Billy Said:

My German fiance has a German degree in heilpraktiker/alternative medicine can she practice in the USA?

We Answered:

It depends on the state in which she wants to practice and those regulations vary widely. In my state, for example, naturopathy isn't regulated at all but in 2 bordering states it's actually illegal. In another state, though, credentialed naturopaths can do everything an M.D. can except prescribe medications and perform surgeries.

I would contact the Department of Health of whatever state you all are planning to live in and ask them. And check out that state's web site, too. Most states in the US are really good about publishing their regs online.

Best Wishes to your wife.

Mary Said:

Alternative Medicine?

We Answered:

You can specialize, Holistic medicine, Herbalist, natural research. the field is wide open and all are badly needed.

Cassandra Said:

Alternative medicine?!?

We Answered:

work for a chiro

Leah Said:

If I were to get a B.S degree in alternative medicine what kind of opportunities are there?

We Answered:

Real, accredited schools don't offer that degree. If you want a medical degree, you'd have to get a bachelors degree (any major and the premed classes) and then go to med school. Alternative medicine is not taught in medical schools for the simple reason that it does not work. If it worked, it would be considered real medicine. With a alternative medicine degree, you wouldn't have one from a respected school (because they don't offer that) and you couldn't get a job in health care (because you didn't learn any). You could open up a store selling herbs, but you could have done that anyway. If you try to give actual medical advice, you could be prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license.

The bottom line is, if you want to help people, get a real medical degree (or a nursing degree). Alternative medicine is a huge scam that robs people of their health, money, and sometimes their lives.

Laura Said:

what can you do with a degree in alternative medicine?

We Answered:

Unless you are a licensed practitioner, such as an acupuncturist, natureopath, or massage therapies, you will only find yourself working in a health food store for minimum wage. Don't get fooled in to one of those mail order schemes!

Felicia Said:

what college gets you a degree for alternative medicine?

We Answered:

It depends on specifically what you want to do...

There are lots of colleges that offer courses/diplomas in "wholistic" health. Most community colleges can offer something of that sort.

Other fields to consider would include: massage therapy; chiropractic; asian medicine/TCM. Those fields are all regulated individually, so check online for the associations nearest you to find out what schooling is required, etc.

Specifically with respect to Naturopathic Medicine (to be a Naturopathic Doctor in North America) - first you have to have an undergraduate degree from any accredited University, including course weights in all of the basic sciences. (Can be in addition to your undergrad if you werent studying sciences for your degree.)

This is the website of the association that grants accreditation to ND schools in North America. It lists all of the "qualified" schools here: www.aanmc.org

From that web page, you can link to each of the individual schools to read more about their specific admission requirements, as well as what the training involves.

If you have more questions about ND schools, feel free to email me. Or you can check out some of the Naturopathic groups on Facebook. :)

Good luck!
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Just a note - Clayton College offers online courses/online degree and is actually NOT recognized by the AANMC. As such, degrees granted by that institution are not recognized in North America by the government nor by the official associations.

Dale Said:

Anyone working on an alternative medicine degree?

We Answered:

No, been working as a Chiropractor for 14 years now.
Cleveland Chiropractic College, Los Angeles.
What country are you in? Not many hospitals have alternative therapy people in house, unless you live in a country that is a bit more progressive.