A doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine can prepare you for a career in holistic nutrition. This article shows you how to gain access to a doctoral program in holistic nutrition, along with the botanical medicine and biochemistry courses that make up the curriculum.
Can I Earn a Doctorate in Holistic Nutrition?
Holistic medicine focuses on all aspects of the patient as a whole unit: the physical, the mental, and the spiritual. Holistic nutrition maintains that perspective by emphasizing diet. While there are no formal holistic nutrition doctoral programs, there are several Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degrees available from different colleges and universities. These programs allow you take courses in holistic medicine and health management, which may include nutrition courses.
You probably won't be able to earn your ND online because of the hands-on nature of the program, but you could enroll in an online master's degree program in alternative medicine. These programs typically include courses in holistic nutrition, but you learn about other therapies as well.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Field</b></td><td>Naturopathic medicine</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>Undergraduate studies in related field, such as biology or chemistry</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Biochemistry, pathology, anatomy, holistic counseling</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Skills Learned</b></td><td>Natural healing, nutritional properties, naturally occurring plants, patient care</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td> $63,646 (<i>for doctors of naturopathic medicine</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 0% growth (<i>for health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other</i>)**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionRequirements">What Are the Admission Requirements?</h3><p>If you're interested in earning a holistic nutrition degree or your ND, you should take chemistry, physics, biology, algebra and psychology during your undergraduate studies. Depending on the school, you may also have be required to submit a letter of purpose and participate in interview or seminar sessions. Additionally, you could gain hands-on clinical experience to prepare for these programs. Medical or naturopathic clinics can give you some learning and training opportunities.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatClassesCouldITake">What Classes Could I Take?</h3><p>In most Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine programs, you study oriental medicine in addition to holistic nutrition. In these programs, you may also earn additional degrees or certifications in alternative medicines, such as acupuncture of therapeutic massage. Typically, you also need to perform a number of clinical hours in an internship or residency. Your naturopathic medicine coursework may include:
</p><ul><li>Biochemistry
</li><li>Anatomy
</li><li>Pathology
</li><li>Micro- and macro-nutrients
</li><li>Holistic counseling
</li><li>Botanical medicine
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatSkillsCouldIDevelop">What Skills Could I Develop?</h3><p>Students learning holistic nutrition study the healing properties of certain foods. They learn how to help use the body's natural healing properties through nutrition. This involves knowledge of a variety of herbs, fungi, roots, and other naturally occurring plants. In addition, programs include ethical use of their knowledge for patient care.</p>
