Quality healthcare is a much-needed part of our society and culture. Conventional medicine has been the primary source of care for decades, but there is plenty of healing when it comes to alternative medicine as well. Many adults choose to use a customized mix of care, also known as complementary care, that utilizes conventional medicine and alternative options for better health. Learn more about complementary and alternative medicine and what to study to enter this exciting career.
Complementary & Alternative Medicine Coursework
Students who earn a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Alternative Medicine are interested in healing common ailments without conventional medicine. However, the degree coursework includes both complementary and scientific classes to better prepare students for alternative medicine careers.
General Education Courses
As with any undergraduate degree, it is common for incoming first-year students to take core classes. These classes often include introducing higher learning and making sure that students are prepared for future courses.
All of these classes focus on critical thinking skills as well. These 30 credit hours include the following subjects:
- English Composition I
- English Composition II
- Introduction to Computer Applications
- Speech
- American Literature
- College Algebra
- College Math (or math courses equivalent or higher)
- Political Science
- Fundamentals of Nutrition
- Introduction to Psychology
Lower Division Coursework
Complementary medicine degree students dive into their alternative medicine studies with these lower-division courses designed to ease students into the material. Students often take these 18 credit hours alongside the general education courses during the first two years of the degree.
- Introduction to Health and Wellness Systems
- Introduction to Sustainability
- General Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Understanding Clinical Research
Interdisciplinary Studies
At this point in the degree program, students can customize their complementary alternative medicine coursework with their choice of one of the following tracks for 21 credit hours.
- Alternative Medicine Track
- Stress Reduction and Relaxation
- Men’s Health
- Exercise Science and Sports
- Women’s Health
- Clinical Decision Making
- Introduction to Integrated Health Science
- The Meaning of Health
- Science Track
- Advanced Biology
- General Chemistry
- General Chemistry Lab
- Advanced Chemistry
- Advanced Chemistry Lab
- Organic Chemistry I
- Organic Chemistry I Lab
- Organic Chemistry II
- General Physics
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- For those students who have previous education or knowledge in alternative medicine, it is possible to transfer credit to this portion of the degree. Speak with your academic dean for more information.
Upper Division Required Courses
Students who complete the introductory classes can move onto the central part of this field of study. The following 54 credit hours are required to complete the complementary and alternative medicine degree. The range of classes that touch on different complementary parts of healthcare helps prepare students for their future careers.
- Naturopathy
- Dietary Influences on Health and Disease
- Manual Therapies: Massage, Reflexology, and Acupressure
- Introduction to Chiropractic
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Health Psychology
- Herbology and Botany
- Nutrition and Aging
- Alternative Approaches to Disease
- Introduction to Homeopathy
- Principles of Acupuncture
- The Herbal Medicine Chest
- Miasms and Constitutional Treatment
- Detoxification and Healing
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Body Awareness and Physical Movement
- Antioxidants
- Alternative Medicine Capstone Course
Overview of Course Length
Typically, incoming students who choose to major in alternative medicine will need to fulfill all of the above requirements. This degree program consists of 123 credits, which usually takes about 41 months to complete.
However, students who choose to take more classes or those with transferring credit could complete the degree program in less time.
You could complete your degree quicker if you take more classes or transfer credit
How to Start Your Complimentary & Alternative Medicine Degree
Whenever you embark on a new journey, the first step is often the hardest. At Everglades University, we make it easy for our students to start working towards their new careers.
Choose Your Class Location
One of the key benefits of choosing Everglades University is that we offer our alternative medicine program on campus and online. Students who are busy professionals or perhaps live farther away from campus can still learn and earn their degree in the comfort of their own home.
Our award-winning online courses have a long history of achievement, and we are happy to include you in that same success story! Whether you choose to learn in-person or online, our admissions staff is glad to help you get started.
Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
No one expects you to go it alone when it comes to funding your college education. Our financial aid office is the next stop along the journey to your new career.
Fill Out a FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a great way to get started with your degree’s financial portion. This easy form is completed online and is confidential through the Department of Education. The findings of this required application determine your eligibility for financial aid.
Available Scholarships
There are many scholarships available to incoming students at Everglades University. Active military and academic scholarships are often granted to students who meet the university’s specific eligibility requirements.
The following scholarships are offered through the financial aid office and outside scholarship committees:
- Everglades University Academic Scholarship
- Everglades University Financial Scholarship
- Everglades University Graduate Scholarship
- Accredited Massage School Graduate Scholarship
- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Scholarship
- Keiser University Graduate Scholarship
- Southeastern Institute Graduate Scholarship
- Active Military Scholarship
- Frione Scholarship
- Florida Bright Future Scholarship
- Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges Scholarship
- Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities Scholarship
Talk With an Academic Advisor
Students can always speak with an academic advisor when it comes to coursework, schedules, or student life. Academic advisors are available to help students choose the right path and help with any study skills needed. Advisors can meet in person, by phone, or through email.
Choosing to earn your degree in complementary and alternative medicine is a great way to jumpstart your future career. Not only do our students go on to help clients with medical concerns, but they also offer alternative options over conventional medicine. Take the first step today in a career in alternative medicine by applying online today.
We look forward to seeing you soon!