What Types of Degrees are Offered in Alternative Medicine?

<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAlternativeMedicinePracticeDegrees">Important Facts About Alternative Medicine Practice Degrees</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th></th><th>Chiropractic Medicine</th><th>Naturopathy</th><th>Nutrition</th></tr> <tr><td>Common Courses</td><td>Skeletal radiology, neurodiagnosis, soft tissue techniques</td><td>Therapeutic modalities, public health, immunology</td><td>Stress management, wellness coaching, emotional health</td></tr> <tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td>90 hours of undergraduate courses, with at least 24 hours in sciences</td><td>Bachelor's degree with science coursework</td><td>Bachelor's degree required for admission to graduate programs (optional)</td></tr> <tr><td>Online Availability</td><td>Not available; fully onsite</td><td>Not available; fully onsite</td><td>Full coursework online</td></tr> <tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td>Required by most states to maintain license</td><td>Required by some states to maintain certification</td><td>Required to maintain license (where required) and optional specialty certifications</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---NaturalAndHolisticHealth">Natural and Holistic Health</h3><p>One of the most common specific degrees in alternative medicine is in natural or holistic health. Such degrees combine some of the most popular forms of alternative medicine into a single degree program. This type of degree is offered on the associate's, bachelor's or master's level. </p><h3 id="section---ChiropracticPractice">Chiropractic Practice</h3><p>One of the most mainstream forms of alternative medicine is chiropractic muscle and bone manipulation. Because it is such a popular field, many medical and health science schools offer programs. Unlike most forms of alternative medicine, chiropractic programs are regulated by an accrediting agency. </p><h3 id="section---Nutrition">Nutrition</h3><p>Nutrition is among the most popular areas of alternative medicine. Both undergraduate and graduate nutrition degrees are available at many medical and health science universities across the nation. </p><h3 id="section---MassageTherapy">Massage Therapy</h3><p>Massage therapy, another area of alternative medicine that is regulated by most states, is typically offered through diploma or certificate programs or through an associate's degree program. Such programs cover anatomy and different techniques in massage, such as aromatherapy, shiatsu, Thai massage and reflexology. </p><h3 id="section---ChineseMedicine">Chinese Medicine</h3><p>A degree in Chinese medicine, which can include studies of acupuncture, acupressure and herbology, is generally offered through specialized institutes. Undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees are offered, with specializations in various branches of Chinese medicine also available. </p><h3 id="section---NaturopathicMedicine">Naturopathic Medicine</h3><p>Naturopathic medicine is one of the more comprehensive fields of alternative medicine. Most available programs in naturopathic medicine are doctoral programs. With the proper licensing, graduates of accredited naturopathic medicine doctoral programs may go on to practice medicine as naturopathic doctors (NDs.). </p><h3 id="section---OtherAreasOfAlternativeMedicine">Other Areas of Alternative Medicine</h3><p>Other less common degrees in alternative medicine are available in homeopathy, ayurveda, aromatherapy and herbal medicine. One may also find degrees in areas such as therapeutic touch, qigong, energy therapies and midwifery, among others. </p><h3 id="section---JobOutlookAndSalaryInformation">Job Outlook and Salary Information</h3><p>According to the BLS, the median annual salary earned by all other health diagnosing and treating practitioners was $82,420 in May 2020. Employment for this profession is anticipated to grow little to no change between 2019 and 2029, per the BLS.</p>