusing on alternative medicine became more standardized in the 1990s after the US government agency, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine was established in 1991. In addition to extensive research and outreach in the field of alternative medicine, the agency works to increase the number of educational programs and career opportunities available for those enrolled in alternative medicine pre-doctoral or postgraduate work. Furthermore, the agency is working to increase scientific evidence and research proving the effectiveness of various traditional and cultural treatment techniques.
Delving into an Alternative Medicine Major
You can obtain an online associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in alternative medicine. In fact, a greater number of large universities, both virtual and traditional, are offering degree programs complementing regular medical degrees. Out of 729 schools surveyed, 60 % of medical schools offer a degree in alternative medicine. Nursing schools and other universities also offer similar degree programs. The umbrella term for the program is complementary and alternative medicine (CAAM). Most schools allow you focus on a specific area of alternative medicine, such as ayurvedic medicine, homeopathic medicine, classical Chinese medicine, nutritional medicine, holistic health, or Asian bodywork. Some universities require students to also take prerequisite, technical science courses such as biology, chemistry, and psychology, as these classes complement alternative medicinal treatments and techniques. These courses will be more traditional, and students will usually be required to study out of textbooks and take exams on the subject matter. After completing the basic technical requirements, students will take more specialized courses in alternative medicine, where projects and hands-on practice will be required. In virtual courses, students can learn about meditation, various treatment methods through audio lectures, online-print material, and virtual discussion groups. Some courses focusing on a specific area of alternative medicine, such as the history of homeopathy, still require traditional exams and written papers. However, courses such as intermediate Hatha yoga, will require more projects and actual practice of methods. For example, you may be tested on yoga principles through video chat or actual centers in your area.
Degree Levels:
Associate
You can obtain an associate’s degree in general alternative medicine or in specialized alternative medicine techniques. For example, you can obtain an associate’s degree in Asian bodywork, which would focus on ancient Asian treatment mechanisms and cultural practices. Most associate programs require you to finish about 60 units of study. Out of those 60 credits, one-third of the credits would focus on general health studies (nutrition, chemistry, anatomy). ½ of the credits would focus on actual theoretical courses and practical labs/projects/internships, focusing on areas such as East Asian body work courses, ayurvedic body courses, and East Asian and Ayurvedic electives. Electives options include: The remaining courses would focus on energetic practices such as yoga and meditation. After finishing the associate’s program, you can also choose to enroll in a bachelor’s program in a similar area of study.
Bachelor’s
A variety of bachelor’s degree programs in alternative medicine are similar, extended versions of associate degree programs; you can get a general degree, which covers various types of treatment methods and theories, or you can specialize in one specific type of alternative medicine. General degree programs focus on how to prevent diseases and sicknesses through whole body approaches, herbal medicines, and cultural/traditional treatments. It is a growing field, as many people are unable to pay for the cost of conventional medical treatment. Courses for the major include: naturopathy, stress reduction, acupuncture, Feng Shui, nutrition, traditional Chinese medicine, anatomy, homeopathy, biology, and chemistry.
Master’s
After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can usually find a Master’s or Ph.D. program based on your specialization or interests. American University offers a virtual learning Master’s degree program in nutritional medicine. Most Master’s and Ph.D. programs will be more technical and scientific, and courses for a Master’s in nutritional medicine include: courses in Western herbal medicines, abnormal psychology, bio-energetic medicine, anatomy, ayurvedic nutrition, Chinese medical nutrition, and research design in nutrition. You can usually choose to write a thesis or specialize in Western nutrition, ayurvedic nutrition, or Chinese nutrition. If you are not interested in specializing in nutrition, you can also find alternative medicine master’s programs specializing in homeopathy, acupuncture, and chiropractic medicine.
