Complementary Medicine Training

Popularity for alternative and complementary medicine increases yearly because more individuals want to try non-invasive ways to treat their illnesses. More doctors and students are learning how to integrate non-conventional forms of medicine with conventional forms of medical practices. This rising trend is positively affecting the number of colleges adding this type of degree distinction or coursework to their curriculum.

Complementary medicine is highly geared towards traditional medical students. Meaning that the coursework involved in learning non-conventional forms of medicine are mixed in with medical degree programs. This fact stems from society's use of alternative medicine prior to going to a traditional doctor. Alternative medicine in these types of programs is used in conjunction with traditional medicine, which means students who are becoming traditional doctors are getting additional training to be able to treat patients looking for an integrative health plan. Prospective students who want an alternative health degree will have many different options available to them but not one in a combined setting like complementary medicine.

Typically complementary medicine certificate programs may take one to two years to complete. Programs of this nature enhance a practitioner's ability to treat patients. Coursework involved in complementary training includes massage therapy, nutrition, herbal remedies, vitamins, and more. Nurses, psychologists, and physicians most commonly gain certificate programs of this nature.

A college that has a curriculum involving integrative medicine may contain 16 hours of coursework dedicated to providing students with complementary and alternative medicine training. Some also require students to take a month long course that gives them adequate exposure to this type of medical practice.

    Medical schools that place these required hours within regular class time will have first and second year medical students learning the basics of complementary health care.
    Students will learn through the study of cases how to utilize complementary medicine to treat health issues such as chronic pain.
    Courses will have students learning the different forms of integrative medicine and working through a hypothetical case to heal a patient.
    Third year students learn through a variety of lectures about the many different aspects that come with complementary medicine.
    Fourth year students will take a month long course that gives comprehensive experience in complementary therapies.

The program above is designed for a student who knows they want to do complementary medicine before starting school. The one to two year certificate program offered at a number of colleges are for the already working professionals. Many of the working professionals find it necessary to earn this type of certificate because of the demand from many patients who want an integrative health plan. Many certificate programs like this require prospective students to already have gained a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in natural healing.

Complementary medicine isn't going to fade away but is going to rise as shown by the number of complementary medicine colleges offering this type of training for dedicated students. Start your career in this highly sought after form of medical care and search out accredited colleges that are approved by agencies like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges ( http://www.accsc.org/ ) and provide the curriculum that matches your personal goals