Alternative Medicine Certification and Degree Programs

<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Levels</b></td><td>Associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Physiology, reflexology, hydrotherapy, ethics in healthcare</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Program Format</b></td><td>On campus, some courses and programs available online</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Credential offered through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine</td></tr> <tr><td><b> Median Salary (2021)</b> </td><td> $53,615 (<i>for all acupuncturists</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 0% (<i>for all acupuncturists and health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other</i>)**</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *PayScale, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>  </p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesMightITake">What Courses Might I Take?</h3><p>Undergraduate programs in holistic health and alternative medicine may include classes on natural healing methods, reflexology and disease prevention, as well as foundational math and science courses. Master's programs in alternative medicine may combine science-based courses, such as physiology and biochemistry, with coursework in such diverse areas as Eastern medicine, mind-body connections, ethics in healthcare and research methods. </p><p>TCM programs include didactic courses and clinical internships in acupuncture and herbology. They generally take around 3-4 years to complete and prepare you for licensure as an acupuncturist and TCM practitioner. </p><p>Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) programs require a 4-year commitment to a rigorous curriculum in the natural and health sciences. You can study oriental medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy and naturopathic counseling. You will work directly with patients during clinical rotations just as you would in a traditional medical program. </p><h3 id="section---WhatOnlineProgramsAreAvailable">What Online Programs Are Available?</h3><p>Some alternative medicine undergraduate programs are available in both campus-based and online formats. However, it's important to note that distance-learning programs may require occasional in-person attendance. Graduate programs aren't usually offered online, particularly those that require extensive clinical work, like TCM master's programs. </p><p>A handful of ND programs are accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), and none of those programs are available online. Only graduates of CNME-accredited programs can take the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). </p><h3 id="section---WhatAboutCertificationAndLicensing">What About Certification and Licensing?</h3><p>Currently, 16 states offer licensure to NDs. Becoming licensed involves attending an accredited naturopathic medicine program and passing the NPLEX. Aspiring acupuncturists also must obtain licensure by taking an exam; 40 states use the test administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). </p><p>Voluntary certification in acupuncture and oriental medicine is also available through the NCCAOM for graduates of TCM master's programs. A few other organizations offer alternative medicine certifications, but they aren't recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.</p>