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Monday 13 October 2014

Online Alternative Medicine Degrees by Program Level

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. These online programs cover topics in herbology, aromatherapy and reflexology.

Essential Information

Online associate's degree programs in alternative or holistic health are relatively rare, but available. Alternative medicine programs at the associate's degree level take about two years to complete and are offered in both fully online and hybrid formats. Online alternative medicine two-year programs may be available in a range of concentrations, such as herbal medicine or aromatherapy, and are ideal for current medical professionals. These programs are designed to prepare students for further practical investigation in the field of alternative medicine.

Online Associate's Degree in Alternative Medicine Overview

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.

Program Information and Requirements

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.

Career Information

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 (BLS) reported that in 2010 the healthcare industry, of which alternative medicine was a part, employed 14.8 million people (www.bls.gov). Individuals often work in hospitals, doctor offices and natural health centers. Many, such as massage therapists and yoga instructors, can practice privately.

A December 2013 survey by Simplyhired.com reported the average annual salary for individuals in homeopathy was $36,000. The BLS reported that as of May 2012, massage therapists earned an average annual salary of $40,350, while fitness trainers and aerobics instructors earned an average annual salary of $36,900.

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