An alternative medicine degree represents education a person has received as preparation for a career in diagnosing and treating patients using alternative medicines and techniques. To earn this type of degree, you'll typically need to complete a high-school-level education and then choose which type of degree program will help you achieve your career goals. For example, you may choose a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in alternative medicine — you could even consider a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine degree. A bachelor's degree typically will prepare you for such careers as a massage therapist or a reflexologist, while a graduate degree may allow you to work as an acupuncturist or educator, for instance. In some jurisdictions, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree will allow you to use your alternative medicine knowledge as a physician.
Most colleges that offer alternative medicine degree programs will require you to have a minimum level of education to gain acceptance. Usually, this means you have to earn a high school diploma or its equivalent to gain admission. While in high school, courses in science, including biology and anatomy, may prove good preparation for higher education in alternative medicine. Additionally, courses and school activities that help you build your communication skills may prove helpful, as pursuing an alternative medicine career usually means a good deal of patient contact.
The type of alternative medicine degree program you choose will likely depend on the career you hope to pursue upon graduation. For example, a bachelor's degree may prove suitable for a career as a reflexologist, massage therapist, or even a life coach. With a master's or doctoral degree, you can pursue a career as an acupuncturist, an alternative medicine educator, or an herbalist, for instance. Earning a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree may give you the opportunity to work as a physician focusing on alternative medicines, though your jurisdiction may have additional requirements for licensing as well, and you might be required to graduate from medical school.
Earning a bachelor's degree in alternative medicine usually requires spending about four years in college. Often, this type of program includes classes in biology, anatomy, nutrition, and naturopathy. You may also study healing energy and various herbs that are used in treating illnesses and improving general health. Such a program will likely also cover various types of alternative medicine treatments, such as crystal and water therapy.
A graduate degree in alternative medicine will provide more in-depth knowledge of this field. Graduate degrees can prove a good choice if you want to pursue a specialized area of alternative medicine. For example, if you want to specialize in aromatherapy, earning a graduate degree may be a good option. After earning a bachelor's degree, you will usually need about two additional years to earn a master's degree and three or more years to earn a doctoral degree in alternative medicine. The courses you take might include bioethics, molecular physiology, integrative medicine, herbal medicines, healing techniques, and nutrition.
You can also consider pursing a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree, which usually requires a four-year education commitment after earning a bachelor's degree. This type of education typically will prepare you to become a natural medicine doctor or to work in a similar field. Among the courses you may take are those in homeopathic medicines, ethics in naturopathic medicine, biomedicines, and biochemistry. You might also take courses in botanical medicines, neuroscience, and embryology as you pursue this alternative medicine degree.
