Health Professions and Related Programs
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems
Focuses on the theories, science, and practice of alternative and complementary medicine and medical systems. Covers understanding acupuncture, herbal medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy, and other alternative and complementary medicine modalities; mind-body therapies; nutrition; comparison of conventional and alternative medicine; and medical ethics; and may include training in specific alternative and complementary medicine modalities.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 8 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
- Focuses on the theories, science, and practice of alternative and complementary medicine and medical systems. Covers understanding acupuncture, herbal medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy, and other alternative and complementary medicine modalities; mind-body therapies; nutrition; comparison of conventional and alternative medicine; and medical ethics; and may include training in specific alternative and complementary medicine modalities.
- Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
- Prepares you for the independent professional practice of acupuncture, a Chinese system of health care and healing based on the use of pulse diagnosis, acupuncture point selection, and needle insertion, as well as herbs and other Asian treatment modalities. Covers basic Western medical sciences, Asian philosophy, Chinese medical anatomy and physiology, Chinese herbs, diagnostic techniques, patient observation and communication, acupuncture points and point selection, acupuncture techniques, acupuncture treatment of disease, pain management, practice management, and professional standards and ethics.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Herbology
- Prepares you for the independent professional practice of Chinese herbal medicine, a system based on the use of nutrition, natural products, and prescribed medical formulae to treat imbalances in the state of bodily health as defined in the Nei Ching Su Wen and other authorities. Covers the basic Western medical sciences, history and theory of Chinese medicine, Chinese medical anatomy and physiology, Chinese herbology, herbal prescription preparation, herbal patent medicine, herbal pharmacology, Chinese internal medicine and gynecology, febrile diseases, food therapy, practice management, and professional standards and ethics.
- Naturopathic Medicine/Naturopathy
- Prepares you for the independent professional practice of naturopathic medicine, an holistic therapeutic approach combining medical knowledge with noninvasive natural, homeopathic, and non-Western therapies and emphasizing disease prevention, wellness, and self-healing. Covers the basic medical sciences, epidemiology, neuroscience, biostatistics, public and community health, laboratory and clinical diagnosis, pharmacognosy, botanical medicine, homeopathy, principles of Oriental medicine and Ayurveda, manipulative therapy, naturopathic therapeutics, therapeutic nutrition, case analysis and management, philosophy of naturopathy, patient counseling, practice management, and professional standards and ethics.
- Homeopathic Medicine/Homeopathy
- Prepares you for the independent professional practice of homeopathic medicine, an holistic therapeutic system using naturally occurring substances in highly diluted forms to mimic symptoms of illness and trigger autoimmune responses, based on the law of similars and other principles derived from the work of Samuel Hahnemann and others. Covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, toxicology, philosophy and theory of homeopathy, casetaking and case analysis, repertory, materia medica, constitutional typing, proving, practice management, and professional standards and ethics.
- Ayurvedic Medicine/Ayurveda
- Prepares you for the independent professional practice of Ayurveda, a holistic health care system based on the use of dietary, lifestyle, spiritual, pharmacological and physical therapies to remove imbalances and restore health as defined in Vedic and other classical Sanskrit authorities in the Indian tradition. Covers Sanskrit; history, philosophy, and principles of Ayurveda; Ayurvedic pharmacology; anatomy and physiology; internal medicine; herbology; diagnostic techniques; patient examination and communication; therapeutic modalities; detoxification theory and practice; mind and body behavior modification; Yoga; clinical pediatrics and gynecology; diet therapies; treatment of specific diseases; and professional standards and ethics.
- Holistic/Integrative Health
- Focuses on the holistic interconnectedness of physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being and that integrates aspects of alternative, complementary, and conventional medicine to alleviate illness and promote, maintain, and optimize wellness. Covers anatomy and physiology, alternative diagnostic and healing methods, aromatherapy, biofeedback, energy medicine, environmental psychology, ethics, health coaching, herbal medicine, mind-body medicine, mindfulness, nutrition, somatic bodywork, and stress management.
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, Other
- Alternative and complementary medicine and medical systems not listed above.
Also called Acupuncture, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Oriental Medicine
Also called Naturopathic Medicine/Naturopathy (ND)
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
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Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
How admission works
See which colleges admit first-year students to this field and which ask for a later application. Colleges are ordered by degrees awarded; sort by any numbered column.
| College | Degrees a year | Admit rate | Program admission | Average annual cost after aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University of Denver CO | 29 | 99% | Open majorHealth-care and health-related bachelor's programs use regular MSU Denver undergraduate admission unless a specific program states otherwise; no general Health admission screen is published. | $15,000 |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha NE | 23 | 87% | Open majorPublic Health and Kinesiology require at least a 2.5 cumulative and major GPA. No competitive internal selection is stated. | $12,000 |