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DeVry University
DeVry University offers flexible scheduling and the convenience to study at any of 80+ locations, online or a combination of both. Earn a respected associate degree, bachelor's degree or master's degree from an accredited university. A career-oriented education from DeVry University will put you in a great place to begin or advance in the workplace when you graduate.
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University's Online BSN program offers you the opportunity to complete your nursing education online, without ever stepping foot on a college campus.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers affordable, self-paced career-focused distance education programs in fields like business, criminal justice, health services, technology, engineering, paralegal studies and more.
*Programs vary by location. Not all programs available at all locations.
Alternative Medicine Careers
Why the Health Care Industry?
From alternative medicine careers in homeopathy and naturopathy to herbology, practitioners of holistic healing are providing millions of people a viable solution to the limitations of conventional western medicine. Relief from chronic pain and depression and improved quality of life in the face of life-threatening illness are just a few of the benefits of alternative medicine and naturopathic medicine.
Consider some of these promising alternative and holistic medicine findings:
- According to a 1997 survey in the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than 42 percent of Americans used at least 1 of 16 alternative therapies during the previous year.
- A recent report by Institute for Alternative Futures, estimates that two-thirds of the U.S. population will use alternative and complementary medicine measures by 2010, up from one-third in 1990. The IAF report also notes that the number of Health Care professionals (including physicians) trained in Chinese medicine will increase to 24,000 by 2010.
- Of 3,200 physicians surveyed by Health Products Research in 2000, 50 percent planned to begin or increase homeopathic and holistic therapies the following year.
The practice of alternative medicine also is in an exciting period of standardization, due to federal initiatives such as National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and The Office of Cancer complementary and Alternative Medicine, conducting and publishing important clinical research.
Join the alternative medicine revolution. Earn your holistic certification from one of the many accredited alternative medicine/holistic health schools or legally accredited colleges and universities of naturopathy.
Whether you're interested in naturopathic medicine, homeopathy, herbal medicine, or iridology, there's an accredited holistic health school and holistic certification that's appropriate for you.
What is alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine encompasses systems of medical practice that are distinct from western allopathic medicine, as defined by the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) curriculum. Generally, alternative medicine is focused on treating the causes of illness, rather than their symptoms, through natural, non-toxic methods. Major systems of alternative medicine include homeopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, and Ayurveda.
The Center for complementary and Alternative Medicine provides these definitions of the above forms of complementary medicine:
Homeopathy: Using highly diluted quantities of medicinal substances to cure symptoms, when the same substances given at higher or more concentrated doses would actually cause those symptoms.
- Naturopathy: Working with natural healing forces within the body to help the body heal from disease and attain better health. Practices may include herbal medicines, dietary modifications, massage, exercise, acupuncture, and minor surgery.
- Ayurveda: Medical system practiced primarily in the Indian subcontinent for 5,000 years. Ayurveda includes diet and herbal remedies and emphasizes the use of body, mind, and spirit in disease prevention and treatment.
It is important to note that holistic healing therapies are either used as an alternative or in conjunction with conventional western medicine. When used in conjunction, the holistic health practitioner can be said to be practicing complementary or integrative medicine.
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Programs offered: Iridology Studies, Health Care Professional Studies, Herbal Studies, Natural Health, Holistic Nutrition, Naturopathy Degrees offered: Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, Certificate |
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