Holistic medicine spans a broad variety of disciplines, including herbalism, homeopathy, and chiropractic treatment. The unifying thread is holistic medicine practitioners' belief that the whole person should be treated, rather than just specific symptoms and diseases. They believe that patients should be active participants in achieving and maintaining their own good health.

Training Programs and Courses

Holistic medicine degree programs require students to become experts in a wide variety of topics. They must be familiar with traditional medicine practices as well as alternative medicines. Typical courses for a holistic medicine degree program include herbal medicine and nutritional supplements, the mind-body connection, biochemistry and metabolism, physiology, history of alternative medicine, biomedical ethics, and biostatistics. Some students choose more specialized degree programs. For instance, chiropractor training programs focus mainly on how the spine's health contributes to overall health.

Careers for People Who Have Completed Holistic Degree Programs

Holistic healers work in many different careers. Herbalists concentrate on how herbs can be used to improve the overall health of the body. Homeopathic practitioners believe in the law of similars, that symptoms should be treated by administering a substance that elicits the same symptoms. Chiropractors adjust spine alignment to increase physical and nervous system health. Salaries for practitioners of holistic medicine can vary widely. The American Herbalist Guild reports that herbalists make between $20,000 and $120,000 per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chiropractors earn an average of $69,910 per year.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics asserts that consumers' interest in holistic and alternative medicine is growing. There should be more and more demand for practitioners of holistic medicine in the future.

Online Degrees in Holistic Medicine

Clayton College of Natural Health

Clayton College of Natural Health is an online college with programs that focus on natural health and healing. They offer programs for everyone -- from those who simply want to be better able to take care of their household pets to licensed doctors who want to learn more about the field of natural health.

Clayton College's programs focus on natural health and healing, incorporating education of the impact of lifestyle on health and how to maximize wellness through healthy living. Their unique programs focus on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living.

Students in these programs will study Asian techniques for healthy living alongside western medicine and medical techniques. Natural remedies, however, are primarily taught and emphasized. Clayton College's mission is to provide all of its students with a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet.

Clayton College is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board.
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Holistic Medicine Degrees Offered:

Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition
Through this program, you will gain a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet. You’ll learn to teach people how to discover the impact of lifestyle on health, and you’ll learn how to maximize wellness through healthy living. This unique program focuses on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living.
Doctor of Natural Health
Through this program, you will gain a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet. This unique program focuses on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living. Students will take courses such as Mind/Body Wellness, Health and the Human Energy Field, Iridology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Stress Reduction and Relaxation, and Building and Maintaining a Consulting Practice.
Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Nutrition
Through this program, you will gain a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet. This unique program focuses on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living. Students will take courses such as Nutritional Healing: Oriental Perspectives, Nutritional Healing: Ayurvedic Perspectives, Food and Health: A Historical Perspective, Nutrition and Longevity, Psychodietetics: Nutrition of Mental Health, Dietary Fats and Oils, and Nutritional Immunity.
Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Health
Through this program, you will gain a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet. This unique program focuses on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living. Students will take courses such as History of Naturopathy, Foundations of Naturopathy, Mind/Body Wellness, Health and the Human Energy Field, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayurvedic Medicine.
Healthcare Professional Studies
This program is available on its own for students who need a solid overview of natural approaches to healthcare. It is also the foundation for a more advanced program -- the Doctor of Naturopathy for Healthcare Professionals -- and many students go on to earn this degree. Students will take courses such as Issues of a Consulting Practice, Alternative Modalities, Holistic Health and Lifestyles, Mind/Body Medicine, Overview of Energy Techniques, Holistic Nutrition, and Creating an Integrative Healthcare Practice.
Iridology Studies
In this program, you will learn Comprehensive Iridology, the official style of the International Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA). Comprehensive Iridology draws on the most up-to-date research in both the American and European models of practice. Students will have the opportunity to use several different iridology tools and acquire hands-on practice during the process of completing their courses. Students who have earned a certificate through Clayton College of Natural Health may take the IIPA certification examination immediately upon completion of the program.
Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition
Through this program, you will gain a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet. This unique program focuses on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living. Students will take courses such as Fundamentals of Nutrition, Cancer: Prevention and Politics, Nutrition and Disease Prevention, Nutritional Therapies, Holistic Human Development, Antioxidants, Enzymatic Nutritional Therapies, Weight Management, and Nutrition for Women.
Master of Science in Natural Health
Through this program, you will gain a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet. This unique program focuses on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living. Students will take courses such as Fundamentals of Nutrition, Herbology, Homeopathy, Cancer: Prevention and Politics, Holistic Human Development, Holistic Nutrition, and Wellness and Belief.
Master of Arts in Holistic Wellness
Through this program, you will gain a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet. This unique program focuses on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living. Students will take courses such as Psychospiritual Health, Dietary Influences on Disease, Nutrition and Disease Prevention, Wellness and Belief, Overview of Energy Techniques, Holistic Health and Lifestyles, and Holistic Human Development.