Find Alternative Medicine Programs in the United States and Canada. With the phenomenal expansion of complementary and holistic therapies, there are growing numbers of healing arts schools that now offer alternative medicine programs to both practitioners and prospective students searching for unique career-training opportunities.

Of the numerous alternative medicine programs - massage therapy, holistic health, energy healing, and nutritional consulting are some of the more popular academic programs available today. However, more comprehensive alternative medicine programs in chiropractic, naturopathy and Oriental medicine are gaining leeway in the educational industry as well.

For example, alternative medicine programs in herbology entail studies in both Eastern and Western medicine principles with an emphasis on botany, medicinal plants, herbal pharmacy, and more. Depending on the healing arts school in which you enroll, more advanced training in Chinese herbal medicine may be available. As well, there are several alternative medicine programs at acupuncture schools and naturopathy schools with curricula that include in-depth studies in herbal medicine.

Other alternative medicine programs, like massage therapy and other bodywork training can be completed in less than a year's time. In many cases, these natural healing courses are comprised of 500 training hours; however, some may well exceed 1,000 hours. Students enrolled in bodywork programs gain hands-on instruction in various massage modalities; including Swedish massage, sports massage and deep tissue massage.

Alternative medicine programs in holistic health prepare candidates for careers as holistic health practitioners. In this field of study, students gain practical training in mind/body/spirit medicines including Ayurveda, energy healing therapies, intuitive healing, aromatherapy, herbology, hypnotherapy and/or NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), and massage techniques, among others.

Homeopathy is another subject that is avidly taught in alternative medicine programs in both naturopathic schools and homeopathic schools. Believing in the theory that "like treats like," homeopathy is a medicine that is based on the law of similars, and students who participate in this program learn about homeopathic pharmacy, Hering's Law, materia medica, and other related subject matter.

Whether individuals choose to enhance already-established healthcare services, or are primarily interested in gaining entry-level positions in the alternative healthcare industry, completing one or more alternative medicine programs can help to improve prospective career outlook as well as giving successful candidates the skills and knowledge necessary to help in healing.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding alternative medicine programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.