Essential Information
Accredited distance learning degree programs in naturopathic medicine are rare. One of the few approved schools in the nation to provide online holistic health and naturopathic medicine degrees is the American College of Healthcare Sciences. Its programs are available wholly online.
Majors with naturopathic medicine courses include complementary alternative medicine, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and dynamic physiotherapy consulting. Students can pursue programs at the certificate, associate's, and master's levels, and the prerequisites vary by program.
American College of Healthcare Sciences
This distance learning institution was founded in the late 1970s and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council. Depending on the class, distance learning students are sent lab necessities, such as botanical roots and oil blends, as well as books and study guides. They also have access to the school's online library and participate in virtual class discussions and lectures.
Associate's Degree
Within the school's Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine program, students are required to take 15 general education credits of anatomy, physiology and English composition. Concentrations are available in herbal medicine or aromatherapy.
Course Topics
- Herbal studies
- Medical terminology
- Holistic nutrition
- Pathophysiology
Master's Degree
The school offers a non-clinical Master of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine program. Students take online science courses, including anatomy, physiology, general chemistry, biochemistry and organic chemistry.
Course Topics
- Plant identification
- Safe handling and application
- Aromatherapy
- Homeopathy
Certificates
The school offers undergraduate and graduate certificate programs, which require the completion of 4-5 classes, depending on the program. Holistic medical practitioners, nurses or related health care professionals may benefit from these programs.
Aromatherapy
In this graduate-level medicinal aromatherapy program students learn to combine and extract the healing components of essential oils and herbs; they also study the possible side effects of such therapies on the body.
Herbal Medicine
Students in this graduate program learn to identify medicinal plants and study how these plants can positively assist with bodily issues and health concerns. Participants also study how to handle and apply these naturopathic medicines in a safe manner.
Dynamic Phytotherapy Consulting
Individuals interested in this undergraduate certificate program must have a botanical science background.
Course Topics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Holistic health consulting
- Herbalism
- Naturopathic medicine selection for humans
- Naturopathic medicine selection for animals
It is rare to find online naturopathic medicine degree programs, but some are offered at the associate's degree, master's degree and certificate levels. The American College of Healthcare Sciences is one of the U.S. schools offering online programs that focus on topics such as herbalism, complementary alternative medicine and aromatherapy.