Doctorate
In the area of alternative medicine, you can earn a variety of Ph.D. or Ph.D. equivalent degrees. For example, you can earn an Ay.D.(which would make you a doctor of ayurvedic medicine),a Ph.D. in ayurvedic medicine, a Ph.D. in homeopathy, and a Ph.D. in classic Chinese medicine. Depending on your area of expertise, you can choose a major and complete 120 credits on the given topic and associated areas. A doctor of ayurvedic medicine would be required to take upper level courses such as: ayurvedic pathophysiology, and ayurvedic rejuvenation methods. Furthermore, Ph.D. students must complete clinical externships and doctoral internships.
Supplementing Your Major
Based on your interests, you can choose to do a minor in a related science field such as: biology, chemistry, or physics. You will usually have to take some science courses, which are required for a degree program in alternative medicine. It won’t be too difficult to take five or six more in the same field (to obtain a minor). If you have a scientific background from university, you may be able to work in a hospital system as a researcher or alternative medical practitioner. Otherwise, you could also do a minor in history or communications. A History major or an Asian studies major could help you supplement your background and understanding in specializations such as ayurvedic or Chinese medicine. If you plan to work with clients as an acupuncturist or an aroma therapist, you may want to pursue a communications minor. The minor could help provide you with the business communication skills necessary to work in any therapy related job. Students pursuing MDs (in conventional Western medicine) often pursue minors in alternative medicine. In the US and Europe, many doctors are combining ancient Eastern treatments with Western medicine while treating patients. For example, doctors sometime recommend acupuncture for patients suffering from allergies or negative reactions from chemotherapy. Additionally, you could obtain an associate’s degree in alternative medicine before doing your bachelor’s degree in pre-med. Alternatively, you could pursue an MD after your bachelor’s degree. After completing (or while working on your MD program), you could obtain a certification in alternative medicine online. Certifications are more basic and specialized, and you can usually complete them in 40-50 hours. Most traditional certification courses are held on weeknights. Virtual universities, on the other hand, allow you to complete courses at your own convenience. You can obtain certifications in Asian body work, Athar veda psychology, Ayurvedic medicine, clinical aromatherapy, herbology, homeopathy, and nutritional medicine.
Learn More about the Major
- Alternative Medicine News
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
- Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine
- BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Job Opportunities
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jobs at Health Jobs Start Here
- Accupuncturist Jobs at Simply Hired
The Alternative Medicine Degree in the Job Market
The demand for medical specialists is projected to increase at a fast pace, at a higher than average rate compared to other jobs, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Due to the growth of the older population coupled with high medical care costs, we can expect careers for alternative medicine majors and graduates to increase. Conventional medical treatment is coming at a higher cost for both patients and the government. Due to large federal and state deficits, the government is cutting funding for programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. Thus, prevention methods, which are championed by alternative medicine enthusiasts, may become increasingly popular. As an alternative medicine major, you will learn important skills, both technical and personal. You must learn to work well with patients to be a successful acupuncturist or therapist, and a major in alternative medicine will help you improve your interpersonal communication skills. Additionally, you will learn how to treat diseases and sicknesses with various herbal medicines and exercises. Because alternative medicine also focuses on using preventative methods to keep patients healthy, you will learn how to maintain low stress and anxiety levels. Medical practitioners and therapists also use tests to diagnose ailments and sicknesses in their patients. Once you obtain a degree or certification in alternative medicine, you will be able to analyze urine, saliva, and hair samples. This analysis will help you diagnose your patient or client. Based on your specialization, type of degree, and area of interest, you could pursue many different career paths after obtaining a degree in alternative medicine. Those with an associate and/or bachelor’s degree in alternative medicine can work as acupuncturists, massage therapists, aroma therapists, or general medical practitioners. If you work as a massage therapist, you can make a little over $15 an hour, according to the BLS. According to Pay Scale, acupuncturists can make anywhere from $34,100 to $114,900. As alternative medicine begins to supplement conventional medical treatment, more PhDs and Master’s students are employed as researchers and practitioners in traditional hospitals. However, many previous students of alternative medicine are self-employed or work in alternative fields. For this reason and because alternative medicine is a relatively new field (to obtain a traditional degree), it is hard to find actual data on all previous students majoring in complementary/alternative medicine.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
