What Are the Best Holistic Medicine and Nutrition Schools?
Review the typical characteristics of a school with a strong program in holistic medicine and nutrition. Read about three top-ranked schools with programs related to these fields, and explore the undergraduate and graduate degree options each school offers.
What Should I Look for in a Top School for Holistic Medicine and Nutrition?
Many schools offer holistic medicine and nutrition programs, but undergraduate degree programs specific to holistic medicine and nutrition are hard to find in traditional universities. You could look at highly ranked health sciences research schools offering related programs in dietetics, nutrition, medicine or nursing. They may have special programs and institutes addressing holistic medicine and nutrition or connections to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Here are three possibilities.
<h2 id="section---WhatAreThreeTopSchoolsForHolisticMedicineAndNutrition">What Are Three Top Schools for Holistic Medicine and Nutrition?</h2><h3 id="section---OregonHealthScienceUniversityOHSUInPortland">Oregon Health Science University (OHSU) in Portland</h3><p>The Oregon Health and Science University's medical school tied at sixth for primary care in <i>U.S. News & World Report's</i> 2019 rankings. OHSU hosts the Oregon Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders.
</p><p>The Center for Women's Health Integrative Medicine Program, staffed by primary care, naturopathic, chiropractic and Oriental medicine practitioners, is an NIH-identified Center of Excellence in Women's Health. OSHU's Lane County Holistic Nursing Program offers degrees and a lecture series for RNs, bachelor's and master's degree nurse candidates, clinical specialists and managers. These are some of the OHSU degrees that could incorporate a holistic health and nutrition practitioner or research focus:
</p><ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Nursing
</li><li>Master of Science (M.S.) in Nursing
</li><li>Master in Clinical Dietetics
</li><li>M.S. in Clinical Nutrition
</li><li>Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
</li><li>Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing
</li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfCaliforniaInSanFrancisco">University of California in San Francisco</h3><p>UCSF's medical school ranked third for primary care and tied for third in research in the <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> analysis for 2019. Also according to <i>U.S. News & World Report</i>, UCSF's nursing program leading to a master's degree tied for 18th in 2019. UCSF's Integrative Medicine Network advocates research and education for alternative therapies.
</p><p>The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine offers training based on nutrition and alternative therapies to medical, nursing and pharmacy students. Students in the school of medicine complete 25 hours of integrative medicine content. Through Osher's Caregivers Project, you might assist with the development of training materials for health professionals. Here are a few of many potentially related degrees offered by UCSF that include coursework in integrative medicine:
</p><ul><li>Doctor of Medicine
</li><li>M.S. in Nursing
</li><li>Ph.D. in Nursing
</li><li>Integrative Medicine Fellowship
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WesternMichiganUniversityWMUInKalamazoo">Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo</h3><p>WMU's Holistic Health Care Program within its College of Health and Human Services, established in 1982, was among the first such programs in the U.S. As a biomedical science, health education, nursing or other WMU major, you could minor in holistic health. You'll be exposed to multiple therapies and approaches. A Holistic Health Care graduate certificate program provides advanced training in holistic and alternative medicine and nutrition and fitness. This 18-credit certificate requires a bachelor's degree or current enrollment in a graduate program at any university. You'll also complete a 180-hour field experience and submit a portfolio.
</p><ul><li>Holistic Health Care Undergraduate Minor
</li><li>Holistic Health Care Graduate Certificate
</li></ul><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th>College/University</th><th>Institution Type</th><th>Location</th><th>Estimated Undergrad In-State Tuition*</th></tr>
<tr><td>Ohio Institute of Allied Health</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Huber Heights, OH</td><td>$21,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>John F. Kennedy University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Pleasant Hill, CA</td><td>$8,500</td></tr>
<tr><td>Georgian Court University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Lakewood, NJ</td><td>$33,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>National University of Natural Medicine</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>La Jolla, CA</td><td>$10,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Northern Vermont University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Johnson, VT</td><td>$12,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>University of New Mexico-Taos Campus</td><td>2-year, Public</td><td>Ranchos de Taos, NM</td><td>$2,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Red Rocks Community College</td><td>2-year, Public</td><td>Lakewood, CO</td><td>$4,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Anoka-Ramsey Community College</td><td>2-year, Public</td><td>Coon Rapids, MN</td><td>$5,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>California Institute of Integral Studies</td><td>2-year, Public</td><td>San Francisco, CA</td><td>$20,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Front Range Community College</td><td>2-year, Public</td><td>Westminster, CO</td><td>$4,000</td></tr>
</table><p><i>*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education</i></p>