Top Schools for Alternative Medicine
Students in alternative medicine programs learn how to integrate the biological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health and promote the body's capacity to heal itself. Some alternative medicine practices include acupuncture, herbal supplementation and meditation.
School Overviews
Notable programs in this field can be found a the four private universities featured here. These schools cover multiple specialized practices in the field of alternative medicine and all of them offer graduate-level programs in the field.
Bastyr University
Students at Bastyr University, in Kenmore, Washington, can utilize the Bastyr University Research Institute. This facility helps students develop and increase their proficiency in the scientific study of natural medicine. Bastyr University is accredited by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges and offers a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program. The ND program includes clinical training at the university's Bastyr Center for Natural Health, the largest integrative healthcare facility in the region. The school also offers a post-doctoral residency program and a 5-year dual-degree track, which combines the ND with a master's degree in acupuncture or a master's degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Bastyr has received multiple research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Georgetown University
Another notable alternative medicine schools is Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Georgetown offers a graduate-level Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program for prospective students. Georgetown ranked in the top 20 on U.S. News & World Report's list of best colleges for 2017. The Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) program at Georgetown's School of Medicine focuses on the scientific evaluation of alternative healing modalities. A Master of Science (M.S.) in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, as well as a 5-year Medical Doctor (M.D.)/M.S. joint degree are two programs offered at the university. The master's program is designed to be completed in two semesters and a summer segment and includes an 8-week internship.
National University of Health Sciences
Another school to consider is dedicated exclusively to the study of natural and integrative medicine. The National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) in Lombard, Illinois, offers interdisciplinary courses in massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care, among other fields. The school is a member of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges and has received research funding from the NIH. NUHS offers a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program, as well as master's programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. The ND program includes a 1-year internship at the school's health clinic or at one of two Chicago non-profit clinics that partner with the university.
Everglades University
Everglades University in Boca Raton, Florida, offers alternative medicine programs that are available on campus and online. At everglades University, students can earn a Master's Degree in Public Health Administration with a concentration in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). An undergraduate program resulting in a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine degree is also available. In addition to education requirements, students in the B.S. program can take courses in a variety of relevant topics, such as ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, herbology, detoxification, and acupuncture. In the master's program, students explore CAM approaches to public health topics like nutrition and the urban environment.
Top Schools in Alternative Medicine
Students who are interested in alternative medicine can also find relevant programs at the following top ranked colleges and universities.
| School Name | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson State College | Hosts a lecture series in alternative medicine and wellness | Johnson, VT |
| Metropolitan State College of Denver | Offers a bachelor's degree program in complementary and alternative medicine that includes an internship | Denver, CO |
| National College of Natural Medicine | Offers a master's degree in integrative medicine research with a focus on alternative medicine | Portland, OR |
| Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences | Has a collaborative partnership with the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture allows students to earn an ND and a master's degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine | Tempe, AZ |
| University of Bridgeport | Co-developed the Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine to study the self-healing tendencies of organisms | Bridgeport, CT |
| University of Minnesota | Houses the Center for Spirituality and Healing | Minneapolis, MN |
As you can see, students can find a variety of alternative medicine programs through a number of colleges and universities around the country. The field of alternative medicine covers a broad range of topics and students can find programs at multiple degree levels that align with their academic and career goals.
