Best Alternative Medicine Degree in the US

For international applicants, it becomes very difficult to get through MD courses in the US as the courses are very rigorous and the procedure for getting a license (USMLE exams) is very difficult. So many students look towards alternative medicine courses. Students who are interested in these alternative medicine courses can pursue degrees and certifications in many disciplines such as chiropractic, acupuncture and naturopathy. Job opportunities in these areas vary by location, especially since not all US states recognize these areas of healthcare or license the practitioners.

Alternative Medicine Degrees in the USA

The information about the following alternative medicine fields will help the students in gaining knowledge about the various alternative medicine degrees in the US. Moreover, information about annual salaries and types of degrees are also provided in the points given below.

1) Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Many states in the US require licensure for practitioners of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Regulations might differ by state, but the completion of the program in acupuncture or Oriental medicine and passing a comprehensive exam are required. In 2023, the median annual salary for acupuncturists was $88,585 (according to Salary).

Degrees available - Acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners need to earn a master's degree, diploma or certificate from a college accredited by Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Many students also go on and earn a doctoral degree, either a PhD or a professional doctoral degree like the DAOM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).

2) Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopaths, also known as, Naturopathic physicians treat patients using various alternative and holistic modalities such as nutritional therapy, herbalism and homoeopathy. The scope of practice for naturopathic physicians differs around the world, and some countries permit naturopaths to order tests, diagnose illnesses and prescribe some medications. In 2023, the annual salary range was $121,333 to $200,454 (according to Salary). In addition to the USA, other countries also offer Naturopathy courses. ND Naturopathy course in Canada (online mode) is offered by the Alternative Medicine College of Canada. Besides this college, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) offers full-time courses in Naturopathy. However, students are advised to check the acceptability of an online degree as these do not include practical studies.

Degrees available - Naturopathic physicians must complete a doctoral degree through an accredited college of naturopathic medicine. The program will take four years to complete and will include training in natural healing methods along with conventional medical science, according to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC). The member schools of AANMC are naturopathic medical colleges that hold accreditation from the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education.

3) Chiropractors

Chiropractors help maintain health by aligning the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine and vertebrae. They use x-rays to determine whether a patient's spine, vertebrae or ribs are out of alignment, and then manually readjust those areas. Some chiropractors offer nutritional counselling or acupuncture services as well. Chiropractors are not allowed to prescribe drugs or perform any surgery. According to Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, from 2016 to 2026, the growth in the employment of chiropractors is expected to be 12%. The mean salary of a chiropractor in 2023 was nearly $90,000, with the salary in Rhode Island reaching nearly $148,000.

Degrees available - Chiropractic practitioners must hold a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited college. Most of these master's degrees require you to hold a four-year bachelor's degree. After completing the degree, chiropractors must apply for licensure in the states they want to practice at.

4) Osteopathic Physicians

Osteopathic physicians provide health care services to their patients, including medical testing, diagnosis, prescription of medicines and surgery. The training of an osteopathic physician is equally comparable to that of a medical doctor although osteopathic physicians receive training in spinal manipulation as well. These doctors take a more holistic approach to medicine and include various alternative health modalities in their practice. More than half of osteopaths practice as family physicians or general family or pediatric medicine. The family and general practitioners earned a median salary of $260,774 (according to Payscale). Jobs in this sector are expected to grow by 13% through 2026.

Degrees available - An osteopathic physician earns a Doctor of Osteopathy degree (DO) from a college accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). This program takes four years to complete. Most graduates of osteopathic programs complete a year-long internship after graduation, along with a residency in a medical speciality.

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