by our College Data Analytics TeamAlthough Western medicine has made dramatic advances and can treat and cure a variety of illnesses, some people prefer to use herbal remedies or more holistic treatments. A degree in Alternative Medicine and Systems will allow you to learn about many the natural and alternative treatments available.
Students with a degree in Alternative Medicine and Systems often work with organic ingredients to cure illnesses and work to find the cause of illnesses instead of treating just the symptoms. Students take classes in nutrition, medical ethics, herbalism, acupuncture, aromatherapy, yoga, and massage to learn how to treat patients without relying on manufactured drugs or dangerous chemicals.
Some areas of specialization in this field include general Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Herbology, Naturopathic Medicine, Homeopathic Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Holistic Health, and Direct Entry Midwifery.
Alternative Medicine & Systems was the 167th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 3,434 degrees in this year alone. Our 2025 Best Alternative Medicine & Systems Schools ranking analyzes 21 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for alternative medicine & systems students. Explore this or one of our many other custom alternative medicine rankings further below.
Students in the Alternative Medicine and Systems major are committed to working with natural ingredients and using a variety of treatments to help patients. Since professionals are devoted to finding the cause of the illness, strong observation and analytical thinking skills allows professionals to listen to patients and figure out what is causing pain or sickness. Strong interpersonal and communication skills also help professionals work closely with others and make them feel comfortable under their care.
A degree in Alternative Medicine and Systems often leads to a fulltime job in the field. Professionals work at alternative medical clinics or specialized medical offices where they can meet with patients and perform treatments.
Some students choose to pursue an associate's degree in this field, as a bachelor's degree is not always necessary depending on your career goals. You can also continue your education in medical or nursing school to improve skills and find better job opportunities.
alternative medicine & systems degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic alternative medicine & systems program qualifications, to serve in some alternative medicine careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different alternative medicine degree levels. Alternative Medicine & Systems programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest alternative medicine degree you can get. The time it takes to complete a alternative medicine degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to alternative medicine, with approximately 24.6% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to alternative medicine tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 26.4% |
| Doctoral Degree | 25.8% |
| Master’s Degree | 20.8% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 7.1% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 7.1% |
53.7% of alternative medicine workers have at least a master's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in alternative medicine & systems have received.
This of course varies depending on which alternative medicine career you choose.
Alternative Medicine and Systems graduates go on to find a variety of career options within this field. Graduates have become acupuncturists, homeopathic practitioners, massage therapists, midwifes, or specialists in various types of alternative medical systems that deal with treating patients using herbal remedies and traditional medicines. Graduates work in medical offices where they avoid the use of prescription drugs. With this occupation growing at an average rate, students should be able to find jobs after graduation.
Want a job when you graduate with your alternative medicine degree? Alternative Medicine & Systems careers are expected to grow 13.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to alternative medicine & systems.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners | 63,900 | 13.3% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers | 45,000 | 12.5% |
Recently graduated alternative medicine & systems students earned an average of $31,273 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $15,228 to as high as $49,459. As you might expect, salaries for alternative medicine graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for alternative medicine & systems graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers alternative medicine grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners | $85,600 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers | $63,340 |
With over 192 different alternative medicine degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased alternative medicine school rankings to help you with this.
One of 34 majors within the Health Professions area of study, Alternative Medicine & Systems has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine | 1,918 |
| Holistic/Integrative Health | 485 |
| General Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems | 360 |
| Naturopathic Medicine/Naturopathy | 269 |
| Ayurvedic Medicine/Ayurveda | 181 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 319,502 |
| Health & Medical Administrative Services | 88,600 |
| Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants | 85,339 |
| Allied Health Professions | 83,905 |
| Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 83,587 |
Image Credit: By Aphiwat chuangchoem under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
