An MD in alternative medicine uses medical treatments that are based on cultural traditions to treat physical and mental problems. His or her goal is to help a person to overcome illnesses by addressing not only the body, but also the mind and the spirit. If you want to become an MD in alternative medicine, you must complete four years of college followed by four years of medical school. You need to take a variety of traditional and alternative medicine courses, acquire practical field experience, and seek licensure to succeed in this career area.
The first step for someone who wishes to become an MD in alternative medicine is to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in one of the sciences, such as physics or biology. Enrollment in this type of program involves submitting your high school diploma or the equivalent certification in addition to filling out the school’s admission application. You must turn in your current standardized test results and submit a copy of your high school transcript as well.
Providing proof that you have completed your four-year degree along with meeting other medical school admission requirements will prepare you to begin training in this industry. To get into a medical school program, you need to pass your medical school admission test and complete an interview with the university’s enrollment team. In addition, your desired program might ask you to send in recommendation letters from individuals who can attest to your ability to handle four years of intense medical training to become an MD in alternative medicine.
Taking a combination of courses in both traditional medical and alternative medicine provides you with the foundation that you need to excel in this industry. Your basic courses teach you topics such as how diseases occur and the appropriate science-based treatments for various physical conditions. If you want to become an MD in alternative medicine, you also need to complete classes on nonscientific treatments, such as meditation, yoga, and massages, which are used to address anxiety and depression. You further should learn about herbal medicines and strive to get hands-on experience in this specialty area during your clinical rotations while in medical school.
Completing a paid residency and licensing exam is the final step to enter this career area. A residency at a medical center typically lasts at least two years and allows a person who desires to become an MD in alternative medicine to work extensively with patients who need to learn relaxation techniques or could benefit from herbal therapies. Earning your physician’s license and specialty certification by passing examinations is additionally necessary to be able to claim a permanent job role in this field.
