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.
A degree in Alternative Medicine & Systems involves the study of Alternative And Complementary Medicine And Medical Systems. Read on to learn the key facts every alternative medicine & systems student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering alternative medicine & systems programs.
In the U.S., alternative medicine & systems is a popular field of study, with 3,019 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Alternative Medicine & Systems Schools ranking analyzes these 84 schools to determine the best overall colleges for alternative medicine & systems students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of alternative medicine & systems programs later in this article.
Coursework for Alternative Medicine & Systems emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations alternative medicine & systems graduates commonly enter.
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.
Skills emphasized by a alternative medicine & systems program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a alternative medicine & systems major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several alternative medicine & systems degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 213 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 96 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 298 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,611 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 801 |
People currently working in careers related to alternative medicine & systems tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 39.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 36.5% |
| Master’s degree | 8.9% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 4.4% |
| First professional degree | 3.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 1.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 1.6% |
| Some college courses | 0.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in alternative medicine & systems careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Majoring in alternative medicine & systems prepares you for a variety of career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to alternative medicine & systems.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to alternative medicine & systems.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturists | 3,505,781 | 5.2% |
| Midwives | 3,466,294 | 7.7% |
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | 3,105,142 | 1.0% |
| Orthoptists | 2,932,094 | 4.8% |
| Naturopathic Physicians | 2,656,215 | 6.6% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | 2,119,723 | 14.6% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of alternative medicine & systems graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $31,185 |
| 4 years | $30,904 |
| 5 years | $35,897 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for alternative medicine & systems graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers alternative medicine & systems grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | $138,809 |
| Naturopathic Physicians | $138,086 |
| Orthoptists | $135,811 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | $117,846 |
| Midwives | $109,643 |
| Acupuncturists | $102,425 |
With 84 different alternative medicine & systems programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased alternative medicine & systems school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in alternative medicine & systems, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
