How to Train in Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine is a wide term that describes many types of medicine that are considered by some to be "unconventional." Alternative medicine can include but is not limited to holistic and natural healing using herbal remedies, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that encompasses acupuncture and other Asian bodywork techniques, naturopathic medicine and therapeutic massage. To train in alternative medicine, as with any other discipline, you must make a commitment to your academic program and work hard to achieve your goals.
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Things You'll Need
- High school diploma
- TOEFL test results, if required
- Information about alternative medicine fields and careers
- Course fees
Instructions
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Complete your high school education before you begin to train in an alternative medicine program. The majority of programs are offered through colleges and require students to have a high school diploma. Having taken classes in biology or nutrition may be a plus when considering a career in a program such as holistic wellness or physical therapy.
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Demonstrate your proficiency in English if it is not your native language and you plan to study in the United States. Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and be prepared to send your test scores to the college or program of your choice.
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Read about the different branches of alternative medicine and which specific part of it appeals to you. Research employment opportunities and trends in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' "Occupational Outlook Handbook" is available online and provides information on many different alternative medicine careers (see Resources below).
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Locate academic programs in the area of alternative medicine in which you would like to train. The Medical Training Directory website has a large listing of alternative and natural medicine degree programs offered at accredited colleges throughout the United States (see Resources below). Each entry gives a small summary of the programs and degrees offered by each institution.
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Take a well-rounded schedule of courses that allows you to become well versed in a variety of areas within your discipline. For example, if you are training in acupuncture, you may also choose to study herbology, as many acupuncturists prescribe herbs along with the bodywork they perform on their patients.
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Complete a practicum or internship near the end of your academic program. This is the portion where you train with an experienced practitioner as your mentor. You will learn to interact with patients in a "real world" setting and put your book-knowledge to use.
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Join the professional organization associated with your specific field (such as the American Holistic Nurses Association if you have obtained a degree in holistic nursing) and get certified. Some states require their practitioners to be certified, while others just see it as a plus. Employers always look for certifications earned when recruiting for health-related jobs.
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