While traditional degree programs in
alternative medicine are rare at major universities, special institutes
offer online or hybrid associate's degree programs in alternative or
holistic medicine. They cover such topics as herbology, aromatherapy and
reflexology.
Accredited natural health and wellness institutes provide associate's
degrees in alternative or holistic medicine in online or hybrid
formats. Interested students can pursue an Associate of Applied Science
in Alternative Medicine or Associate of Occupational Studies in
Holistic Health.
Alternative medicine is a branch of health and wellness that includes
other areas, such as aromatherapy, massage therapy, reflexology,
nutrition, yoga and acupuncture. Students can choose a specialty from
these concentrations and use their techniques to heal the human body.
Whereas Western medicine focuses on treating the symptoms of an illness,
holistic or alternative medicine focuses on treating the cause.
Graduates can earn their associate's degree in 2-3 years. Some
programs can be completed entirely online, while others require
on-campus attendance for certain classes. Distance learners need access
to a computer with high-speed Internet. Instructors create a
virtual-learning environment by combining traditional texts with current
online teaching methods, such as course management systems and online
presentations. Instructors and classmates communicate primarily via
e-mail.
List of Common Courses in Alternative Medicine
A curriculum in alternative medicine focuses on achieving wellness
through balancing and nurturing a person's mind, body and spirit.
Derived from traditions and practices in the East, alternative medicine
practices mental calmness through life-coaching, yoga and spiritual
studies, uses proper nutrition for optimum physical wellness and strives
for natural healing using the body's own powers in preventative and
restorative methods.
Introduction to Physiology and Anatomy Course
Students get a thorough overview of human physiology and anatomy.
They learn how these systems relate to alternative medicine. Topics of
special interest include the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems.
Protocols in Holistic Pathology Course
This course covers the principles of naturopathology and natural
therapeutics. Instructors teach scientific techniques and philosophical
tactics as to how an individual's relationship with nature can be used
for natural healing powers.
Terminology in Healthcare Course
Students develop a working vocabulary of healthcare-related terms,
giving them practice and knowledge of the healthcare language. They can
immediately apply this information to other studies or current
employment.
Depending on the chosen emphasis, an associate's degree in
alternative medicine qualifies graduates to become, among other
professions, herbalists, wellness coaches, aromatherapists, massage
practitioners or yoga teachers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov)
reported that in 2008 the healthcare industry, of which alternative
medicine was a part, employed 14.3 million people and accounted for half
of the 20 fastest growing occupations. Individuals often work in
hospitals, doctor offices and natural health centers. Many, such as
massage therapists and yoga instructors, can practice privately. A
September 2010 survey by
Simplyhired.com reported the average annual salary for individuals in homeopathy was $36,000.
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