What Types of Degree Programs are Offered in Natural Health?
For those interested in pursuing a career in natural health, several degree levels exist to provide education and training within this field. Read on to find out more about such programs.
Overview of Natural Health Programs
Natural health covers a wide spectrum of alternative medicines and therapies that aim to promote and maintain the body's natural ability to heal. Natural health might include naturopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition. Those interested in working in natural health can choose from several different degree programs to obtain a foundation in the field. Below are several such degree programs.
<h3 id="section---ImportantInformationAboutThisFieldOfStudy"> Important information About This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Some courses and programs relating to natural health offered online</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degree Field</td><td> Naturopathic Medicine</td></tr>
<tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td> Health and Science courses that can lead into natural health studies; health science related bachelor's and master's degrees for graduate studies</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers</td><td> Research scientist (natural medicine), Primary care physician, counselor, practitioner of oriental medicine</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $113,230 (<i>for health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 0% (<i>for health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreePrograms">Bachelor's Degree Programs</h3><p>Bachelor's degree programs that concentrate on natural health are relatively rare. These degree programs are usually intended for students who plan to continue on with graduate studies or who want to work in non-clinical settings. Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, offers a handful of Bachelor of Science degree programs related to natural health, including:
</p><ul><li>Nutrition
</li><li>Herbal Sciences
</li><li>Exercise Science and Wellness
</li><li>Health Psychology
</li></ul><h3 id="section---MasterSDegreePrograms">Master's Degree Programs</h3><p>Several colleges that are accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education offer master's degree programs. They include the Master of Science in Nutrition, Acupuncture, and Counseling Psychology. For example, the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, offers a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. Additionally, the school offers a dual degree course of study that combines a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree with an M.S. in Oriental Medicine; the program takes six years to complete.
</p><h3 id="section---DoctoralDegreePrograms">Doctoral Degree Programs</h3><p>A few doctorate degree programs are available through accredited natural health colleges. Students can pursue doctoral degrees in chiropractic studies, acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine. One of the most common doctorate degree programs is the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.). These degree programs train students in basic science and medical procedures. Moreover, they provide extensive education in naturopathic methods such as herbal remedies, counseling, and nutrition. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree program is offered through schools such as the University of Bridgeport's College of Naturopathic Medicine. This 4-year program includes opportunities to gain clinical experience at local community health facilities.</p>