Alternative medicine practitioners are doctors who holistically heal patients. Alternative medicine practitioners concentrate on health and wellness and do not perform surgery. Alternative medicine is based in ancient Western medicine and combines ancient Chinese, Indian, and Native American techniques and theories. Alternative medicine practitioners focus on a patient’s entire well being and over all health rather than solely treating a patient’s symptoms, disorders, or disease.

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Alternative medicine practitioners use “unconventional medicine” to treat a variety of diseases, health issues, and even emotional disorders. Alternative medicine is officially recognized as the therapeutic practices in a broad range of healing resources beyond the conventional health systems, modalities and practices of current health care systems. Alternative medicine is often used in combination with conventional medicine to treat patients. Alternative medicine combines holistic treatments like acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine, folk remedies, chiropractic treatments, yoga, music therapy, naturopathy, aromatherapy, meditation, and diet to treat a large range of disorders, diseases, and ailments.

Individuals who wish to become alternative medicine practitioners must prepare while in high school. Researching the history of alternative medicine and contacting an alternative medicine practitioner to discuss or interview job responsibilities is a good first step to improve understanding of the career. Some alternative medicine practitioners may allow prospective students the opportunity to “shadow” or act as an observer in sessions with patients. Furthering research into the specalties of alternative medicine and training certification or educational requirements helps define personal career options. Choosing an alternative medicine school is the next step in securing a future as an alternative medicine practicioner. Many traditional brick and mortar colleges offer various degrees as options to become an alternative medicine practitioner. Some colleges and universities even offer online programs or distance learning classes. Choosing a college can be a difficult decision. Online programs of study often compliment a student’s life style, schedule, family responsibilities, and current employment. Educational programs range from certificate programs to doctoral degrees.

Certificate programs assist students who intend to begin studies in or further specific knowledge in alternative medicine. Many certificate programs allow students to learn introductory concepts in alternative medicine. Some certificate programs advance practitioners of Eastern medicine or certified acupuncturists seeking to further knowledge in particular aspects of alternative medicine studies. Common certificate programs focus on Massage Therapy, Holistic Health, Herbal Medicine, Oriental Body Therapy, and Yoga Instruction.

Students can apply the knowledge learned during certificate programs to pursue an associates degree in alternative medicine. An associates degree in alternative medicine requires a two to three year time investment. Students fulfil core requirements in English, mathematics, social sciences, and science during their first year of studies. Students then go on to study acupuncture, Chinese medicine, physiology, and body therapy disciplines during their second year. Upon receiving an associates degree in alternative medicine, students qualify to either transfer their credits to a bachelor degree program or enter their career. An associates degree in alternative medicine opens career opportunities in entry level or assistant positions in chiropracty, acupuncture, physical therapy, or rehabilitation.

Bachelor degree programs in alternative medicine often allow students to transfer general credits toward a higher degree. A diverse number of alternative medicine programs exist. Students must carefully determine which program of study most closely matches personal philosophies on health and wellness. Students then must conduct research into prospective colleges and universities. Bachelor degree programs in alternative medicine often have educational prerequisites students must satisfy before beginning studies. Bachelor degree programs focus on the specializations within many aspects of alternative medicine. Programs provide in depth studies in Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, general complimentary and alternative medicine, Ayurvedic physiology and health, and herbal science.

A master of science in alternative medicine is the most common way to become an alternative medicine practitioner. Most master of science programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before applicants
are accepted into a masters degree program. Applicants also must study basic biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses are also required before advancing studies in a masters program. Masters degree programs generally take a three year time investment. Students study Chinese medical language and symbols, acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage, body therapy, and extensive research in traditional Western medicine with teachings of Eastern holistic medicine.

Master’s degree programs in fields like acupuncture and Chinese medicine typically require three years to complete. These programs blend principles of traditional Western medicine with the teachings of eastern holistic medicine. Students graduate from these programs as versatile healers, capable of excelling in a variety of settings. Students will need to learn Chinese medical language and symbols, as well as study traditional herbal remedies. Acupuncture is another focus of most MS programs, as well as certain forms of massage and body therapy. Alternative medicine graduate programs teach students how to interview patients, accurately diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, perform specialized acupuncture techniques, and administer a variety of Chinese physical therapy known as Tui Na. Graduate students in alternative medicine degree programs complete their education with a 400 hour, two stage clinical assistantship or internship to gain a hands on clinical experience under the supervision of professional acupuncturists, herbalists, and Chinese medicine doctors. The first stage of internship is called a junior internship. Students work very closely with professional practitioners, traditional doctors and nurses, physical therapists, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and herbalists. Students then aid more experienced professionals or perform a variety of treatments including moxibustion, massage, cupping, needling work, and administering herbal remedies. Students complete junior and senior level internships while taking advanced classes examining actual case studies of patient diagnosis and treatment. Alternative medicine programs encourage students to self direct the learning process. After completing masters degree preparation, students are qualified for employment as an alternative medicine practitioner within a private practice or may continue on to a doctoral degree program in alternative medicine.

Doctoral candidates finalize their studies with the primary objective to become leading practitioners, researchers, or advocates in the field of alternative medicine. Doctoral degrees are not required degrees qualifying an individual for a career as an alternative medicine practitioner. Acceptance in a doctoral program depends upon earning a 3.0 or higher GPA, attaining a valid acupuncture state license, earning the required minimum amount of clinical experience, completing a master’s degree from an accedited college or university in alternative medicine, and meeting other educational requirements determined by prospective colleges. An extensive knowledge in Chinese medical terminology, critical thinking skills, computer literacy, and written and oral communication skills are essential for completing a doctoral program.

Success as an alternative medicine practitioner requires applying skills learned in training programs combined with the philosophy of harmony of mind, body, and spirit to significantly improve and protect good health and wellness as well as the prevention of disease.