Online degrees in alternative medicine

More alternative medicine educational programs are becoming available as public interest in alternative medicine grows. In addition to schools dedicated solely to the study of alternative medicine, many mainstream medical schools are integrating study of CAM techniques. Certificates or diplomas and associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs are available both on campus and online. Students who want to practice at the highest level can enroll in a four-year postgraduate program to earn a doctor of naturopathic medicine (ND) degree.

Certificate and diploma programs generally provide introductions to alternative medicine or offer coursework for health care professionals who want to increase their knowledge in a specific alternative medicine area. Programs can last anywhere from two to eight years or more, depending on the degree and program. The discipline, however, will determine if a hands-on or clinical component is necessary. For online alternative medicine students, these components may be completed at a campus or other designated location.

No matter the field of interest, alternative health care practitioners should have a genuine concern for patient and client welfare, a strong desire to help others and an ability to work with diverse groups of people in stressful situations.

A Stanford University research study found that people who use alternative medicine generally do so because "they find these health care alternatives to be more congruent with their own values, beliefs, and philosophical orientations toward health and life." Alternative medicine health care practitioners generally have similar beliefs systems, which is often what attracts them to alternative medicine careers in the first place.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster than average job growth, from 2008 to 2018, for a variety of health care careers, including some in alternative medicine. Massage therapists should see 19 percent growth from 2008 to 2018 while chiropractors are expected to see 20 percent growth.

Alternative medicine practitioners work in a number of environments. Many have private practices or work in centers or clinics specifically dedicated to alternative medicine; others with careers that are considered both alternative and complementary often work in mainstream health care facilities such as hospitals, physician's offices and other health care facilities.

Dr. Michael H. Cohen, lawyer and Harvard professor who specializes in integrating CAM into mainstream health care, wrote on his website that by 2020, he sees a health care model based on "appreciation, respect, knowledge, wisdom and caring for the patient; where there's great team involvement in patient care; where each kind of practitioner understands the breadth of the other's knowledge and the limitations of their own discipline; and where they need to reach out and have a common enterprise." Make this integrated health care future a reality with a career in alternative medicine.

At a glance:

• 38 percent of Americans use CAM, according to a 2007 survey
• CAM means big bucks: $34 billion spent in the U.S. in 2007
• Many U.S. hospitals now offer CAM therapies: 37 percent in 2007, up from 26.5 percent in 2005
• A study by the National Academy of Sciences found that alternative medicine practices may turn off "bad" genes and turn on "good" ones, according to the Wall Street Journal