Online Alternative Medicine Schools: How to Choose

Online alternative medicine schools offer academic programs that range from certificates to graduate degrees. Since alternative medicine is a broad field, students should consider their career goals to determine which specific area interests them, as well as what program level is necessary for employment. Accreditation is also an important concern for aspiring alternative medicine students.

How to Select an Online Alternative Medicine School

Program Type

When selecting an online alternative medicine school, students should first consider what area of concentration they are interested in. Areas of holistic medicine include complementary alternative medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine, holistic nutrition and naturopathy. Like physical therapy and nursing, alternative medicine is a very hands-on field. While many programs offer online options, students will likely have to complete internships and classes with in-person, practical instruction regardless of the field that they choose.

Award Level

Since some degrees are commonly found at the graduate level, students should consider how much schooling they are willing to complete, as well as the required training needed for their chosen field. An associate's or bachelor's degree may be sufficient for many positions in health and wellness; however, those interested in higher-paying positions, as well as those interested in running their own businesses, might consider pursuing a master's degree.

Accreditation

Because of the vast number of programs available online related to alternative medicine, it is also important to look into whether or not a program is accredited. For instance, there are currently no online programs in the field of naturopathy that are accredited by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (www.aanmc.org). This is because online programs do not offer students the hands-on patient experience they would need to earn a degree of this level. Some of the other accrediting organizations for alternative medicine programs include the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.acaom.org) and the American Alternative Medical Association (www.joinaama.com).

List of Common Online Programs Related to Alternative Medicine

Online Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine

This online associate's degree is a 2-year program designed to prepare students for careers as holistic health practitioners, lifestyle coaches, sales or administrative associates within the healthcare industry, or spa facility assistants. The curriculum includes instruction on the philosophy and science of holistic health, increasing natural vitality, improving nutrition and maintaining overall health. Curricula might include such topics as herbalism basics, relaxation and stress reduction, holistic nutrition, holistic pathology and mind energetics. Many programs may also require students to complete an on-site internship with a holistic health center or spa.
For students interested in a shorter program, there is also an online complementary alternative medicine certificate. This program may be beneficial for those looking to gain some general knowledge in the field to prepare them for an entry-level position.

Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition

Commonly found at the bachelor's degree level, a distance learning program in holistic nutrition provides instruction on the basic principles of whole foods and teaches students how to help others eat natural and healthy foods. Through this program, students will learn about food, digestion, vitamins, herbal interactions and weight management approaches. Sample course topics may include holistic nutrition fundamentals, food and history, food and fitness, vegetarian lifestyles and sustainable living.

Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM)

The online MSAOM program studies the concepts of ancient Chinese medicine traditions and how they are applied to clinical practice. Students will also learn about biomedical terminology, patient diagnostic procedures, nutritional counseling and Chinese herbal medicine practices. Since much of the MSAOM program requires hands-on practice, this program cannot be fully completed online.