Find Your Perfect Program:
Medical Students Have Many Alternative Options
By Catherine Groux
Posted July 25, 2011 11:02 AM
Although technology has become a significant part of the healthcare industry, many professionals look to traditional medicine to find the best solutions for their patients. According to the Nemours Foundation, ancient treatment options, such as massage therapy, acupuncture and herbal medicine, all fall under the broad category of alternative medicine.
The foundation states that while alternative practices have been used in Eastern countries for centuries, it was not until recently that Western patients began requesting these services. Past surveys have shown that Americans spend billions of out-of-pocket dollars each year on complementary and alternative medicine, and these numbers show no signs of dropping. Due to this increasing demand, many colleges, universities and medical schools are giving students the option of taking a few alternative medicine classes or adopting it as their major.
Officials
Medical students have the option of studying alternative medicine, which includes acupuncture and massage therapy. from the South Bay School of Nursing in California recently announced that they will follow the trend of alternative medicine by offering new certificate programs in acupressure and massage therapy, according to a press release. These individuals can use their credentials while working in hospitals, adult health centers, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
Additionally, the Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine recently became the first Chinese medical school in the country to offer a dual master's degree program from the U.S. and China, the institution's website states. After completing this course of study, participants will be awarded a master of acupuncture and oriental medicine degree from the Texas school, as well as a Tui Na credential from the Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in China. Using these two qualifications, officials from the school said students will be able to practice in the U.S. and abroad.
Individuals who wish to study this area of medicine can also attend Georgetown University, which has offered a master's degree program in complementary and alternative medicine since 2003, its website states. Students who enroll in this course of study focus on topics such as massage, acupuncture, herbs and supplements as well as the interactions of the mind and body.
Individuals who attend Georgetown also have the option of enrolling in a five-year medical doctor/master of science degree program. During this dual course of study, participants earn a master's degree in complementary and alternative medicine followed by four years of medical school.
