The field of holistic healing promotes using alternative medicine in conjunction with modern medical practices. Learn about what subjects are taught in a holistic healing degree program, what degree programs are available and what careers are available after graduation.
What Will I Learn in a Holistic Healing Degree Program?
Holistic healing focuses on the integration between the physical body, the mind and the spirit, and incorporates this into the treatment and prevention of illnesses and injuries. Practitioners take stress and emotional health into consideration when performing evaluations and focus on the overall wellness of their patients.
In a holistic healing degree program you will learn techniques that combine alternative healing with contemporary medical practices. You will learn about concepts that may include:
- Stress management
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Herbal supplement treatments
- Meditation and yoga
- Nutrition
- Anatomy and physiology
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Course Topics</b></td><td> Acupuncture, herbal supplements, stress management and anatomy and physiology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Degree Programs</b></td><td> Associate's, bachelor's and master's programs in nursing or health sciences with a holistic healing focus</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Opportunities</b></td><td> Work in physical therapy offices, massage therapy, naturopathy or other healthcare positions</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $82,420 (<i>for health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></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---WhatDegreeProgramsInHolisticHealingAreAvailable">What Degree Programs in Holistic Healing Are Available?</h3><p>Degree programs in holistic healing are widely available at the associate's and master's levels. While bachelor's degree programs specifically in holistic healing are rare, there are many nursing or health sciences programs that will allow you to focus on holistic healing in the form of concentrations or minors. You may want to enroll in a program that is accredited by an organization such as the American Alternative Medical Association.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoTheseDegreeProgramsPrepareMeFor">What Do These Degree Programs Prepare Me For?</h3><p>Many associate's degrees focus on massage therapy as a holistic healing method and will prepare you for an entry-level position in a number of healthcare settings. You may work at a spa, in a physical therapy office or at a medical clinic. Likely you will gain the necessary experience to take a licensing exam for massage therapy that is required in many states.
</p><p>Because few schools offer bachelor's degree programs specifically in holistic healing, you will likely enter into a degree program in a related field. These programs are often stepping stones into master's degree programs, medical school or naturopathic physician (N.D.) degree programs, although some may prepare you for a career in nursing or another healthcare-related profession.
</p><p>Master's degree programs in holistic health generally tend to be a more scientific and research-based. Many of these programs are targeted for those intending to pursue medical school or to physicians that want to incorporate holistic healing into their practices.</p>
