There are number of schools for holistic health training located across the world. In this article we will highlight a few in the United States.
Holistic heath is based on the belief that you have to balance all aspects of your being to be healthy. When one aspect is ill, all others are unwell. It takes into account the internal and external environments around a person. And is one of the fastest growing specializations in the health sector.
Holistic health schools in the US
Earning yourself a bachelor’s degree is a great way to kick start your career in holistic health. You can then advance your studies with a master’s degree or a postgraduate diploma.
Different schools for holistic health have various names for this discipline.
Examples are:
- Complementary medicine
- Holistic medicine
- Alternative medicine
- Naturopathic medicine.
Top Schools for Holistic Health Training.
Bastyr University, Kenmore, Washington – This is ideal for primary care practitioners in holistic health as it is America’s largest institution for training holistic health. You can study a degree in oriental medicine, eastern wellness and acupuncture among others.
National College of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon – Having started teaching holistic health in the 1950s, NCNM is the oldest such institution in the US and possibly in the western world. Natural healing and holistic wellness practices dominate the coursework.
Everglades University, Boca Raton, Florida – With the partnership of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), Everglades attracts students from all over the world.
Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – While learning is important, practicing holistic health while studying is essential. For this reason, Drexel oversees its holistic health students as they implement class lessons in a real life environment at the interdisciplinary clinical simulation and practice centre.
Georgetown University, Washington DC- In 2005, Georgetown was ranked among the top 50 research schools in the United States. Oriental healing and holistic health are dominant specialties here.
Maryland University of Integrated Health – Located in Laurel, Maryland, this school is a respected source of knowledge in various fields of alternative medicine. For example, it was the first institution in the United Sates to offer a Master of Science degree in Yoga therapy.
Western Michigan University – Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Western Michigan University boasts of a sustainable facility that is accredited and certified by LEED. Students pursue human and health service programs in holistic health and related disciplines.
St. Catherine University – Located in Saul Paul, Minnesota, St. Catherine University is well known for holistic medicine training. In fact, it was among the earliest schools to establish a Master of Arts in holistic health.
National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, Illinois – NUHS publishes three research journals in the field of chiropractic medicine. You will benefit greatly from the depth of the study there.
University of Bridgeport – Located at Bridgeport in Connecticut, this school teaches various degree specializations and operates a fully-functional naturopathic dispensary.
Average cost of study
Different schools have different tuition fees for their holistic health bachelor’s degrees. This is expected because of the varying durations of study, expertise of individual institutions and the level of prestige that the universities have gained in the past.
In most of the above universities, a tuition fee is computed on a basis of four years that students need to complete their Doctor of Holistic Health programs. The following is therefore a range of costs that you can expect to pay at various levels.
Undergraduate program in holistic health - $240 per credit per hour, $10,000 per year and $43,000 for the whole program
Graduate program in holistic health - $270 per credit per hour, $10,000 per year and $20,000 for the whole program
Chiropractic program in holistic health - $353 per credit per hour, $26,000 per year and $105,000 for the whole program
Overview of specialties
As earlier mentioned, various universities have different programs of holistic health. There are no specific modules that apply across board. In fact, the names of specialties vary from one school to another. However, all universities teach similar specialties.
The following are common specialties for you to choose from.
Energy healing systems of the human body
Body chemistry and nutrition
Human physiology and anatomy
Spirituality in healing
Relaxation techniques for stress management
Homeopathic preparations, essential oils, herbs and natural remedies
Once you have completed your studies in holistic health and graduated, the next step is obtaining licensing and certification. There are as many licensing and certification options as there are schools of alternative medicine.
These usually depend on your specialization and the jurisdiction of practice in which you aspire to practice. The Association of Drugless Practitioners in the US is one such board that boasts of inclusive and broad certification.
Why study holistic health?
Your services as a holistic health expert or professional are already in high demand. In fact, it is fair to say that there are not enough practitioners to meet the demand in the world today. As we embrace modernization, pollution becomes a menace especially in cities, towns and urban centers. This increases the need for complete all-round healing and wellness.
The fact that western medicine has limitations cannot be overemphasized. For this reason, the demand for alternative medicine has increased dramatically. The 2016-2017 Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a growth rate above average until 2024.
Specializations such as physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy and nutrition are fast increasing as far as demand is concerned. The same is also true for spa and salon industries. Simply put, this is a great time for anyone to join the holistic health and wellness industry through learning.
Conclusion
An analysis of the holistic health industry is perhaps not complete without discussing average salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics records that chiropractors’ median annual salary at $66,720. While dietitians take home an average of $57,000, massage therapists earn around $38,000.
Your experience, specialty and place of work are key determining factors to your salary range. In addition, you will have to work hard to build connections and learn while on the job to increase your chances of earning higher. If current projections are anything to go by, prospects for students of holistic health are great.